Kanakavalli's May pick for The Beautiful Drape is a gorgeous kanjivaram featuring classic motifs and patterns woven entirely in silk, with no zari embellishments. The intricate ornamentation and the interplay of coloured yarn emphasise the sari's inherent geometry.
The body is woven with silk checks, featuring delicate benaras or twill patterns created using an extra warp and extra weft technique. Nestled within the checks are manga (paisley), mayil (peacock) and rudraksham motifs in silk. The borders are embellished with rows of benaras (twill) and vanki patterns inspired by the traditional South Indian armlet, as well as nithyamalli kodi, a fragrant floral creeper, and adukku moggu like layered flower buds. At the centre of the borders is a band of silk in a contrasting hue.
The geometric pallu is embellished with a broad benaras band as well as seeprekku bands inspired by the jagged edges of a comb. Between these are delicate elements that add detail to the drape: bambaram moggu (motifs inspired by the spinning top), twill patterns, rettu neli (entwined wavy lines resembling the traditional bridal toe ring) and spade-shaped thilagam moggu.
The sari is classic in its layout and detailing, yet its use of colour lends it a modern touch. Available in multiple colour ways, this kanjivaram is perfect for an all-season wardrobe.