BEAUTIFUL DRAPE : October Edition

This month's pick for The Beautiful Drape is a gorgeous and unusual Kanakavalli kanjivaram that celebrates the interplay of silk, zari and threadwork, while highlighting the intricacy and extraordinary detail of the queen of silks.

The body of this sari is woven with zari and sumptuous silk in delicate pastel hues, forming a shimmering tissue base. The elaborate embellishments upon the body, as well as on the borders and pallu, are woven in fine silken yarn in pearl grey, lending a soft lustre to the drape. The warp of the body and pallu has two threads, one of silver zari and one of thread, while the entire weft is formed of the pearl grey silken yarn. The body features a delicate jaali design, beautifully adapted to the dramatic layout of the kanjivaram. Traditional annams are woven in exquisite detail on the borders amid muthu seeru enclosing rows of rudraksha motifs, all in silvery grey thread. The pallu also features annam motifs, a band of vanki or chevron patterns, and stylised leaf and floral designs.

The striking beauty of this kanjivaram lies in the tonal embellishments that, though woven in yarn, reflect the radiance of silver zari. The soft colours of the body and pallu are beautifully woven through with fine zari, containing a content of 38% silver, to create a luxurious visual effect. Available in three pastel colour ways, this kanjivaram is perfect for a bride's trousseau or for festive and occasion wear.