BEAUTIFUL DRAPE : October Edition

Kanakavalli's October pick for The Beautiful Drape is an exquisite kanjivaram from our design-led Vault collective of classic format heirloom weaves.

The featured kanjivaram is woven on an adai loom in a laborious technique - executed entirely by hand without the use of a jacquard. The sari is embellished with traditional motifs and patterns, interpreted in colours that are contemporary, ranging from black and gold to pastel orange, sea green, and pale blue grey.

Intricate deer motifs in gold zari dot the body of the kanjivaram, while the borders feature classic vanki patterns highlighted with contrast seeru lines, thuthiripoo motifs, muthu seeru and bhugodi triangles. The pallu is woven with a row of horse motifs and a row of peacock motifs with pavun coin motifs in between, alongside a twill band in gold zari and a row of paisleys.

As a result of the adai technique, the motifs and designs are exquisitely detailed, taking on a striking relief against the sumptuous silk. The kanjivaram immortalises ancient motifs, reviving and reimagining them for a modern context by weaving together the classic and the modern.

This kanjivaram, featuring zari with a composition of 35% silver and 0.4% gold, is available in several gorgeous colourways.