Kanakavalli's September pick for The Beautiful Drape is a gorgeous sari from the Yarnplay collective of kanjivarams embellished with silken thread. Its beauty lies in the unusual interplay of colour that emphasises the sari's inherent geometry. The body of the kanjivaram features veldhari benaras kattam (twill checks woven in extra warp and extra weft), enclosing jacquard annam, manga (paisleys) and rudraksha motifs. The checks are filled in completely where the body of the sari is visible when draped, while the motifs taper out in the areas where it will be tucked in or pleated.The rettu petu borders - named for the way two bands of designs flank a central portion - feature mun adakku moggu (three-layered flower buds), benaras twill bands, vanki patterns inspired by the traditional armlet and bangle-shaped valayal kodi on either side. In between is a band of contrast colour, known as naddu kaali, which literally means that the middle section is devoid of ornamentation.The pallu of the kanjivaram mirrors the embellishment of the borders, with the addition of kattu rudraksha (separated by vertical lines). It also features naal adakku reku (four bands) as well as a central band of getti benaras designs, within which the individual lines are packed more tightly than usual.

This kanjivaram, versatile and elegant, is available in an array of colours for varied moods and occasions.