Festive Saree - Drape Over India’s Pride

Saree is one of the most sensuous as well as comfortable attire of Indian women. India being a country of diverse geography, culture and religion has varied adaptations of this nine yard wonder.

Every state and region has its own style of saree which is not only popular in India but also across the globe as people are becoming increasingly interested in India’s this ethnic wear due to its style and comfort. Saree is indispensable part of any Indian woman’s wardrobe. 

It suits every body shape and age. Saree is the most preferred garment worn by Indian women on religious as well as festive occasions. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at variety of festive sarees of India.

Banarasi Saree
Banarasi saree is the first love of any Indian woman. The holy city of Banaras which is now known as Varanasi is the home of these gorgeous sarees. The city produces the finest quality of Banarasi sarees with intricate embroideries, weave, zari and brocade work. These traditional and age-old sarees can be worn on both religious as well as festive occasions.

Banarasi saree has the signature fringe like pattern along the inner and outer border called Jhhalar and elaborate engravings of figures, floral patterns, animals and other architectural ornamentation. Such patterns display craftsmanship of Mughal era and has let the tradition keep alive. Banarasi saree is the perfect blend of premium silk and rich embroidery. This piece of art is a must-have for every saree enthusiast.

Silk Saree
The silk fabric is considered as the best for sarees. There is huge variety of silk sarees ranging from region to region. Silk saree looks glamorous and rich as silk fabric has inbuilt luster in it. Commonly known as Resham, silk thread is extracted from the silk worms and is woven to make the fabric.

Silk saree is known for its texture, color variety, print and designs. Famous silk sarees include Bhagalpur silk, Mysore silk, Kanchipuram silk saree, raw silk, pure silk etc.

Kanchipuram Saree
This saree needs no introduction. This silk saree grace every Indian woman’s closet irrespective of the region. The saree is named after the small town Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu which is its place of origin.

The main characteristic of this saree is its gold dipped silver thread woven over best quality of silk. It’s traditional and classic and never goes out of vogue. It is highly expensive due to its durability, premium quality of thick silk base and of-course its beautiful adornments. It’s a popular wear for weddings in South India.

Jamavar and Organza saree
Both these sarees are originated in Uttar Pradesh. Jamavar has a typical zari thread work and jacquard weave. Generally, the weave is done in bright colors like green, orange and red. Jamavar looks extremely stylish if draped properly.

Another popular festive sari of this region is Organza saree. This is also called as Organdy. Organza sarees are made of light weight and transparent cotton and is adorned with chicken and Lukhnavi embroideries.

Chanderi Saree
Chanderi saree is the blend of silk and cotton fabric. Originated in Madhya Pradesh, it’s very ideal as its light weight, translucence, airy and easy to carry. The weave and designs on chanderi saree is subtle and minimalistic and is usually made in pastel colours.

Chanderi saree has a signature striped border and small butties all over the saree. Perfect for summers, chanderi sarees has two variants like cotton chanderi and silk chanderi and both are equally popular. With its graceful texture, chanderi saree makes a good option for festivities.

Tant Saree
Another famous festive saree includes Tant saree which was originated in West Bengal. Tant means, ’Made on the Loom’ and is hand-woven. These are not only beautiful but also a source of income for many underprivileged people living in districts of West Bengal.

The best part about having a Tant saree is that it serves both the purposes and can be worn on casual as well as formal occasions. Available in large colour palate, this light, fluffy, transparent and crisp muslin saree with silk thread border is preferred by women not only in West Bengal but pan India. If you love cotton sarees, this one is for you.

Sambalpuri Saree
Known as ‘Pride of Orissa’, Sambalpuri saree speaks volume about its grace and beauty. This is pure joy to wear as it is made of silk and cotton and is a handloom saree. This saree needs five weeks just to dye its fibres that too with natural colours.

Imagine how long it will take to be a finished product. It is the oldest form of textile decoration in the world. Also, known as ‘Ikat’, this saree has a traditional strip of an unstitched cloth from 5 to 9 meter in length. The purpose of this fabric is that it can be wrapped around the body in as many styles as you want. Ikat weave generally has geometric patterns of threadwork pallus and borders.

Chiffon Saree
Chiffon saree is the most elite saree among the lot. Chiffon fabric is a blend of synthetic fibre along with silk and cotton.

Chiffon sarees come in myriad designs, colours and embroideries and are apt for parties and other formal functions. Its flowy drape makes it the first choice of young girls.

Shaded Coral Chiffon Saree

Net Saree
Net sarees are a rage among young women. This is far beyond traditional saree and has a modern appeal to it. Net fabric comes in both soft and hard material and is dyed in different colours.

The embroidery on net saree looks amazing. It’s classy and glamorous and that is why net saree is loved by young girls and ladies.

Golden Net Saree

Georgette Saree
Georgette saree is affordable and beautiful at the same time. It’s evergreen in terms of season and occasion and can be worn on formal events.

The best part about having a georgette saree is that is easy to maintain and can be washed at home. It comes in variations like semi-georgette and pure georgette with different types of embroideries, borders and stylish pallus.

Neon Pink Georgette Saree

Bandhani Saree
From the heart of royal state of Rajasthan, Bandhani or Bandhej saree is one of the most loved festive saree. This saree is known for its tie and dye designing.

There is huge variety of colors and patterns in tie and dye are available and it is a pocket-friendly saree. Jaipur is the hub of Lehariya, Bandhani and Garchola sarees.

I’m sure you are well aware now about the different types of festive sarees of India. So, what are you waiting for? Get a fabulous saree of your choice and soak your soul in festivities!
Image Sources: www.shop.tamilnadu.com, www.craftsvilla.com, www.chanderisarees.in

The Bollywood Celebrity Replica Trend

Recall the days when you brought a magazine with you to your favourite tailor and asked them to duplicate the ensemble of what your favourite star wore in a specific film? Now, you just have to go online, look at a variety of replicas that are available to purchase on websites, then select what Bollywood stars wore in their newest film or at particular red carpet event, and then simply order it. From a saree to a particular salwar kameez, you will be able to find it.

E-commerce brands have understood that Bollywood style clothing sells in a very large way, not just in India, but globally as well. Rahul Garg, the co-founder and CEO of ArtisanGilt.com stated that the global customers purchase extremely high-value products and their quantities are over double then by local customers.

According to Garg, these consumers are happy purchasing very expensive replicas of specific garments and accessories that have been showcased by Bollywood stars. He also claimed that his garments are actually made by the same materials and are designed precisely like the original.

Garg also stated that within the case of global customers, Bollywood is the main and important sector to showcase fashion garment trends in India. And that most these consumers purchase these particle items for social parties, particularly weddings.

Do you buy replicas? have any thoughts to share with us on the topic?

Picture of the Day: Payal Singhal Show at Lakme Fashion Week

At the last Lakme Fahsion Week W/F 2013, designer Payal Singhal showcased the new collection of sarees and contemporary Indian fashion.

The silhouette in white and gold were enriched by earrings and bracelets of the same tone.

Indian Sarees and Anarkali Suits: Never out of Fashion!

Dear all,

We know that when you hear the word "Traditional" the first association of ideas leads to "Old", but indian designers know how to keep tradition in fashion!

Look at these styles for traditional indian clothes!

This is a piece of an Anita Dongre's Collection, an Anarkali Suit. You can mix it with all the contemporary accessories that you like to match it with your style!

This is an Indian Saree by Raakesh Agarvwal, a designer famous for his precious details that make each creation the perfect one.

To bring the tradition to present, most of the designers have retailers that sell their indian clothes online!
This helps also those men and women which are not in India to get the perfect outfits for all those special occasions where they have to wear traditional indian clothing.

Stay tuned for more news on Indian designers!