The core of any Indian art form is to evolve in exciting ways through an amalgamation of trends and traditions. As an eminent elegance transcends through generations in the form of a Kanjivaram weave, it also urges one to explore beyond its borders and indulge in its versatility.

As a fitting tribute and honour to the prestigious Kanjivaram weave and the ever-growing global appeal for its ability to stay in vogue, we conducted a saree styling workshop, “Six yards of grace, styled in different ways”. The workshop took place at our Chennai showroom and was aimed at showcasing the different ways a Traditional Saree can be styled and accessorized. The session was led by celebrity stylist and designer Mr. Sunil Karthik. The event was also graced by prominent Indian classical and contemporary dancer Ms. Anita Ratnam along with eminent celebrity stylist Mr. Sunil Menon. Mr. Sunil Karthik created 4 distinct looks and showcased the traditional weaves in a reimagined light.

For the first look, we chose a mustard Kanjivaram Silk Saree. The visual vibrance of the saree lies in its exquisite zari work and the old rose pink Korvai border. The saree was worn in a traditional nivi style drape with the pallu tied to the wrist which added a delicate oomph factor. The look was further elevated with a necklace enriched with red kemp stones and green beads. The side-swept hair adorned with rose flowers was a perfect companion and exuded vintage vibes.

For the second look, we teamed up a beautiful dual-toned pink-violet Kanjivaram Silk Saree with an ivory brocade blouse. The contrast created helped to draw attention to the intricate details of the saree. Since the model had a warmer skin tone, we chose gold jewellery - jhumkas, bangles and a heavy necklace to complement the deep neckline.

The stylist added a contemporary flair to the traditional colour palette of the saree in the third look, through the draping style and blouse design. The model wore a lustrous off-white Kanjivaram Silk Saree with small checkered pattern and a contrasting korvai chilly red border. The closed-neck blouse with full sleeves created a balancing effect and gave a sophisticated look. The saree pallu was kept open and cinched at the waist with a traditional Odiyanam (hip belt) which accentuated her figure in the right ways. The nose pin was a cherry on top and added a royal and majestic dimension to the overall look.

For the fourth and final look of the evening, we styled a traditional aqua green-violet Korvai Kanjivaram Saree with a less voluminous and subtle Puff-Sleeved Blouse. The pallu was kept open and tied at the wrist, which was stylish, and functional and also brought the spotlight on the grand pallu.

The styling workshop was truly enlightening to our customers and we are looking forward to hosting many such events in the future. Keep watching this space and follow the hashtag #SundariStyleStatement for updates on our upcoming workshop.