WEAVER'S WORLD / UNNATI / KANCHIPURAM

WEAVER'S WORLD / UNNATI / KANCHIPURAM

Unnati Silks with its three decade association with master weavers across India is able to anticipate market tastes and also suggest fusion fashion. The traditional weaves of the Kanchipuram Silks are therefore able to incorporate fine features from other traditional varieties pan India. There is the inclusion of Warli painting for the borders and pallu in pen painting tribal art in the Kanchi silk saree. Applique hand painted floral bootis in Kalamkari adorn the traditonal Kanchipuram silk saree on line with hand embroidery in aari, kundan, dabala and zardozi giving the elegant touch. Block printed pattu silks with zari adorned pallus in modern designs and contemporary art give a new dimension to finery and fashion for the traditional Kanchipuram silk sarees

The latest Kanchi Pattu Silk Saris have crystals, kundans and beads. They make exclusive gifts on festive occasions, are preferred as grand bridal attire or are used as wear for special occasions like weddings, visit to temples during traditional festivals, cultural programs, big parties and birthdays. Having its own rightful place the not so grand Kanchipuram Cotton Handloom Saree, which is soft, airy and with check patterns, attractive colour combinations, appealing motifs, elegant borders and pallus and, is comfortable, appealing and preferred during summers.

The South Handloom Kanchi Cotton Saree with its embroidered bootis and having silk or zari brocades as borders, is suitable wear for daily casual, corporate office, college and functions.

Whereas the fancy version having block prints with resham border is a fusion of trendy and ethnic, would be ideal as occasional wear for home makers and working women alike. A popular variation in the Kanchipuram Silk Sari is the dipping of zari threads in rice water and drying it to get thickness, before weaving. This would be the heavier weighing stiff but also popular variety of the Saree.

The line of Kanchi cotton salwar suits at Unnati Silks has special appeal. You have the lustrous fine count handloom Kanchi cotton kameez decorated with flowery motifs, evenly distributed in the centre portion. Elements in the design include dotted lines alternating with prominent motifs and eye-catching zari and other color borders. The salwar is a shiny plain affair, the dupatta with dual colors matching the other two. You also have total designer fare, where the kameez has designs on it, the salwar and dupatta having kalamkari all over. Then you have total block printed salwar and kameez and dupatta, where each of them have different designs. There are other pleasing combinations in vibrant color mixes. Large bootis, parallel stripes design in multi-color, zari linings or wide borders, color play and many other innovative ideas that strike the minds of the traditional artisans.