We love our weaves and Chanderi is our favourite! So, when Ritu Kumar revealed her latest collection of ethnic Indian wear inspired by the rich and beautiful Chanderi saris we knew we just had to cover it! The Chanderi Collection by Ritu Kumar is an ode to the textile heritage of Chanderi, a picturesque village in Madhya Pradesh from where these saris originate.
The Chanderi fabric is airy, light weight and has a sheer texture which makes it a perfect wear for the hot and sultry weather in summer. Ritu Kumar has used her expertise and skills to make these saris more glamorous and stylish by using dull antique gold Ashrafi motifs embroidered with the traditional Aari technique of Bengal. This embroidery is also used to create ‘dants’ on the edges of the saris, giving them an interesting finishing and a drama of its own.
The color palette for Ritu’s summer collection draws inspiration from the varied shades of mangoes in all forms and states. This includes shades of lime greens, coral, tangy yellow, burnt orange and mango yellow. The Chanderi Saris made on the looms of the ancient town of Chanderi and Maheshwari in Madhya Pradesh have been designed and then yarn dyed in these colors and the crossing of the weft and warps creates woven jewel tones giving it a regal look.
The Chanderi saris are known to be a favorite amongst the royalties of India and is also supposed to have its origin in Indian mythology. The saris have a characteristic glossy transparency which makes them look very simple and beautiful. The rich zari buttis and motifs lends a very sophisticated look to the whole ensemble. The entire collection mirrors the hereditary skills of the weavers as they weave the ancient designs in originally conceived aesthetics. The traditional and beautiful motifs and the originality of the weaving technique make Chanderi saris one of more famous textiles in India.
With new age technology and techniques and alternate more lucrative employment options, the handloom industry is dying a slow death. Ritu Kumar, with her Chanderi Sari collection has tried successfully to revive this art form and bring back the rich heritage of Chanderi and recreates the patronage of the erstwhile royal families of Maheshwar and Gwalior.
