The Revamp Of Indian Heritage Fabrics In Bridal Fashion

Our nation has a rich and diverse legacy of heritage textiles, indigenous crafts, and marvellous craftsmanship. Passed down by artisans from one generation to another, these textiles are not merely pieces of fabrics - they are woven tales of our traditions, vibrant cultures, and artistic legacies. In the recent times, these heritage textiles may not have received the exposure and the importance they deserve. But thanks to these contemporary Indian designers, these textiles of a bygone era are made relevant to modern-day fashion. Here’s a carefully curated list of textiles, designers who use these textiles, and trend ideas that will help you incorporate these heirloom textiles and give your wedding trousseau a vintage-yet-chic twist.

The Kanjeevaram Kick

Kanjeevaram Saree by Sabyasachi

Diya Mirza in a Kanjeevaram skirt

Sonam Kapoor in a Kanjeevaram lehenga

Kareena Kapoor in a revamped Kanjeevaram suit

Originating from Tamil Nadu, this thick silk is often woven with golden threads and elaborate zari work with motifs like peacocks, parrots, temple motifs, and buttas. Often in bold bright colours, this fabric is extremely regal looking and perfect for the traditional Indian bride. Sabyasachi Mukherjee featured kanjeevaram fabric in his ‘Vasanthalakshmi Collection’ woven by the master weavers of Kanchipuram as a part of his ‘Revival Series’.

Opt for a fun spin to a traditional kanjeevaram saree with a kanjeevaram skirt or boxy culottes. Pair it with a crop top or a white shirt for a effortlessly stylish sangeet look. Play with a plain kurta and pyjamas of a solid colour and wear it with a heavy kanjeevaram dupatta.

Banarasi With a Twist 

Deepika Padukone in a Raw Mango Banarasi saree

Kareena Kapoor in Raw Mango

Raveena Tandon in a designer Banarasi suit

One of the most sophisticated and stunning fabrics—banarasi is Varanasi’s pride! Its speciality is its ornate gold and silver brocade or zari work of the finest craftsmanship. Popular designs include diagonal stripes and floral motifs. Raw Mango by Sanjay Garg released a banarasi weave collection titled ‘Three Shuttles’. Rich hues and motifs inspired by scriptures engraved on stone walls formed the basis of the line.

Go all out with a heavy banarasi weave ghagra choli and add a contemporary touch with a belt belt over the waist. Or opt for a banarasi silk sari and pair it with a cape.

Stirring Things Up With Silk

Saree available at jaypore.com

Saree available at jaypore.com

Sonakshi Sinha in a a chikankari suit

Kajol in a jamdani saree by Sabyasachi

Brands like Ekaya aim to put forth purely handcrafted fabrics and garments by local artisans. They offer array of options including the tanchoi, jamdani, khaddi, kadwa, kadiyal, meenakari, embossed, shikarga, zardozi among others.

India also has a rich variety of surface ornamentation like phulkari, kalamkari, and chikankari that may not have traditionally used for occasions like weddings but are now being revamped by designers for occasion wear. Finding the perfect vintage fabric for a timeless wedding look has never been made easier!

Assited by Gariyashi Bhuyan