7 Affordable & Amazing Alternatives To Traditional Kanjeevarams!
BY Latha Sunadh | 13 Mar, 2017 | 4378 views | 4 min read
Kanjeevarams are iconic, yes. And every South-Indian wedding is teeming with them - right from the bride to the wedding guest and everyone in between. But in modern times like these, will a Kanjeevaram stand alone as the one big choice? Or are there more interesting types of saris that we need to know about? The answer to all is here. Yes, there are amazing fabrics available in India for weddings other than just Kanjeevarams and they are available in a gamut of colours and are as plush and as expensive as them too. We got you the list!
Chanderi
This gorgeous fabric is now the toast of town all over India as designers like Raw Mango and Rahul Mishra have used it beautifully in their collections. From a small town in Madhya Pradesh, this amazing fabric has made it's way to lehengas, saris and even modern kurtis and palazzos. But always remember it requires a lot of maintenance. A Chanderi sari costs anywhere between 5 K - 50 K. Their gold and silver zari borders are to die for.
You can buy them at Mrignayani, Chanderiyaan and FabIndia.
Maheshwari
This one's pure silk and is super popular in the north. Based out of Madhya Pradesh, this one comes in myriad hues and is super soft and extremely malleable. There is the famous "Chattai" design and the cool, ‘Chameli ka phool’ which is inspired by the Chameli flower - just some designs that stand out. Maheshwari saris need a lot of care so it's best to dry clean. They cost anywhere between 8 K - the sky is the limit.
You can buy them at Nallis and Kumaran Silks.
Patola
It's the double ikat woven sari from Patola, Gujarat. It was known for it's aristocracy and only wealthy families wore it in the last few years but Patola now has taken a new shape and is being designed in newer ways to catch the contemporary bride. Patola-weaving is a closely guarded family tradition that has been passed on from generayion to generation in only three families in Patan. That's some kind of exclusivity, eh? The sarsi are super expensive and cost anywhere above 80K.
You can buy them at Patan Patola.
Uppada
These amazing silk saris are all about elegance and simplicity. They are made in Andhra Pradesh in Uppada and they are officially called Uppada Jamdanis. The most amazing thing about them is the fabric - it's lighter than a Kanjeevaram but retains the same plush look of it. The cost goes anywhere between Rs 6000 - a lakh. And each asri is handwoven and takes anywhere between 30 days to 60 days for one.
You can buy them at Rocksalt and Uppada Pattu.
Modern Kanjeevarams
Well, this one's really a coup because, it's about Kanjeevarams that are not the usual traditional ones and we know only person who has reinvented them well. Gaurang has redesigned the tradition and now his Kanjeevarams come with fun blouses, interesting hues and a variety of big broad borders. A Gaurang sari starts at Rs 30 K.
You can buy them at Gaurang.
Pochampally
Pochampally saris are a bit like silk ikats - but they come packed with a punch in bright colours and interesting weaves. They come from the state of Telangana and they are so plush and grand. Their sico mix silk saris are really coveted because the design is effortless and they come in softer fabrics. The blending of colours is super important here - it's about creating new ikat silk in a new colour combination.
You can buy them at Ajio, Pothys and Pochampally.
Benarasi
Nothing beats Benarasi in India today as a great alternative for Kanjeevarams. The age-old traditional fare got a new image with labels like Ekaya and Raw Mango and even Manish Malhotra promoting them in their collections big time. A Benarasi costs anywhere between Rs 25 K to 5 Lakhs and is supremely durable and so chic.
You can buy them at Ekaya and Nallis.
