The word “Kalamkari” is derived from two Persian words: “Kalam,” meaning pen, and “Kari,” meaning craftsmanship. Originally, this referred to the meticulous hand-painting done on fabrics using a special pen, although the term has since evolved to include hand block printing. Kalamkari has ancient roots, with two distinct schools of craftsmanship emerging in India during the 16th and 17th centuries. Both styles originated in Andhra Pradesh—one near Tirupati, the other near Vijayawada—each developing its own unique identity.
The Srikalahasti style is defined by its use of the pen for both outlining and filling in colors. The art focuses primarily on mythological themes, depicting powerful scenes from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In contrast, the Machilipatnam style, influenced by Islamic art, features floral patterns and designs inspired by nature, such as flora and fauna, set against delicate fabric backgrounds. Despite their differences, both styles are known for their exquisite detail and use of vibrant, natural dyes. The skill and precision in creating these intricate designs have remained consistent through the ages.

Kalamkari art adorns a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, sico, and even modern materials like georgette, chiffon, and crepe silk. The use of vegetable dyes ensures that the colors are long-lasting and rich in tone. Common motifs include trees, creepers, flowers, leaves, and birds, as well as pictorial representations from ancient epics, folklore, and scenes of everyday life. These themes elevate Kalamkari sarees beyond mere clothing, making them a stunning display of tradition and originality.
In today’s fashion landscape, Andra’s classic Kalamkari sarees remain a symbol of timeless elegance and cultural heritage. Whether worn for special occasions or everyday elegance, these sarees continue to captivate with their unique blend of art and tradition.

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The Allure of Chiffon

Characteristics of Chiffon:

• Lightweight and Sheer: Chiffon is renowned for its light and airy texture. Its sheer quality gives it a delicate and dreamy appearance.
• Soft and Flowing: The soft, flowing nature of chiffon makes it a favorite for creating garments that move gracefully with the wearer.
• Versatility: Chiffon is highly versatile, suitable for everything from casual daywear to glamorous evening gowns.

Styling Chiffon:

Elegant Evening Wear: Chiffon is a popular choice for evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Its drape and flow enhance the beauty of formal wear, creating an ethereal silhouette.

Bridal Bliss: Chiffon is often used in bridal wear, adding a romantic touch to wedding dresses, veils, and bridesmaid gowns.

Casual Chic: Chiffon blouses and tops paired with jeans or skirts create a stylish yet relaxed look. Layering chiffon with other fabrics can add depth and dimension to an outfit.

The Grace of Georgette

Characteristics of Georgette:

Crinkled Texture: Georgette is known for its slightly crinkled texture, which gives it a unique and interesting look.

Lightweight yet Opaque: While still lightweight, Georgette is more opaque than chiffon, providing modesty without sacrificing elegance.

Durable and Stretchy: Georgette is durable and has a slight stretch, making it comfortable and practical for various designs.

Styling Georgette:

Sophisticated Sarees: Georgette sarees are a staple in Indian fashion, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. They drape beautifully, making them ideal for festive occasions and formal events.

Stylish Dresses: From day dresses to evening gowns, Georgette is a popular choice for its versatility and chic appeal. The fabric’s ability to hold pleats and gathers adds a refined touch to any dress.

Office Elegance: Georgette blouses and tops paired with tailored trousers or skirts create a polished, professional look suitable for the workplace.

Care and Maintenance

Both Chiffon and Georgette require careful handling to maintain their beauty and longevity:

Hand Wash or Dry Clean: These delicate fabrics should be hand washed with mild detergent or dry cleaned to avoid damage.

Avoid Wringing: To prevent stretching and distortion, avoid wringing out the fabric. Instead, gently press out excess water.

Proper Storage: Store garments made from chiffon and georgette in a cool, dry place. Use padded hangers for dresses and blouses to maintain their shape.

Chiffon and Georgette are quintessential fabrics for those seeking elegance and sophistication in their wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing for a special occasion or adding a touch of refinement to your everyday style, these fabrics offer endless possibilities. Embrace the light and airy charm of Chiffon and Georgette, and let your fashion choices float with grace and beauty.

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The best type of silk saree is the banarasi saree, which has significant cultural and historical value in India. Their elaborate designs and opulent fabrics have made them famous and beloved worldwide.On certain occasions, women adore showing off their lavish and royal banarasi sarees. Banarasi sarees currently come in a range of shapes and designs in lightweight materials, in addition to the heavier ones, that suit the tastes and fashion sense of the current generation. There can be a lot of banarasi saree merchants or retailers in the market, but keep in mind that not all of them are likely to be offering authentic or high-quality sarees. Be sure to choose an actual banarasi saree while making your purchase. So here are few tips on identifying an authentic banarasi Saree

Check the saree’s reverse side.

Simply examining the saree’s reverse side will allow you to identify its authenticity. There will always be floats inside the weave and warp grids of loom-woven Banarasi sarees. Sarees woven by machines will be smooth to the touch.

Ask to see a certificate

Another crucial item to check for when buying pure silk sarees is the Certificate of Authorised Use of the Silk Mart Logo. Make sure to always ask for a certificate if you are purchasing a real silk saree.

Seek out the minor “imperfections”

The little “imperfections” that give a handwoven sari its unique beauty are what give them their beauty. The flawless “imperfections” are what set Banarasis handlooms apart from powerlooms. A handwoven textile will nearly always have subtle human touch elements, such as picks in the foundation fabric or even black lines running along the textile’s selvedge.

Think about the cost.

In general, price is a good way to tell if a Banarasi is real or not. Handmade items are expensive and require time to complete. Making it takes hours, but the finished product has a touch and sense of absolute quality. Therefore, if you’re finding a fantastic “deal” online, it’s usually not real. The history, craftsmanship, and quality of a Banarasi are unparalleled, and as buyers, we ought to be prepared to shell out a reasonable amount to guarantee its continued existence.

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Offering fans a peek into the Poacher screening, Alia posted images from the event to her Instagram account. Her fan accounts quickly reposted the images. She shared a series of pictures with Shaheen with the message, “With my best, shaheenb,” and an endearing picture of Soni, Shaheen, and herself sitting together in the crowd, which only served to heighten the anticipation.

The producer-actress looked stunning in a stunning black saree. For the evening, a corresponding sleeveless blouse was worn with the velvet Sabyasachi outfit. Alia, who exuded a royal aura, accessorized her black velvet saree with matching earrings, scarlet lips, and a bundle of pearl necklaces. She looked angelic with her hair tied back in a bun.

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Run by actress Arya Babu, Kanjivaram.in  is an exclusive saree boutique in Kerala. The store is located in Cochin. They offer a broad range of Pure Kanchipuram sarees, bridal sarees, silk sarees, casual & event wear sarees. So here are times when Malayalam celebs appear in Sarees by Kanchvaram.in. 

Pearly Maaney

Pearle Maaney stuns her fans in a beautiful traditional saree by Kanchivaram.in in Parrot Green and Pink for her Valaikappu Ceremony

Saniya Iyyappan

Saniya Iyappan wearing a metallic Lilac pure brocade Kanchipuram silk saree with grace. 

Pearle Maaney

Once again, Pearle Maaney looks stunning in a Golden ensemble by Kanchivaram.in

Swasika Vinod

Swasika Vinod’s pink-themed Kanjiavaram Set gave every modern bride a fresh bridal appearance. 

Arya 

Arya gave her silk saree a major saree goals and style in her own Brand. 

Shilpa Bala

Gorgeous Shilpa Bala in a beautifully draped Kanchipuram Silk saree by Kanchivaram.in

Aparna Thomas

Beautiful Aparna Thomas gives a regal bridal look in Kanchivaram.in

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This time, we saw the actress look amazing once more as she made an appearance at the Joy Awards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An award known as the Honorary Entertainment Maker Award was being presented to the actress. Choosing the ethnic way on a worldwide platform, Alia looked like a queen when she came wearing a vibrant red saree with an Ajrakh print that was taken from the clothing aisle by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the masters of Ajrakh craftsmanship. The multicolored piece got its sheen from an all-over gold design. She accessorized the magnificent six yards with a strapless blouse that matched. Combining a modern touch with the traditional outfit, Alia wore a blue-colored cape that was knotted over her wrist and rested on one shoulder. It provided her an alluring presence and regal charm in addition to making the ideal contrast. Alia arranged her hair in wavy ends and half-tied her middle-parted tresses. Her hair was adorned with golden chain earrings, which completed her classic outfit. She flawlessly completed her appearance with a hint of dewy glam on her lips and lashes.

Alia’s gorgeous photos and videos from the occasion went viral right away on social media, receiving a tonne of likes and comments from her devoted followers who were infatuated with her appearance. In the post, Alia seems as a sophisticated princess donning a captivating saree that flawlessly combines old and new. Her stylish yet modern persona serves as both a fashion statement and a fascinating window into the world of Indian sarees and rich cultural legacy for the residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

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Text Credits: Vishakha Menon

Ethnic is no longer restricted to festivals or family functions. The versatile trends embraced by Bollywood celebrities and trendsetters have widened the possibilities of ethnic wear. Be it airport trends, promotions or parties, celebs have started to adopt redefined versions of traditional wear. Getting back to our roots for sure, the comeback of ethnic fashion revivals owe their salute to trendsetters and designers who are making it happen. The latest trends flourishing to attain some major ethnic shopping goals for you are:

Shararas

Shararas, the pleated loose trousers worn with kameez and dupatta is back. This comeback is from a few decades behind and is being accepted by Bollywood celebrities for events beyond festivals. Some major runways and public appearances of celebs have proved it as well. Aditi Rao Hydari and Shilpa Shetty have been seen carrying this look this season.

Images from: pinterest.com

Dhoti all the way!

The transformation of dhoti into a unisexual option of dressing is the new favourite. Unisexual fashion has made a good way into the market by inviting the dhoti into the mainstream fashion. Jahnvi Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Shraddha Kapoor and Mira Rajput are some of the celebs spotted in the look.

Images from: pinterest.com

Fall down sleeves!

No more boring sleeves for the look. Let it fall down and sweep the gorgeousness in you. Fallen sleeves add a unique sleekness and contours the body, accentuating your positive side. Channelling your inner queen, this is set to make you feel regal.

Images from:  womenfitness.org and silpahuja.com

Monotone head to toe

The same colour top to bottom is something we are spotting very frequently from runways to brands. The monotone look can be a little challenging when it comes to pairing and accessorising, but if done right can create miraculous outcomes. Jahnvi Kapoor is a major influencer in getting this trend encore from bridal season to casual outings.

Images from: pinterest.com

Belted

Belt it up this season be it saree or a lehenga. Adding definition and complimenting your body, belts in ethnic wear seems to be quite frequent with weddings as well. A good go for a formal look too, belts can add a great sense of boldness for your everyday style explorations too. Sabyasachi can be truly stated as a major influence in popularising this trend.

Images from: pinterest.com

This redefinition and acceptability of traditional Indian wear is a commendable achievement of the Indian fashion industry. Accepting the importance of Indian fabrics, textiles and traditional wear are as important as adapting and welcoming other cultures and their trends into our nation.

The post 5 Ethnic Trends Sported By Indian Celebrities And Brands This Season appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Vishakha Menon

Channeling your inner queen, capes are here for the ultimate royal look. In different forms, looks and sizes, this versatile trend is already giving us the much needed ‘add on’ for any basic garment that wish to carry. Capes, before being a fashion statement or accessory symbolised power, flair and occupation of the wearer. A trend, prevalent for quite a few centuries has had its share in evolving from a basic piece of apparel to a sign of power and establishment to a fashion statement. The length of the cape used to signify the power and roots of the wearer. From the Victorian era to the time that we idolise superheroes with their capes, this is surely a very unique and versatile style statement.

Images from: pinterest.com

The capes are now being adapted to anything and everything from saree blouses to tops, tunics and gowns. It is also being a major part of the bridal game, influencing designers and brands from all around the world. Choosing a transparent, embellished cape with a saree or a tailored gown can give the entire look an exquisite touch. Evening wear can be more dramatic and interesting now with a cape on!

Some major runways and influencers have taken the cape trend quite seriously. Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra and other fashion giants have already set the trend with their latest collections. A suggestion would be to make sure the balance is achieved with the curation of the look. If you are choosing a heavy saree, go for a very simple cape and make sure the accessories are on the minimal side. A heavy cape would be a good go with a plain gown. The silhouette of the cape would be another factor to take into consideration while putting together the desired look. For a long cape, skinnies or tapered trousers would be a good option to define the shape of the entire silhouette. A shorter one would be perfect for a saree or tunic. The choice of Fabric can be a played around according to your taste. Opt for easy breezy cotton for summer and some glittery nets or georgette for a dashing evening wear.

Images from: thebestfashionblog.com

Capes have added loads of drama on the runways last season and has shown a promising revival this season too with newer adaptations. Choosing the right fabric, silhouette, embellishments or prints will get to you to your right cape look this season!

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Words by Fathima Abdul Kader    Photographs by Various Sources

An excited murmur rose from the women in the hall in The Center Hotel as soon as I stepped into the room. About 30 people were at the hall held spellbound by threads of silken gold threads woven into perfection. The warmly lit room put on display the range of resplendent sarees and the glass cases were showing off unique pieces of jewelry. I didn’t have to look hard to find the woman behind this beautiful enterprise, Ahalya S Kanakavalli was the one clad in a Grey Kanjeevaram Saree with golden thread weaving through the length of the saree and across and a border with delicate mango motifs and an off white blouse. She had the look of someone who was let in on the secret of the image one can give out when they are sari-clad.

Weaves of History

Ahalya studied Psychology, but what began as her attempt to design jewelry for herself lead to the creation of her jewelry line “Bespoke By Ahalya ” and that venture further paved way to the creation of Kanakavalli, the bespoke Kanjeevaram collection. About thirty to forty percent of the designs in Kanakavalli are exclusive to brand and they work with the master weavers of Kanjeevaram to deliver one of its kind designs and experience when shopping for the traditional apparel.

The Saree Connection

A self confessed saree lover, she has worn sarees every single day for the last ten to thirteen years. Her relationship with wearing saree goes beyond imparting a particular look; she has experienced the comfort of wearing Kanjeevaram. She added “Since the fabric is organic and Kanjeevaram is a strong silk, it gets very breathing after a few initial wears, and there won’t be any chance of it getting crushed as one goes through their day. While most people to wear sarees occasionally or even once for a function, they never get to experience the comfort in wearing a saree.” When asked about those that she admire, Ahalya said she sees beauty everywhere, and that it is not just one person or one look but in the entirety and how certain people put themselves together.

Heritage Discovery

The brand outlet Kingsley at Spurtank Road in Chennai attempts to impart a true sense of luxury in all aspects. Set in a reappointed family home from the imperial era- Kingsley houses the brands Ahalya, Kanakavalli and an exclusive gift shop that contains items curated by Ahalya S. Currently the brand has two stores in Chennai and one in Coimbatore. Every Kanakavalli store is designed in such a way that it exudes the feeling of an abode apt for the Queen of Silks. The tastefully appointed store gives a complete experience of the Kanjeevaram. From simple designs to rich resplendent patterns, it is made a point to make Kanjeevaram that can suit any occasion available at the store. They also arranged an exhibition in Coimbatore as well as in Delhi’s Aga Khan Hall in Delhi.

When asked about the response to the exhibition, Ahalya said “Since sarees and expensive jewelry are heritage items, most people have a brand or a store that they have trusted their whole life, and it is not an easy attempt to change their mind. But for a first attempt the turn out to exhibition was very well received.” The brand also has made a great online presence with Ahalya’s online portal www.parisera.com which sells sarees, stoles and odhnas, and accessories. The clientele especially on the website are relatively young and the response makes Ahalya assured of the fact that more people are embracing the beauty of handloom and of heritage products in general and the way people consider heritage products have.

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– Ramya, Freelance Make- Up Artist

What is truly challenging about hair styling?

There comes a job of transforming the frizzy hair into super fine, sleek hair with a variety of styling products, or making a silky fine hair into beach waves.

A hairstyle that is versatile for all looks?

Side Swept hair will look amazing on all face shapes, on all occasions.top it up with either mermaid waves or keep it sleek straight.

Celebrity who dons it all?

Today, Actor/celebrity Kangana Raunat experiments with a lot of hairstyles, from classic ballerina bun to high fashion mow-hawks.

An over- rated hairstyle?

The front puff hairstyle. I see it every where, “Every where”.

A great tip for taking care of your hair?

I can not stress enough, Oil,oil and oil, is the best friend in taking care of hair. We use styling gels, sprays, mouse and serums, to get the hairstyle we desire. The strongest recommendation to all my clients is to applyoil, I prefer cold pressed almond oil and coconut oil.

Bohemian Low Bun.

For those with curly hair, start with conditioned and blow dried hair, those with super fine hair, we are already there!

1)    Divide hair into two, front and back horizontal sections.make sure the back section starts from the crown of the head,and make a low ponytail at the back,roll the ponytail hair horizontally into a bun.

2)    You can take either side parting or center parting.Start by half French braiding(in this case take 3 strands from beginning of the section and keep adding hair to the front strand of the braid) both the front sections and braid till the end.

3)    Take this braid and place it around the low bun and secure it with a pin. Set it with light hair spray all over.

Wear it with: This Hairstyle gives a classy modern look, which is well suited with Saree or elegant gown, perfect for wedding occasions and cocktail parties.

Curly Side Bun

Grab all your hair to the side(whichever side you prefer)and makeup a pony tail just behind and below your ear, start curling the hair from the pony tail using curling iron, use curl defining sprays available in the market, take little sections of curled hair and place it around the ponytail and pin it, this will give a messy yet curly side bun, leave one or two strands to fall behind to get that classy edge.

Wear it with: This hairstyle is suitable for wedding receptions and very evening look. It’s suitable for both elegant gowns, dress and designer sarees.

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