Reviving the classic | Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone sport the Kanjeevaram with élan

Dripping gold and radiating a luscious sheen — the classic and timeless Kanjeevaram is making a splash on the red carpet like never before, with the likes of Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone wearing it. Last week, Miss Ranaut was seen in a rich, jewel-toned Kanjeevaram sari at an event, teaming it with a choker and matching earrings while PC had donned an elegant number draped in a traditional style at Anushka Sharma’s wedding reception. What made Miss Chopra’s look stand out was the fact that she didn’t do much with it, yet draped it with ease and comfort.

Deepika’s hot pink sari was gifted to her by the ultimate Kanjeevaram purveyor Rekha after the release of Bajirao Mastani. She was also spotted wearing it at her childhood friend’s wedding recently. The iconic Rekha has been the flag bearer of the classic weave for decades now. You can’t picture a red carpet evening without Rekha’s six yards wonder replete with traditional gajra. However, young actresses, who’ve always been loyal to the clingy georgette and chiffon saris, have fallen for the allure of the handwoven rich weave hook, line and sinker.

Designer Pria Kataaria Puri hails PC’s traditional pick at Virat-Anushka’s reception as a refreshing sartorial pick. “PC’s sari was a stunner and I love the fact she kept the look simple. Perhaps she was inspired by the women of that era when people went all out and actually dressed,” says the designer. But this weave is quite stiff and doesn’t drape easily. If one is short and petite then it may not be a very flattering piece. However, Pria offers a solution to this. “In the South, it’s worn with the pallu either in the front or at the back and is usually teamed with a gold belt, thus balancing the silhouette. A modern or a traditional gold belt gives it a shape like they do for South Indian weddings,” adds Pria, who has procured traditional saris from across the country.

SONAM STARTED IT ALL

Stylist Eshaa Amiin credits style maven Sonam Kapoor for this classic weave revival. “Among the younger lot, Sonam was the first one to wear it when she was promoting Raanjhanaa. Otherwise, you see it on the likes of Vidya Balan whose taste is more classic. Over a period of time, our actresses have warmed up to the inherent charm of Kanjeevaram. During Diwali appearances too, you no longer see them in chiffon saris or anarkalis,” says Eshaa.  

NOT A SLAVE TO TRENDS

Traditional heirlooms and textiles like Kanjeevaram are not subjective to trend cycles, therefore, they are forever stylish and relevant. Designer Aniket Satam says, “Sadly, something iconic is always misinterpreted as outdated, old school, and strictly occasional. It’s great to see young actresses and style icons give a casual spin to our ethnic treasures like the Kanjeevaram.”