Think of South India and silk sarees invariably come to mind. The South Indian bride still prefers to wear the traditional silk saree on the occasion of her wedding. With changing times, trends in sarees are also changing. Retailers in South India are well known for their innovations in sarees. This article attempts to throw light on the latest innovations in sarees in the silk and temple area of South India.

Some of the significant innovations in silk sarees by South Indian retailers have been described below. Most of the saree innovations are by Sri Kumaran Silks in Chennai.

The saree-shirt combo

Sri Kumaran Silks has launched the concept of a saree-shirt combination, which is known as ‘Jodi Pattu’. They have designed sarees with a matching shirt piece, which is meant for the lady’s husband. Both the saree and the shirt are made of pure handloom silk. The saree has a beautiful embroidered pallu and matching embroidery is done on the shirt piece too.

The color-changing saree

Sri Kumaran Silks has also come up with the concept of a silk saree that changes color. When the wearer of the saree moves out of her home, the color of the saree changes. The retailer claims that this is the first ever color-changing saree to be developed in the world.

The Durbar Krishna Saree

The Durbar Krishna saree has been developed by RMKV. This saree depicts a famous picture of Lord Krishna in the pallu, in which Swarowski crystals have also been used. This image is believed to bring good luck to the owner.

The zip-n-wear saree

This is another innovative concept in silk sarees by Sri Kumaran Silks. They have designed a saree with four different but matching pallus. Each of these pallus have an attached zip. The wearer of the saree can easily detach one pallu and attach another. This saree is popularly known as Zip-n-wear saree.

The pocket saree

This is yet another innovative concept by Sri Kumaran Silks. This saree has a pocket, which can hold a cell phone and other small items.

The landscape saree

Sri Kumaran Silks has also developed a new type of saree called the Landscape Saree. This saree is made of pure silk and the design of a rural landscape is woven into the pallu.

The denim saree

The denim saree has been designed by Sri Kumaran Silks. It is a pure silk saree that gives the look of denim, at the same time retaining the soft feel of silk.

The 50000 color saree

RMKV has developed an innovative concept of a saree that has 50000 colors. It claims that it is the first saree in the world to have these many different shades.

The reversible saree

The reversible saree is another concept by RMKV. This saree has been designed in such a way that it can be worn in four different ways. There are two different body colors and four different pallus. This saree comes with two blouse pieces.

The zodiac saree

RMKV has introduced the Zodiac saree collection, which contains 12 silk sarees. Each of these sarees has the symbol of a zodiac sign woven into the pallu.

The Jugalbandi saree

The Jugalbandi saree is another unique concept launched by RMKV. It combines two totally different concepts. North Indian work like kundan and bead work or Parsi embroidery is done on pure South Indian silk sarees.

The Hamsa Damyanthi

Hamsa Damyanthi is a silk saree by RMKV, in which the famous painting of Raja Ravi Varma is woven into the pallu. 26 different shades are reflected in the saree, which have been achieved by the use of around 80 different types of threads. This saree won the National Award for master weavers in the year 1999.

Romantica Sarees

Romantica sarees is a collection launched by Sri Kumaran Silks. These sarees are made of silk, but are stretchable. They are available in various pastel shades. This collection is aimed at the younger generation. These sarees are also available in traditional colors.

The 108 Karnas saree

This is yet another beautiful concept by RMKV. This is a pure silk saree with the 108 Karnas i.e. the 108 different poses of Bharatnatyam woven into the pallu.

The Aiswariya Pookal Saree

The Aiswariya Pookal saree has been developed by RMKV. 90 different flower designs have been woven into the pallu of this saree. This saree won the National Award for master weavers in the year 1998.

The handbag saree

The handbag saree has also been designed by Sri Kumaran Silks. This is again a saree made of pure silk that comes with a matching handbag.

The Kolangal saree

Kolangal sarees is a collection of sarees by RMKV. ‘Kolangal’ means ‘Rangoli’ in Tamil. The Kolangal sarees have different traditional forms of Rangoli woven into their pallu. This collection included sarees with Aishwariya Kolam, Mana Kolam, Kubera Kolam, etc.

Conclusion

The popularity of the saree as routine wear is declining in India. However, saree is the dress of choice in marriages and other social occasions. These new innovations in sarees help in increasing the popularity of the sarees and attract the younger generation. Such innovations are ways to add freshness to the traditional saree.

References:

www.rmkv.com
www.kumaransilks.net

To read more articles on Textile, Industry, Technical Textile, Dyes & Chemicals, Machinery, Fashion, Apparel, Technology, Retail, Leather, Footwear & Jewellery,  Software and General please visit https://articles.fibre2fashion.com