The Banarasi weave, a timeless fashion staple for Indian weddings and festivals, adds regal charm to any outfit. From deep red silk sarees to statement dupattas and modern menswear, this iconic fabric blends tradition with contemporary style, captivating fashion lovers everywhere.
Banarasi: A Legacy Beyond Women’s Fashion
Banarasi weaves are often associated with women’s wardrobes, but this luxurious fabric has always been a part of men’s fashion as well. During the Mughal era, emperors wore garments crafted with the exquisite Banarasi technique, showcasing its royal appeal across genders. Today, the Banarasi weave is making a stylish return in menswear, appearing in kurtas, safas, shawls, bandhgalas, and sherwanis, offering a fresh take on traditional elegance for men.
Banarasi’s Bold New Makeover: Western Influences and Modern Silhouettes
Banarasi is undergoing a makeover, embracing Western influences and modern silhouettes like corsets, tops, pantsuits, and short dresses. This fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs is making Banarasi a global fashion statement. Khushi Shah, creative director of Shanti Banaras, highlights that while Banarasi has been celebrated for sarees and kurta sets, its shift towards modern styles is now gaining international attention.
Fresh Off the Runway: Banarasi on the Fashion Week Stage
The modernisation of Banarasi was prominently featured at Lakme Fashion Week 2024, where several designers reimagined the fabric with a contemporary flair. Designer Monisha Jaising, for instance, showcased high-slit and asymmetrical skirts made with Banarasi fabric, paired with dazzling blouses. Showstopper Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also made a statement in a strapless Banarasi gown. Jaising herself appeared in a sleeveless Banarasi crop top for the final bow, reinforcing the fabric’s modern adaptability.
Banarasi Goes Global: Celebrities Lead the Trend
Celebrities are embracing the Banarasi trend in a big way. At the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre’s inauguration in Mumbai, stars like Priyanka Chopra, Kriti Sanon, and Saba Azad turned heads in Banarasi gowns. Their stylish renditions of the fabric helped cement its place as a versatile and fashionable choice for global fashionistas.
The Future of Banarasi Weaves
As the Banarasi weave continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of luxury, tradition, and modern innovation. Whether it’s for a wedding, a festive occasion, or even an office look, Banarasi weaves are proving to be more versatile than ever. With designers pushing boundaries and incorporating the fabric into a range of modern silhouettes, the Banarasi weave is here to stay, offering a rich fusion of India’s heritage and global fashion.
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