wardrobe

Originally fabricated solely for royalty, the Banarasi fabric is imbued with a rich history that echoes through its weaves. It is renowned for its unique weaving style, which is attributed to the weavers of Banaras. In the bygone era of royalty, these rich, hand-woven beautiful brocades saris were crafted for kings and Queens, Nawabs and other ruling elite. Adorned with real gold and silver threads tanchuis, atlas, zarbafts, jamavars created a global fame and identity. Interestingly, most weavers of these masterpieces were Muslims. Till 1960s, pastel lightly embellished Banarasi saris were a thing for parties and dinners. Even till the 1980s, a girl’s wedding seemed incomplete without a Banarasi sari. And then one day they suddenly vanished from the sartorial scene. Bride and Banarasi from ‘The PinkTree Company’s’ post monsoon wedding wear collection, is a tribute to the legendary silk textiles. After a feat of 8 months of research and design development, these rich, wildly vibrant and regal Banarasi doshalas are not just heirlooms but also heirs of grand tradition. Plain silk in same or complementing colour outfits work as blank canvas which could be jazzed up or down according the occasion. Banarasi lehengas have an old school charm and brides in them look absolutely surreal. Much loved from the Mughals to present-day royalty, Banarasi silk fabric represents the glorious history of Indian textile art. It is no surprise then that designers today are bringing it back with a breath of fresh air, keeping alive its age-old royal essence. So if you’re looking to add guaranteed glamour to your wedding or formal look, You! has rounded up the perfect looks for you…

Opt for this bold but beautiful attire to nail your wedding guest day look. A blazing orange handwoven Banarasi silk doshala with gold zari; beautifully covered in green and fuchsia resham motifs. Worn with an orange silk kurta and tight shalwar. Pick a royal shade like this orange for that perfect maharani look.

This one in olive green colour has our hearts! A classic hand-woven silk Banarasi doshala, edged with gota and kiran, draped over silk sleeveless shirt. Worn with a narrow shalwar or trousers. One of our favourite bridal colours, green has the power to lend the much needed royalty in a wedding outfit.

Pull up your hair in a messy ponytail for that effortless appearance. Pair the pink dress with a brown lip and flared out lashes. Keep the jewellery minimal yet statement. Big jhumkas and chunky bangles makes this look effortlessly stylish.

This monotone purple coloured outfit has got us drooling over for all the right reasons. A royal purple handwoven Banarasi silk handwoven artisanal doshala with zari motifs and green resham border draped over the same hued silk kameez shalwar. Pick this if your love for purple is infinite.

Pair this vibrant orange jora with a complementing choker piece adorned with gemstones marrying it with a long maala and matching earrings and teeka. Complete the look with a beautiful emerald nath to elevate the whole look. Keep the makeup simple, with a bronzy eye and nude lips.

Let the colour of the dress do the talking and go for simple makeup and jewellery. Keep the base clean and let your hair down for the casual, minimal look. You can match the stones of your jewellery to the zari work on the Banarasi dupatta.

For the subtle bride or a day wedding, this look is just perfect! Giving off royal vibes, the golden jewellery fits perfectly with this beautiful shade of red. The Indian style maatha patti and hand kaleeray give this look a new life. Keep the makeup minimal, adding just a touch of tint to your lips and a clean base with kohl eyes.

A red Banarasi is what dreams are made of! This exotic red zari jaal handwoven Banarasi silk doshala with broad zari pallus adds a regal look to the sleeveless silk shirt and narrow shalwar. If you are that old school bride who wants to keep it all traditional with a red colour on your Nikah or for that day wedding, don’t miss checking out this one in rich Banarasi silk fabric.

Get this classic look, with a statement jhoomar with a matching choker and earrings set which goes perfectly with this olive toned dress. The colourful bangles bring out the hues of this dress perfectly. Opt for a messy bun along with smokey eyes and a pink pout to complete this look.

How Much Pink Is Too Much Pink? Fuchsia pink hand woven Banarasi silk doshala, with gold zari border and motifs, edged with gota and kiran worn with a same hued silk kurta shalwar. Because well, we are suckers for pink Banarasi outfit and why not.

CREDITS

Text: Wallia Khairi

Outfits: The PinkTree Company

Muse: Hareem Farooq

Photography: Jaffer Hasan

Jewellery: Javeri Jewellers

Hair & Make up: Ikram Gaihar

Location: Denso Hall, Kharadar Chowk

Project by the Heritage Foundation