Fashion

Popular Weaves Of India

Weaving is an ancient method of producing textiles and fabrics. It is important that people become more aware of their local weaves in order to preserve traditional work and to continue to urge others to purchase these designs and live a more sustainable lifestyle. These are some of the popular weaves of India and their history.

1. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram sarees are considered one of the most beautiful sarees across the country. These beautiful sarees are made with a beautiful blend of colours, and thick fabric with a touch of gold. Kanchipuram weaves have a history of more than 400 years and it is said that the two major weaving communities Devangas and the Saligars came from Andhra Pradesh and settled in Kanchipuram, utilizing their weaving skills by weaving silk sarees. Kanchipuram fabrics are considered one of the strong fabrics because the saree is made of three silk threads twisted together.

2. Chanderi

Chanderi is a small town in Madhya Pradesh that practices the handloom skills of weaving cotton and silk with zardozi work. Chanderi sarees are soft and elegant in cotton. It is believed that Chanderi town was the centre for weaving and it rose to a prominent position and became an important trade route for the traders. There are three major chanderi fabrics which are pure silk, Chanderi pure cotton, and silk cotton.

3. Venkatagiri Saree

Venkatagiri sarees are famous and they are one of the most durable sarees in India. Venkatagiri sarees are known for their fine weaving. They are suitable for all climates, and the most unique feature of a Venkatagiri Saree is the big Jamdani designs of peacock, parrot, and swan in the pallu. The unique zari designs of the sarees make them the perfect choice for royalty. The sarees were produced at Venkatagiri and the weavers used to weave these sarees only for the royal families.

4. Gadwal Sarees

Gadwal sarees are one of the popular sarees across the country. They are a combination of cotton weave fabric with gold zari weave designs. Gadwal sarees are woven in Telangana and most of the traditional designs include lotus, roses, and other flowers. This saree is known for its unique designs on the borders. One of the best things about these sarees is that the weave is so tight that it can be packed in a matchbox. Every year, Tirupati Brahmotsavas begin with the deity’s idol being decorated with Gadwal saree.

5. Banarasi.

Banarasi sarees are among the finest sarees in India and are known for their silver and gold zari, fine silk, and opulent embroidery. The special features of the saree are floral, bel, and other designs. Most of the sarees are made from woven silk and decorated with amazing designs. From the 19th century itself, Banarasi sarees were popular. The history of this weave began in 1603 when silk weavers from Gujarat migrated to Varanasi and started silk weaving there and developed excellence with their amazing craft.

6. Pochampalli

Pochampalli Ikat is a type of silk that comes from a small town in Telangana. Pochampalli also known as the Silk City of India became popular when a small group of weavers in the town started weaving the classic fabric. Very soon the place became popular and competed with every silk manufacturer in the country. One of the amazing designs of the saree is the mesmerizing geometric pattern that spreads all over the garment which gives a perfect outlook. Now, as machines are introduced into the weaving work, Pochampalli Ikat sarees are produced faster without any error, with amazing precision, and perfection that is hard to find anywhere else.

7. Patola

Patola work is very popular and expensive because it takes six months to one year to make one saree. Patola is a double-woven Ikat saree made from silk in Gujarat. Patola weaving is a closely guarded family tradition and it is only taught only to the sons. The process of preparing the saree is quite a long process. Each strand is separately dyed before weaving them together. The history of Patola began when Salvi silk weavers from Maharashtra chose Gujarat as a home for their outstanding work, very soon the work was broadly accepted and the sarees became a sign of royal status among Gujarati women and girls.

8. Mysore Silk.

Mysore is the land of sandalwood and also one of the producers of fabric. Mysore silk is also known as mulberry silk because the silk cultivators use mulberry leaves for silkworms to feed them for abundant silk. The shining sarees of Mysore are a gem in the crown of the Mysore Maharajas. Mysore silk sarees are known for their extraordinary shine, zari work, and lightweight fabric. Silk is mainly produced under KSIC. The growth of the Mysore silk industry began during the reign of Tipu Sultan and it became so popular that it competed with other imported materials.

9. Narayan Peth Sarees

Narayan Peth sarees are very popular around the regions of the Sholapur district. The traditional Maharashtrian sarees are designed with a contrasting zari border with a unique silver-lined pallu. Narayan Peth sarees are lovely, light, comfortable, and budget-friendly. The history of Narayan Peth sarees began when Maratha King Chatrpathi Shivaji travelled to Narayan Peth and camped for a few days. A few weavers stayed back and produced silk sarees with a unique style.

10. Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri sarees are produced by performing handicraft weaving with the help of pit looms from combed yawn by warp and woof interlacing. After that, the fabric undergoes the process of dying. Mangalagiri sarees are unique, woven from cotton, and have the most amazing features like zari on the border. The weaving began in Mangalgiri when some people shifted to this place because Qutub Shahi increased taxes. After they settled down in Mangalagiri, the weaving work of these sarees began and became popular across the state. Mangalagiri sarees are also used by devotees for Lord Narasimha.

Conclusion

These are some of the popular weaves of India. Every weave works unique, beautiful, and has historical significance. Traditional weaving work should be encouraged, and weavers should be recognized for their unique abilities.

June 27, 2022

Varsha Chaturvedi’s Journey of Transformation

In a world where change is often feared, Varsha Chaturvedi embraced transformation with grace, grit, and unshakable determination. Her journey is not just one of personal growth, it is a story of reclaiming identity, defying societal expectations, and inspiring countless others to take control of their lives. Born and raised in a traditional family in Rajasthan, Varsha’s early life followed a path that many women in India are expected to tread: academic excellence, a conventional marriage, and settling into the role of a homemaker. But beneath the quiet rhythm of domestic life, Varsha harbored a restless spirit. She always knew she was meant for more not out of dissatisfaction, but out of an innate desire to explore her full potential. Breaking the Mold It wasn’t an overnight shift. Varsha’s transformation began subtly—through books, self-reflection, and engaging with women’s forums. She became increasingly aware of the silent struggles women endure, particularly in balancing personal dreams with family responsibilities. Rather than resigning, she began asking bold questions: “Why not me?” “What if I tried?” That inner voice led her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue public speaking, health and wellness, and social impact work. But her greatest breakthrough came when she entered the world of pageantry not as a means of glamor, but as a platform for expression and empowerment. The Pageant That Changed Everything In 2022, Varsha registered for a regional beauty pageant under the Mrs. category. It was an unconventional move for a woman who had never imagined herself on stage, in heels, under the spotlight. Yet, it was in that bold step that she discovered a version of herself she hadn’t met before: confident, articulate, and unapologetically ambitious. Though she didn’t win the crown that year, the experience became a turning point. She trained in grooming,

Fashion

From Gym To Brunch: How To Style Skorts For Every Occasion

Modern women, especially nestled in the hustle and bustle of city life, tend to attend different occasions. Be it an early morning workout session, weekend brunch with friends, or accompanying a fitness freak buddy to the gym, Indian women look for clothing that moves as seamlessly as she does. While many choices are available in the market, finding chic and comfortable active wear can be a hassle for many. Thankfully, one stylish essential has been winning hearts for its innovative design and adaptability: the Skort. As the focus on stylish and dynamic dressing is on the rise, finding the best skorts for women has become a smart trend. It combines the beauty of a skirt with the design of shorts that complement its adaptability on every occasion you go. Moreover, it effortlessly helps women transition from regular outings to workouts and get-togethers. In the following blog, let us explore how you can bring out the best for almost every occasion. Why Skorts Are The Ultimate Versatile Apparel? Before we discuss styling inspirations, it is vital to understand why such clothing (skorts) deserves a place in your closet. Interestingly, the average Indian woman is expected to shop approximately 9.3 pieces in 2025. This highlights the growing demand for practical and versatile fashion choices. Moreover, such a trend reflects how modern women are seeking wardrobe staples that easily adapt to their fast-paced lives, and skorts can easily accommodate that evolving preference. Here are some factors that give a clear picture of its versatility: Fashionable activewear blends athletic function with great appeal, allowing you to move freely without feeling self-conscious. Whether you’re stretching in the gym or just reaching for a coffee cup on a busy morning, it keeps you confident and comfortable. One of the most impressive aspects is its inclusive design. With a silhouette

Fashion

7 Summer Fashion Trends that are Dominating 2025

The sun’s blazing, vacations are calling, and the fashion world is already glowing with the season’s freshest energy. Summer 2025 is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation — think throwbacks to the 2000s, a celebration of slow fashion, and a whole lot of personality. We break down the seven standout trends that are shaping the hottest wardrobes right now. Ready to dive in? Pastels are nothing new, but this year, they’re showing up in elevated ways. From silky slip dresses in butter yellow to oversized blazers in cloudy lilac, Pastelcore 2.0 feels both playful and polished. Designers are layering pastels over sheer whites and styling them with sleek, minimalist accessories. It’s the kind of wardrobe that feels like a soft-serve sundae on a hot day — light, dreamy, and just right. Must-haves: Pistachio wrap tops, lilac trousers, butter-yellow mules Deconstructed denim is the anti-basic staple of 2025. We’re talking asymmetric cuts, frayed hems, and multi-tone patchwork. Low-rise jeans are making a controversial comeback (yes, again), but this time with more relaxed fits and artful distressing. Even denim corsets and trench coats are in rotation, proving denim isn’t just casual, its cool couture. Style tip: Pair baggy denim cargos with a satin tank and kitten heels for that grunge-glam finish. Whether or not you’re on a beach, Resortcore says you’re mentally there. Lightweight linens, crochet bikinis doubling as crop tops, breezy co-ords, and oversized straw hats are everywhere. Raffia totes and shell jewellery give this aesthetic that effortlessly wanderlust vibe. What to wear: Linen shorts + halter tops, kaftan dresses, strappy flat sandals One of the most surprising trends this year is the merger of bohemian silhouettes with techwear sensibilities. Smart fabrics that cool you down, UV-sensitive colour shifts, and pocket-heavy flowy fits are giving summer dressing a futuristic upgrade.

Fashion

From Local to Global: The Rise of Indian Streetwear Brands

Streetwear has evolved beyond Western origins, becoming a global movement. In India, homegrown brands are redefining fashion by blending urban aesthetics with cultural heritage. As Indian youth embrace self-expression, streetwear thrives, merging creativity with tradition. ARFAN KHAN JEELANY explores India’s rising streetwear scene and the brands shaping its dynamic evolution. Streetwear has come a long way since its origins in the skate parks and urban landscapes of the West, now becoming a global cultural phenomenon. This movement isn’t restricted to just Western society, however – you may be surprised to learn that there is a rising parallel movement emerging with our very own Indian home-grown brands, redefining the country’s fashion narrative in the process. These brands aren’t merely clothing labels but are cultural expressions, blending more contemporary urban aesthetics with the richness of Indian heritage and tradition. As more Indian youth increasingly seek individuality and self-expression, these brands are thriving in an era that values creativity and authenticity. Let’s look at the history of Indian streetwear as well as a few brands that are defining the genre! The Evolution of Indian Streetwear India’s streetwear scene emerged late but has rapidly gained momentum. While the early 2000s were dominated by fast fashion and traditional wear, the 2010s saw streetwear take off, driven by hip-hop culture and social media’s influence. The shift came when Indian brands began blending local narratives with global streetwear, creating a distinct subculture. The rise of e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra further fuelled its growth, giving brands direct access to their audience. Now, let’s explore the key brands shaping India’s streetwear landscape and defining this evolving fashion movement. SIX5SIX – Avni & Ambar Aneja Image Source: Fashion Design Council of India Founded in 2018 by brother-sister duo Avni and Ambar Aneja, SIX5SIX has quickly become a cornerstone