A fashion staple during festivities and wedding season in India is the Banarasi weave. Whether it’s a deep red silk Banarasi saree adorned with gleaming golden zari or a statement dupatta elevating a simple kurta set, a Banarasi creation can instantly make you look festive-ready with its regal appeal.
In recent years, Banarasi has made a return to menswear in a plethora of ways – kurtas, safas, shawls, bandhgalas, and sherwanis. Contrary to the common misconception, Banarasi was not limited to women’s wardrobes. During the Mughal era, when the Banarasi weave rose to prominence, emperors wore garments crafted using this exquisite traditional technique.
Now, Banarasi is undergoing another makeover, this time through a wave of Westernisation. Think of Banarasi in modish silhouettes like corsets, tops, pantsuits, and even short dresses.
“Banarasi has long been celebrated for sarees, dupattas, and kurta sets, but today’s shift towards modern silhouettes is making it a global statement,” says Khushi Shah, creative director of the label Shanti Banaras. The label, known for its authentic Banarasi handloom creations, is all set to venture into contemporary designs that appeal to a diverse, international clientele with their upcoming collection.
Designer Aditi Gupta, whose creations are available at Carma Ambawatta, believes that this shift is more about innovation than Westernisation, and the younger generation is to be credited for this refreshing version of the Banarasi technique.
