Stunning Banarasi Silk Linen Purple Handloom Saree

How is this saree designed?

A violet body with a wide silver floral brocade pallu and border, finished with tassels at the pallu end. The plain body lets the large floral brocade stand out, and the silver frames the violet cleanly in the drape.

Which blouse colours suit purple and silver?

The attached matching blouse keeps the look tonal. A silver or white blouse picks up the zari and keeps it cool. For contrast, mustard or gold adds warmth, and oxidised silver jewellery finishes it neatly for the office.

What is the total length?

It measures 6.3 to 6.4 metres, including the attached blouse piece. Once the blouse is cut off, you have a comfortable length for a regular drape with full pleats and a pallu that falls well, with enough left over to wear the brocade pallu open over the shoulder so the woven border shows along the pleats.

Where is it woven?

It comes from our Bhagalpur hub in Bihar. Banarasi here describes the brocade weaving style, with large floral motifs in silver zari, rather than the place this piece was made, so you get Banarasi-style brocade on a soft silk linen with a subtle sheen.

What does handloom mean for this saree?

It means a weaver worked it on a handloom, building the Banarasi brocade motifs thread by thread instead of running it through a machine. You get a fabric with more life and small natural variations, and you support weavers in the Bhagalpur hub where it was made.

What should I do after wearing it?

Hang it in a shaded, airy spot for a few hours so any moisture evaporates, then fold it into a breathable bag. Don't store it damp or in plastic. When it needs cleaning, send it to a dry cleaner rather than washing at home.