Hyderabadi designer Gaurang Shah pays a tribute to Kanjeevaram weaves at Red Fort

Award-winning textiles and fashion designer from Hyderabad, Gaurang Shah presented ‘Anjali’ a tribute to Kanjeevaram weaves at an event in

Red Fort

, organised by the Ministry of Textiles to celebrate the achievements in the sector over the last four and a half years recently. The event, curated by FDCI called 'Artisans Speak', showcased India’s glorious legacy of textiles, finest designers and weaves.

In this collection of 16 sarees, Gaurang paid tribute to

Kanchipuram

’s Centuries old tradition of hand-weaving with a high degree of creativity and aesthetic finesse. These Kanjeevaram masterpieces integrate the creative and aesthetic ideas and vision by transforming the Saree as a contemporary design statement and the epitome of Indian handmade luxury.

Gaurang said, “Anjali illustrates the interrelationship of textiles, techniques, weavers, looms, and the weaving eco-system. It brings back ancient warmth, beauty, mellifluous mingling of colors, near-forgotten motifs, and resuscitate by integrating the critical design aesthetics. It also embraces the significance of motif and tradition, sensitivity to art forms as well as the seasoned Temple architecture, and the understanding of intricate weaving techniques. Most importantly to support its social, cultural and economic fabric.”

While most sarees in the region are made with two-ply yarn these Kanjeevaram sarees were made with three to four-ply yarn giving them a languorous fall and solidity that can bear the weight and scale of his intricate designs. Along with his weavers, Gaurang created designs deeply traditional inspired by the 18th and 19th century. His vision was to revive the ancient tradition and bring new ways to preserve them. These sarees made with looms of 3 shuttles, body butis, contrasting shades in the body and large borders and the liberal use of pure zaris.