Pashudh: Pioneers of Kanjivaram Silk Saree Designs

Pashudh as a brand comes from a long legacy of in-house Kanjivaram silk saree weaving, wholesaling, and now retailing online as well. Many of the beautiful Kanjivaram silk sarees featured on Pashudh’s website are conceptualized and designed by in-house weavers and employees to suit customers’ tastes and the ever-changing trends and demands of the market. Pashudh aims to cater to a sophisticated and knowledgeable customer base, whose interest in Kanjivaram silks is what spurs us on to keep innovating and creating unconventional and intriguing designs and color combinations.

Of course, the Kanjivaram silk saree stands as one of the biggest and most well-known symbols of traditional Tamil textiles. The reputation of this centuries-old weaving tradition has resounded across the country and even overseas for decades now. From royalty to today’s film actresses, everyone under the spotlight has sought to elevate their sartorial endeavors by adorning the classic yet luxurious Kanjivaram silk saree. The traditional designs and motifs that have been used for centuries are said to represent and even define what makes a Kanjivaram stand out as one of the premier silk textiles of India. Certain color combinations have withstood the test of time and remained favorites across generations, and even the youth of today drape such traditional sarees as vintage or heirloom pieces.

Considering the immense weight and prestige that comes with creating and selling a Kanjivaram, it takes skilled and knowledgeable minds and hands to come up with ceaseless innovations and original ideas when conceptualizing new designs and patterns for Kanjivaram drapes. Pashudh is one of the leaders in this field, and many of our original designs have made a name for us as the ones who set the trend when it comes to Kanjivaram silk sarees. Our designs are a mix of traditional aesthetics and modern sensibilities, producing endlessly fascinating collections with unique sarees.

Here is a selection of some of the bolder and unconventional designs featured on the Pashudh website:

Yellow, Pink & Black Kanjivaram Silk Saree :

This combination may not seem like it strays very far from convention, as the combination of bright yellow with vivid pink is a favorite for the ages. However, the addition of the black details in the large border make all the difference. The body features the auspicious Mayil or peacock motif, representative of Lord Muruga and often associated with grandeur, fertility, wisdom, and protection. The border tells a different story, and consists of lines of pink and black threaded through with delicate golden zari. The perpendicular orientation of the border stripes and the addition of black color adds a certain modern edge to a beloved color combo and motif. Sporting this pure Kanjivaram silk saree at any function or event is sure to catch the eyes of everyone around.

Baby Pink and Olive Green Kanjivaram Silk Saree : 

Usually, when you think of Kanjivaram silk sarees, you imagine deep, rich shades of red, green, purple, replete with golden zari borders and motifs across the body. Pastel shades are not a traditionally popular color when dyeing a Kanjivaram, but in contemporary times, they are all the rage. A pastel coloured authentic Kanjivaram modernizes the weave and makes tradition palatable and appealing across age groups, and especially to the younger generation.

This Baby Pink and Olive Green Kanjivaram Silk Saree boldly juxtaposes these lighter shades to come up with a delectable saree that is easy on the eyes and trendy as well. The lovely baby pink body has stripes in the same color all over, while the olive green pallu features a pattern of florals and textured zari stripes that come together to create a one of a kind look. The border harks back to traditional motifs with the inclusion of paisley and florals woven in pure zari. The blouse is similarly textured to finish this unique saree suited for evening wear at functions or parties, where it is sure to be the center of attention.

Bluish Green and Rani Pink Kanjivaram Tissue Silk Saree :

This saree gives the conventional Kanjivaram silk saree a glamorous makeover of sorts. From the colors to the patterns and border, everything gets a stylish upgrade to create a glittering yet elegant Kanjivaram silk that suits any occasion, even the most glamorous ones where you might think a boring old silk saree would be out of place. Here, zari isn’t restricted to just the borders or buttas, but runs through the entire length of fabric, creating shining, interlocking diamond shapes.

On closer inspection the diamonds are formed out of intricate floral vines, adding another level of detail to the saree. The pallu, in the commanding shade of Rani Pink, features a more simple pattern of paisley done in pure zari, a universally loved motif. The Rani Pink blouse remains simple to complement the grand look of the oceanic shades of the body. The charm of tissue silk is at its glamorous yet sophisticated best in this Kanjivaram Silk Saree from Pashudh.

Brown and Grey Kanjivaram Silk Saree :

The colors of brown and grey are heavily underutilized in traditional weaves, because the colors are difficult to get just right and their supposed duller shades do not make the wearer stand out. This is a misconception that Pashudh has proven wrong time and time again by incorporating these understated and dignified colors into various color combinations.

While at first glance, this saree may seem rather subdued, the details involved in the creation of this piece reveal the amount of effort and attention to detail that went into this look. The body in a dark maroon-ish brown features a paai madi pattern throughout, which creates a sense of texture. The dark grey borders when juxtaposed with the brown body, take on a delectable, chocolatey tone which only makes the delicate silver zari embroidery stand out more. Coming to the border, the jaal embroidery of connected flowers and leaves draws from another renowned Indian textile tradition of chikankari. The pallu, also in dark grey, features an inlay of embroidery. Lines of diamonds and swirls culminate in a line of traditional floral motifs. All in all, this saree is a perfect example of how convention fuses gloriously with contemporary sensibilities to create something that is more than the sum of its parts.

Grey and Turquoise Kanjivaram Silk Saree :

Yet another endeavor by Pashudh to bring together two pastel shades in an unusual combination, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say this one is a great success. The light grey body serves as the perfect canvas for the floral jaal patterns of chikankari embroidery to stand out and shine. The flowery vines also incorporate the classic motif of the kili or parrot, a staple of Kanjivaram silk weavers for generations. Close up, they seem to be twisting and turning at random, but when observed from a distance, the swirling zari creates a beautiful geometric pattern.

In contrast to the complex designs on the body, the turquoise green pallu is woven through with tissue zari, creating a shimmering effect especially when the fabric moves. The borders feature a floral jaal pattern as well, along with slanted stripes. This saree combines the refreshing charm of pastels with the opulence that comes with delicate zari work for a lovely, rich final output.

 Midnight Purple and Baby Pink Pure Kanjivaram Silk Saree :

This Kanjivaram silk also seamlessly combines the textile traditions of other regions with authentic Kanjivaram weaving techniques to create a memorable six yards of silken beauty. The color combination is not a particularly surprising one, but the work that runs through the saree is what makes it unique. A rich, deep Midnight Purple immediately conjures up ideas of royalty and extreme opulence.

The ornate zari embroidery only heightens that effect. The elaborate jaali embroidery patterns, reminiscent of the nature-inspired embroidery work of Banarasi sarees, criss-cross and connect all over the body. The baby pink of the pallu and borders presents such a rich contrast to the midnight purple that the vibrance of both hues is only enhanced by seeing them next to each other. The pink borders feature the auspicious peacock motif, a favorite of Kanjivaram handloom weavers, in dual tone zari. The overall result is an incredible amalgamation of colors, patterns, shapes, and weaving and embroidery styles.

Aubergine and Peach Kanjivaram Silk Saree :

The deep hue of aubergine is a truly irresistible one, reminding you of sarees of generations ago. This timeless shade meets the younger, vibrant shade of peach, creating a truly one of a kind color combination. This piece has been worked on specially by Pashudh’s team of master weavers, and features conventional zari embroidery and patterns that only emphasize that simple is truly the best.

The body is covered with dual tone zari in gold and silver, punctuated by round mayil or peacock motifs that accentuate the regal and prosperous vibe that the aubergine fabric gives off. The large and thick peach border is laced with ornate zari as well, with classic zari stripes and beautifully woven repeating geometric patterns. This saree’s brilliance stems from its relatively no-fuss look, and this means that the accessories and jewelry selected must also go along with the no-frills elegance that this saree commands.

Blending tradition and modernity is no easy feat, but the expert weavers and meticulous team at Pashudh ensure that each saree is experimental yet full of appeal. Unconventional colors are paired with classic techniques in a harmonious symphony to produce unique and highly memorable Kanjivaram silk saree experiences.