Oh Brocade, beautiful, rich Benarasi brocade, how much do
you lure our eyes!
With Prabal Gurung
enticing dress with Benaras brocade being featured in last month’s Vogue
and with an entire array of brocade sarees, blouses and dupattas thronging the
Indian wedding market this fall, we cannot but rant about how the beautiful (and
maybe slightly under-rated) brocade has the ability to change the entire look
of a garment.
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| Prabal Gurung for Benarasi Brocade , Vogue India |
Benarasi brocade, which is currently a GI (Geographical
Indication, an form of Intellectual property) acquired by the Uttar Pradesh
Weaver’s association, is made over a handloom in the districts of Varanasi,
Mirzapur, Chandauli, Bhadohi, Jaaunour and Azamgarh (all in UP. No other place
can legally sell Benarasi saree and brocade made outside of these districts).
Many of might already know that brocade is the name given to the textile which
can be made over Silk, organza, zari, Silk, Georgette etc.
Typically found over sarees, the brocade is now one of the
fancy new words for ‘ethnic chic’. Sheer dupattas with brocade borders, quilted
jackets with brocade work, anarkalis with brocade borders, georgette sarees
with brocade blouses etc. ; it instantly adds a royal resplendence to the
outfit with its surface glaze and bright colours and motifs. It is by far, the
most versatile of Indian handloom works as we see it today.
Designers like Sabyasachi, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla
have worked with many brocade style and have dressed many celebs in them.
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| Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla |
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| Sabyasachi |
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| Queen of Ethnic: Vidya Balan |
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| Courtesy: www.zeenatstyle.com |
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| Courtesy: www.zeenatstyle.com |
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| Courtesy: www.zeenatstyle.com |
