What leads the sari to contemporary experimentation? It’s timeless appeal


Sachi Raval points out that Kanjeevaram sarees typically exhibit greater weight and stiffness compared to most other silk saris, making them an excellent choice for creating the brand’s tennis skorts, as they offer the ideal fit and drape. In this collection, colour played a pivotal role, especially since traditional saris were being repurposed into contemporary silhouettes. Striking the right equilibrium between colour, print, and shape held paramount importance in the creative process, she tells Vogue.

A welcome narrative

Designer Anavila Misra believes that for the younger generation, a garment’s relevance is often tied to its alignment with current values, aesthetics, and lifestyles. “By reinterpreting the sari in novel styles, younger brands are making it more accessible and appealing to modern audiences,” she says, adding that upcycling aligns with the current push towards sustainability and responsible fashion.

By giving new life to old or discarded saris, Misra believes, these brands can reduce waste and champion a circular fashion economy. “This approach not only extends the sari’s lifecycle but also reintroduces it in innovative forms. The emphasis on upcycling by younger brands accentuates the sari’s enduring appeal, demonstrating that with a touch of creativity, traditional garments can be seamlessly integrated into modern fashion narratives,” she says.

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