Wednesday, 8th June 2005 (4392 views)

Sumptuous Kanchipuram silk saris embroidered with gold thread are back in fashion as Indian women return to the opulence of the traditional dress.

Named after the city in southern India in which the material is produced, Kanchipuram silk is said to go back hundreds of years, perhaps even to the eighth or ninth century.

Once woven for Hindu royalty, these traditional saris, often in vibrant colours, are embroidered with intricate designs, usually of flora and fauna, in gold thread.

Fine silk threads are covered with extra-fine silver wire/thread and dipped in 24-karat gold before the exquisite patterns - often depicting peacocks, swans and elephants - are executed.

Until recently, the saris were threatened as Indian women opted for more Westernised forms of dress, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

However, the individually unique saris are now back in fashion, and are de rigueur for bridal dress in southern India, according to industry figures.

For S. Ramesh, managing partner of a silk emporium in Panagal Park, Chennai, a love of gold is embedded in Indian culture. "[Here] women love gold jewelry and silk," Mr Ramesh stated.

 

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