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Mehrunisa, WeaverStory's latest collection, is an ode to all things beautiful. A perfect melange of traditional with contemporary, this collection beautifully celebrates the art of handloom chanderis with a chic and modern twist.
Chanderi is a small town located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. It is renowned for its fine silk and cotton fabrics that have been produced there for centuries. Chanderi fabric is well known for its delicate texture, intricate designs, and beautiful patterns, which have made it a popular choice for traditional Indian clothing such as sarees, lehenga, and suits.
History & Origins
The origins of Chanderi fabric can be traced back to the medieval period, when the town was ruled by the Rajput kings. During this time, the town was a major center for trade and commerce, and was known for producing high-quality textiles, especially silk. The Rajput rulers encouraged the development of the textile industry and provided support to the weavers and artisans who produced the fabrics. The town also benefited from its location on the trade route between Agra and Mumbai, which facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions of India and beyond.
In the 16th century, Chanderi became part of the Maratha Empire, which expanded the textile industry and established a strong cultural and economic connection with the region. The Maratha rulers were particularly interested in promoting the production of fine silk fabrics, and they provided support and incentives to the weavers and artisans of Chanderi. During this time, the town became famous for its high-quality silk fabrics that were used for making elegant and luxurious clothing for the royal court and for export to other countries.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Chanderi faced many challenges due to the decline of the Maratha Empire and the introduction of machine-made textiles from Europe. However, the local weavers and artisans continued to produce Chanderi fabrics using traditional techniques, and the town maintained its reputation for producing high-quality textiles. In the mid-20th century, Chanderi fabric experienced a resurgence in popularity as people became more interested in traditional Indian textiles and cultural heritage. This was helped by the efforts of the Indian government and various non-government organizations, which provided support and training to the weavers and artisans of Chanderi.
Process -
Chanderi fabric is made using a combination of hand and power loom weaving techniques. The fabric is produced using high-quality silk or cotton yarns, which are carefully woven into intricate designs and patterns. The most distinctive feature of Chanderi fabric is its lightweight and delicate texture, which is achieved by using a combination of fine silk and cotton yarns. The fabric is also known for its beautiful, glossy finish, which is created by treating the fabric with natural dyes and special techniques.
One of the most important aspects of Chanderi fabric is the intricate designs and patterns that are created using a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques. The designs are inspired by the cultural and artistic heritage of the region and include floral, paisley, and geometric patterns. The weavers and artisans of Chanderi are skilled in creating these designs using a variety of techniques, including hand-weaving, block printing, and hand-embroidery.
The production of Chanderi fabric is a complex and time-consuming process that involves many steps, including spinning the yarn, preparing the loom, weaving the fabric, and finishing the fabric. The fabric is woven using a combination of hand-looms and power-looms, and the process requires a high level of skill and expertise. The weavers and artisans of Chanderi work together in a cooperative manner, with each person playing a specialized role in the production.
Popularity -
The use of Chanderi silk in Indian festive wear dates back to the royal courts of ancient India, where the fabric was favored for its luxurious feel and beautiful designs. Today, Chanderi silk is still a popular choice for special occasions, such as weddings and festivals, where people want to look their best. The fabric is also widely used in the fashion industry, with many designers incorporating it into their collections, due to its versatility and timeless beauty.Chanderi Silk Sarees are known for their intricate patterns and designs. Some of the most common patterns used in Chanderi Silk Sarees include:
- Paisley :- This is one of the most popular patterns used in Chanderi Silk Sarees, and is characterized by its teardrop shape and decorative borders.
- Floral :- Chanderi Silk Sarees often feature beautiful floral designs, which are typically created using block printing techniques.
- Botanical :- Botanical patterns, such as leaves and vines, are a common feature in Chanderi Silk Sarees, and add a natural and organic feel to the fabric.
- Geometric :- Geometric patterns, such as circles and squares, are often used to create bold and modern designs in Chanderi Silk Sarees.
- Embroidery :- Chanderi silk sarees are often decorated with hand-embroidered designs, such as floral and paisley patterns, adding an extra touch of elegance and luxury to the fabric.
- Zari :- Zari, which is a type of metallic thread, is commonly used to create intricate patterns and designs in Chanderi Silk Sarees.
In addition to these patterns, Chanderi Silk Sarees may also feature traditional Indian motifs, such as paisleys, peacocks, and lotus flowers, as well as borders and hemline designs. The patterns used in Chanderi Silk Sarees are typically influenced by the local culture and heritage, and reflect the traditions and values of the region where the fabric is produced.
With the summer season approaching, Mehrunisa offers a fresh, breezy and stylish collection of outfits that effortlessly transition from desk to dinner. Here are our favorites from the collection -
Handloom Offwhite Chanderi Silk Scalloped Suit Set With Pink Dupatta
WeaverStory brings to you the elegance of the popular Rajasthani craft - Gota Patti with its Mehrunisa Collection. A blend of pastel shades with classic gota patti work will serve you well, this Spring season. The mix of organza silk and Chanderi silk further enhances the gota work which delicately decorates the border of the stitched pants and the sleeves of the kurta.
Handloom Lime Green Chanderi Silk Gota Patti Suit Set With Pants And Dupatta
The lime green shade has the ability to stand out amongst the otherwise bright hues that dominate Indian attires. The anti-fit easy-to-wear silhouette lends the outfit a relaxed vibe while the timeless appeal of the gota-patti work ensures its festive mood.
Pink Handloom Chanderi Silk Gota Patti Scalloped Sharara Set With Dupatta
This beautiful pastel colour is dramatic yet sophisticated. The handloom Chanderi stitched sharara set is dreamy and appealing. It gives a contemporary twist to the traditional craft of gota-patti without compromising on the handcraft’s ancient roots.
Handloom Blue Chanderi Silk Gota Patti Suit Set With Offwhite Pants And Dupatta
This suit set lends your ethnic wardrobe a breath of fresh air and the easy fit ensures you experience no discomfort as you carry on with your day. The V-neck kurta features statement bell sleeves with gota work that complement the off-white stitched pants with an embroidered gota border.
Pista Green Handloom Chanderi Silk Gota Patti Sharara Set With Gold Tissue Dupatta
This hand stitched pista green Sharara and short kurta are all things dreamy and beautiful. The kurta steals the show with elegant gota work at the front and a high neck and back. The age-old craft of gota is highlighted on the paneled sharara as well that complements the short kurta.
Handloom Pink Chanderi Silk Gota Patti Scalloped Sharara Set With Dupatta
The scalloped short kurta with V-neck and minutely detailed gota work on the neckline wins you by its minimalism. The organza silk finish on the sleeves enhances the gota work further and the scallops at the border give it a charming finesse. We bet, this is going to be one of your go-to outfits for festive celebrations.
Author - Aditi Bapna
