The traditional pattu sarees of South India have garnered the attention and popularity in the other parts of the country. Thanks to the muted hues of white and gold, el classico sarees that are making huge waves in the B-Town and paraphernalia. The soft and subtle silk saree in graceful white and gold combination compliments the dusky Indian melanin façade. Thereby, women are largely investing in these quintessential festive must-have ethnic wear. Regardless of your age, height and stature, these much-coveted saris have found a place in every celebrity wardrobe. For instance; Sonam Kapoor sashayed with her clan wearing these adorable Kasavu sarees in the movie Aisha. Recently, Tabu offered this saree to her friends and they all posed wearing Kasavu sarees, the sight looked nothing less than a sacred temple offing.
Image Courtesy: Gifmaker
Kasavu sarees are originally made of handloom designed material with borders intrinsically soaked in gold hues to unleash an elegant nine yards of drape. The handwoven cream colored sarees with signature gold borders are a classic ensemble worn by the Malayi women. Emerging from the Land of God’s own country, Kerala, Kasavu sarees are considered to be the finest traditional saris personifying the essence of every woman in Kerala.
Such classic Kasavu saris are often a representation of the rich cultural heritage and portray high esteem and religious beliefs of women draping them. The intricate artwork presented on the saree is symbolic of the cultural aspect of women rooted deep in the values of Kerala soil. It personifies and defines the personality of wearer while also attributing the original essence of the fabric to depicted through a remarkable painting by the reformer Raja Ravi Verma. The design of its fabric also found popularity in the mythological epics of Mahabharata which portrayed Shakuntala in several Kasavu attires.
Golden borders and colors have now been replaced with different kinds and color of zaris, and the work and design which represent traditional culture and deeply imprinted and crafted in the essence of Resham.
Kasavu was however officially first-known as “Mundum Neryathum” tracing back its roots in the Buddhist era. Gradually, this ethnic fabric spread out its essence to the southern parts of India and became richly prominent in Kerala. This style of fabric finds its original essence in Graeco-Roamn culture where it was known as “Palmyrene”
The long piece of garment with bold gold border was pinned on the left shoulder often as a pallu, and not considered apt for draping as a saree. However, this attire until the 1970’s was not worn as a sari, post which women largely embraced the trend of Kasavu and accepted the piece of garment to be worn as an upper garment.
Such sarees are often draped during the religious ceremonies like Onam festival when women collectively come together to celebrate the spirit of festivity or often worn by the brides for an auspicious ocassion. Kasavu sarees are only worn when women perform folk dance and folklores together with their tribe. Traditional copper jewelry and even authentic gold jewelry compliments the wearer with such elegantly tailored saris. To keep their glow and charm intact for long, it is better to dry clean these sarees for the first few washes, and later hand clean them for a gorgeous look.
Here are some of our stunning Bollywood celebrities who flaunt their enigmatic Kasuva sari look:
Sonam Kapoor
Image Courtesy: Bollywood Shaadis
Ever since Sonam Kapoor grooved and spell her sensational magic on-screen with her women tribe in the movie Aisha wearing the iconic Kasavu sari, young women were going berserk over this simple, sophisticated and elegant trend. And why not? Aren’t the gloriously designed and subtle saris all about the understated glamour, well we completely think so!
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Image Courtesy: India Today
Miss Universe and a veteran Bollywood actress, Rai is surely one of the most beautiful women in the world. But, we love how she gorgeously carries off her ethnic ensembles with an equal ease and comfort. Ushering in an iridescent cream and gold embroidered Kasavu saree, she holds her daughter Aradhya's hands and looks out of a beautiful dream.
Kangana Ranaut
Image Courtesy: Vogue India
This badass straight forward opinionated and substantial woman is quite a fashion rage. We are dying whenever she’s at airport because her off-duty looks are always on-fleek. And yet we wonder how she manages to drop our jaws in simple subtle and muted tones. If there’s anyone on this planet who could alter our fashion choices, Kangana will top our chart because Kasavu saree on airport, is totally goals!
Karishma Kapoor
Image Courtesy: Vogue India
This timeless beauty draped a gorgeous kasavu and added her own style twist with a statement designer blouse in violet hue. The pretty actress from the 90’s is completely slaying the look and giving us major goals. The gajra adorned bun enhanced her traditional look.
Deepika Padukone
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Our absolute favourite and the most enigmatic and talented actresses currently, Deepika is all set to tie the knot. But, we love how she maintained elan and highbrow class in this scintillating Kasavu saree with a ponytail hairstyle. And of course, some everlasting accessories to add a touch of elegance. This is a modern version of wearing a Kasavu sari, the other way could have been pairing with a black saree blouse and going for traditional touches like a bun,gajra and bindi.
Jacqueline Fernandes
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Popularly known as Jacky, the slender legs beauty queen and “Housefull 3” famed actress was spotted in this authentic Kasavu saree at an event recently. She gave us original Kerala inspiration with her hairstyle and makeup complimenting the city’s cultural values.
Priyanka Chopra
Image Courtesy: India Today
The dynamic and superstar of Hollywood is here to steal your heart away in this impeccably tailored cream and gold handcrafted kasavu saree. She paired this beautiful sari with a bright and vibrantly embroidered red and gold blouse that etched every bit of party in our minds.
Article By : Ambika Asthana
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