Malavika Mohanan chose to wear a sari for an appearance during the festive season last week. Eschewing saris with surface ornamentation techniques and embroideries, she used the occasion to highlight a heritage weaving technique from Varanasi. She wore a pink Banarasi silk sari from Label Sourav Das, the designer’s namesake brand, specialising in bespoke handwoven creations.
The sari features motifs inspired by a hunting ground but with a design twist—instead of weaving it as such, the designer interpreted the scenery, inspired by the temple architecture observed during the Pallava dynasty. The Dravidian motifs of hamsa (a bird), hasti (an elephant) and annapakshi (mythical creatures found in Hindu mythology, which has the body and beak of a swan and the feathers of a peacock), enclosed in a ‘charkhana’. According to Das, the sari is woven in kadwa technique—an ancient labour-intensive weaving technique, which originated in Varanasi where each motif is woven separately. The designer also shared how the sari was “inspired by an 18th century devdasi sari”. She paired the sari with a matching blouse with an open back held together with doris.
The actor accessorised with temple style jewellery, with pearl and enamel-encrusted necklace featuring a motif of a seated goddess, matching earrings, kaan chains, traditional helix piercings called bugadis, and nose piercing and septum ring. Her makeup was simple with an emphasis on the eyes with a smoky effect and elongated lashes, with flushed cheeks and a small bindi. Her waist-long hair was styled in a messy braid to tie the look together.
From the Vogue desk:
“The sari is perfect for modern-traditionalist brides who want to wear a heritage sari for their main wedding ceremony, while parking fusion looks aside for other pre- and post-wedding events. For a bridal look, one can also consider wearing a temple jewellery belt with motifs of goddess Lakshmi, which is typical of traditional cummerbunds,” says Ashwini Arun Kumar, Vogue India fashion features editor.
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