A Benarasi sari is undoubtedly one of the most treasured items in every Indian woman’s wardrobe. Be it one passed down from earlier generations or a fresh purchase, the six-yard Benarasi drape is also a quintessential part of an Indian woman’s trousseau.
Benaras-based heirloom brand Sacred Weaves, a sister concern of one of the biggest Benarasi sari outfits JDS Banaras, has been operating since 2017. Their cherrypicked assortment of handwoven pure silk Benarasi saris stands as a testament to their rich heritage, tapestries that speak of their expertise in sustaining the handloom industry for centuries, and immaculate craftsmanship with painstaking attention to detail. The driving force behind the brand, Shruti Shah, in an e-mail interview with t2, talked about the brand’s new collection of Benarasi saris, Sunahari, beaming with a lustrous silk texture and radiant appeal and grandeur made with golden metallic shades.
Benarasi saris are as old as time. You are a relatively new entrant in this space, although a spin-off from JDS Banaras, a legacy in itself. What is it that allures patrons to this new arm of the business?
Established in 2017, Sacred Weaves seamlessly marries the timeless allure of age-old Benarasi weaves with the convenience of online shopping. At the heart of this brand lies a profound dedication to preserving and enhancing the inherent beauty of meticulously crafted handloom pure silk Benarasi saris.
What sets Sacred Weaves apart is its heritage. As a part of the renowned JDS family, with a heritage spanning over a century in the art of handloom Banarasi sari manufacturing, this label effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. It has made an indelible mark in both domestic and international markets, capturing the essence of Benarasi heritage and presenting it on the global fashion stage. One distinctive feature that sets Sacred Weaves apart is its commitment to authenticity. We are also certified by Silk Mark. With every Benarasi sari sold under the Sacred Weaves label, customers receive a certificate of authenticity, affirming the lineage and the craftsmanship behind each piece. Moreover, for those seeking assurance of the highest quality, Sacred Weaves provides an HSN Code - 5007, a hallmark of genuine silk material.
What goes into making each piece?
We have our manufacturing units in Varanasi. It takes at least a month to create one piece. Saris at Sacred Weaves are made from pure silk and are handwoven by skilled artisans who use laborious weaving techniques like kadhua or cutwork.
Tell us about your new collection, Sunahari.
Sunahari is an embodiment of the beauty and elegance of metallic shades, inspired by the shimmering radiance of metals, including copper, silver, and gold. These saris are meticulously woven with golden metallic threads. These metallic hues are perfect for weddings, receptions, festive gatherings, and other special occasions if one aims to make a bold fashion statement. This collection has a beautiful colour palette of pink, green, beige, peach, blue, black, grey, yellow, purple, yellow, cream, pastel pink and more.