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Banaras has gained a countrywide reputation for its exemplary cultural contributions. From cuisine, artefacts, religious establishments, and authentic North Indian shopping, you can find it all. 

In a sea of endless options, one aspect not many people pay attention to is the refined textiles collection. The city's age-old craftsmanship and premium choice of fibres have birthed some of the most renowned textile choices. 

One stand-out choice among the endless Banarasi fabrics is brocade. Banarasi brocade is among the most luxurious fabrics. 

The intricate work, lustrous textures, and heavyweight adornment are just a handful of reasons why these fabrics are popular for high-end fashion choices. 

To keep up with the evolving times, designers have devised various uses for brocade in everyday services. From clothing to interior to even hosiery, using brocade fabrics enriches the appeal of the articles. 

However, the most long-standing use of brocade has been in sarees. They have been a fashion symbol for ages, signifying a sense of luxury and exclusivity.

Let us talk more about the origin, consequent processes and styling of Banarasi sarees and understand them better. 

What are Banarasi brocade sarees?

Banarasi Sarees are the most iconic attire of Indian culture. They depict grace, simplicity, authenticity, and beauty. However, a Banarasi brocade saree takes it up a notch.

It is the most luxurious attire, made of the most refined raw materials and embodied with luxury decorations.

The richly designed raised patterns, the use of fine silk fibres, and the use of actual silver/gold zari fibres are what make this saree stand out from the usual sarees. 

[Read About The Reminiscent Journey Of Banarasi Fabric To A Saree]

Origin

The historical references to brocade can be traced back to ages ago. It started as a royal symbol.

The exclusively royal families in Greece, Korea, China, Japan, and the Byzantine Empire wore the fabric to show off their elite status.

This status symbol entered the Indian subcontinent through the silk route. 

Upon arrival, the local Banarsi artisans adapted the brocade according to then-predominant Hindu culture. Hence, the Indian version had a sun, moon, stars, plants, and animals. 

The Indian artisans, known as Karigars, hail from the holy lands of Banaras, thus offering the most refined outcomes.

They passed down their skills to upcoming generations in an attempt to preserve the work, which continues to stay relevant even today! 

[Read About The Roots Of Banarasi Sarees In The Holy City Of Banaras]

How are they made? 

By now, we have established that brocade is a finely prepared fabric with rich details.

But have you ever wondered what factors contribute to the timeless richness of this fabric?

Let us understand more information about the manufacturing process and what it entails. 

The preliminary preparation step includes extracting and refining the finely woven silk strands. The warp and weft fabrics are layered onto each other to make the material lasting and sturdy. 

To give the Banarasi brocade sarees their defining edge, you will notice an additional set of weft threads made of silver or gold. These strands are known as "zari," woven in different motifs and patterns to elevate a saree's appeal. 

[Read About The Significance Of Motifs And Designs In Banarasi Sarees]

You may also spot compact weaving, figures with small details, and metallic visual effects. Since the saree is made of silk fibres, the saree's drape comes in quite naturally and gives a nice fall. 

There has been an inevitable advancement in the emergence of factories and machine-based Banarasi brocade saree manufacturer units.

However, the local Banarasi artisans utilize the traditional handloom to design each saree with equal dedication and precision.

The careful attention to detail and refined craftsmanship make each saree a piece of art and an individualistic effort.

People prefer the intricately done design work on their clothes, making them feel exclusive and unique. 

Styling Banarasi brocade sarees 

As one may be aware, fashion is the most evolving aspect of the human lifestyle. Years of evolution, change, and inspiration allow the creative juices to flow.

The masterminds of the fashion industry have channelled this creativity into making new styles out of traditional sarees. 

Due to its luxurious look and premium accessibility, brocade sarees were reserved for exclusive occasions.

The garment's rich appeal and extravagant materials make it an obvious choice for special events. 

While an authentic Banarasi saree looks its best in all shapes and forms, having an experimental eye can truly elevate the look of your outfit.

The easy drape and timeless designs make these sarees a versatile choice for all events that demand your best fashion games. 

No matter your body shape, weight, or height, the following tips will make you the head-turner at all events. 

• Pair up your saree with a contrasting-coloured blouse 

• Experiment further with your blouse by choosing different necklines, sleeves, and back cuts

• Add a statement accessory like kamar bandh to tie your outfit together

• Elevate the look of your saree drape by styling a matching scarf or dupatta 

• Try a double pallu to change your saree's look truly 

• Drape your saree in a lehenga style to give it a transformational look 

• Use your saree as a drape with a stylish kurta pajama set 

[Read About Chiffon Banarasi Saree For Party Stylish Makeover Ideas]

If you wish to take things up a notch, you can alter your saree to make it a suit piece, top, choli, or skirt. The ease of assimilating a designed fabric into daily clothing makes for an ideal fashion investment. 

Many international designers have also wholeheartedly welcomed the Banarasi textile influence in their collections. They have used their refined artistic skills to accommodate historical textiles in new-age fashion. 

[Read About Rich Banarasi Saree Weaves Popular Among New Age Women]

Conclusion

Ultimately, we can conclude that the longevity and adaptation of Banarasi brocade sarees have defined India's fashion statements.

The lasting legacy of the Banarasi brocade has been around for centuries and continues to be an iconic choice. 

This Anvisha blog briefed you about the garment's origin, making, usage, and primary details. We also quickly examined the various styling options to keep your old sarees new and relevant.

We hope this blog helped you learn further information about the oldest symbolisms of Banarasi pride!