Lagdi Patola !

Growing up, I had always heard about my mom's wish to own a Patola saree. I had never seen one, and I didn't know what the fuss was all about. Also, I didn't understand, if my mom really wanted the saree so bad why wasn't she buying one. She finally bought one, but she was quick to point out it was not the authentic one, and that it was an imitation. I didn't understand what that meant, and I thought the saree looked just okay.
But as I grew up and saw more and more versions of the Patola saree, my love and fondness for this weave grew slowly but steadily.
I do not own it yet, but some day, I would love to own it. But guess what! A few months ago, I found this imitation Patola saree in my MIL's wardrobe, and I had to drape it.
But before we move on to the pictures, I quickly wanted to add a little about Patola sarees.

There are essentially two varieties of Patola sarees. One is the Rajkot Patola and the other is the Patan Patola. Patan Patola sarees are far more expensive than the Rajkot Patolas, as they are double Ikat weaves that are horizontally resist-dyed. While their cheaper counterparts - the Rajkot ones, are single Ikat and vertically resist-dyed.

The easiest way to identify a Patola saree is it's price tag. If the saree costs less than a lakh rupees, you are most definitely buying a fake one. The price range of a genuine Patan Patola sarees is in the range of Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 3,00,000. A Patola dupatta costs somewhere around Rs. 50,000.

Patola sarees were considered a symbol of status amonst Gujrati women, and had a special place in their wedding trousseau.

Depending upon the pattern and design, weaving one Patola Saree, takes somewhere around six months to one year.

It is said that genuine Patola sarees never fade even after heavy wear and tear. And the colours can last for about 300 years. This makes them perfect for heirloom gifting.

Since the process of Patola weaving is so tedious and hectic, Patola weavers weave this saree only in silk. Weaving in cotton is considered a waste.

It is advisable to always dry clean a Patola Saree. Using detergents to wash it and exposure to direct sunlight can damage the saree.

And now scroll down for pictures.

 

Hope you liked the post. Do you own a Patola saree? Would love to see your pictures.

Palam Silks Launches Dynasty Collection

Today's post is about a brand that So-Saree has always been a fan of.
I am talking about Palam Silks. I had earlier introduced you to them when they had launched their Concert and Folklore collection. And now they are back with another collection.
Since its inception, Palam Silks has always leaned toward unique Kanchivarams, blending vintage and vogue in unique and refreshing ways. Their latest - the Dynasty Collection is a celebration of that space with a design palette that embodies deep-rooted Tamizh culture and history while retaining Palam’s regal touch.

History is who we are and why we are the way we are.
-David McCullough


Apprehending history in the pages of the books might be a norm, but with the Dynasty Collection, Palam Silks has attempted to capture the essence of history in the weaves and folds of silk which in itself is no easy feat. The latest collection by Palam Silks offers a delightful voyage into the past while exploring the four great empires of South India - the Pallavas, Cholas, Cheras and Pandavas. It is a tribute to Tamil Royalty who for centuries, patronised and preserved Tamil artistry and craftsmanship.
Inspired by the ancient coins, sigils and temple sculptures of that era, the Dynasty Collection is a majestic range of silk sarees that have intricately woven designs with gold and silver zari work into the bhuttas and pallu. The collection comprises of a vibrant color pallete that depicts mint greens, turquoise blues, sunflower yellows, makin its way to lavender and beige evening hues.This collection aims to dive deeper into the folds of history and weave a story of the flourishing Tamil culture and Parambarya.
Designer and founder of Palam Silks, Mrs Jeyasree Ravi says, "Flaunt your legacy in a very edgy way. From a young age, I've heard about our rich South Indian history and I was always keen to bring forth our culture through silk. The more I learnt about our ancient lineage and Tamizh workmanship, the more inspired I was to tell their story through my designs. Normally when someone appreciates our saree, we instantly talk about what we are wearing. But this collection is a story in itself. Here, you can describe the legacy of each coin-inspired bhutta. A silk patron will never find similar bhuttas in their wardrobe. The designs are beautiful, one-of-a-kind and eye-catching.”
Lets quickly get a sneak peak into the collection.

Inspiration: Pallava Coins, Flag and Temple Structure

Collection:




Inspiration: Chola Coin

Collection:


Inspiration: Chera Coins

Collection:




After 15 years of compelling designs, Palam Silks continues to break the notion of silk as conventional bridal wear and makes it more relevant in the fashion industry for all generations. Palam’s silk sarees are more than just fabric, they are the quintessence of feminine grace and beauty. These timeless sarees have appealed to women of all ages, across India and abroad. Showcased in three centrally located showrooms in Chennai at Anna Nagar, Pondy Bazaar and Oliver Road.  The collection is also available on the Palam Silks website and app. Priced between Rs.15,000 to 25,000, these sarees are a complete steal.
For more, please visit their website, FB and Instagram.