Banarasi Silk and Its Popularity in the Global Fashion Industry
Banarasi silk sarees have stood the test of time and have never gone out of style despite being in the market for many years. There’s just something special about the richly and intricately woven fabric comprising the Banarasi saree. Maybe it’s the golden look or the oozing regality of its designs that render this saree magical.
If you are intrigued by Banarasi silk fabric, then here is everything you need to know about the famed woven saree from the holy city of Banaras.
The Origin of Banarasi Silk Saree
You may have seen some of your favorite celebrities sport the Banarasi silk attire, but do you know its history? Some historians link Banarasi silk to the clothing of gods in Puranas. However, this pure silk saree came into existence and quickly gained popularity during the rule of Akbar who was a Mughal emperor.
He cherished various types of Banarasi sarees but gave priority to the pure silk saree, so much that he did not limit its use to clothing. The emperor adorned his entire palace with the original Banarasi saree, and his love for the fabric ultimately motivated Muslim weavers to produce the attire commercially.
Elegant and Colorful Designs
The Indian saree, also known as sari or shari, is among the most beautiful outfits for Indian women. Long ago, this marvelous and lustrous outfit was only worn in India, especially by women from high society. Gradually, more Indians adopted the Banarasi sari for the glamorous colors and flexibility that comes with it.
It is worth mentioning that these sarees add to a woman’s beauty and status, and this might be the reason why the attire gained rapid popularity in India. There is also an increase in the number of online stores selling Banarasi silk, which makes it readily available for people living in different parts of the world. Had it not been for the high prices of the Indian saris, the Banarasi saree would have been even more popular.
Banarasi Is a Special-Occasion Attire
The Banarasi saree may have originated from and mostly worn in India, but it is quickly gaining acceptance throughout the world. The growth of the Banarasi silk industry was originally hampered by the stiff competition from mechanized products and fabrics comprising fairly cheap synthetic alternatives to this fashionable fabric.
However, the industry soon recovered significantly because it’s widely used in Indian special occasions, including weddings, get-togethers, religious ceremonies, and award functions.
Also, musicians, comedians, dancers, and actors regularly adorn this attire, boosting its popularity throughout the world including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.
If you’re a Hollywood fan, you may have noticed that actors like Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie draw inspiration from Bollywood celebrities and have been seen wearing Indian saree on several red carpet occasions.
Famous Indian Designers Producing Banarasi Saree
Another factor that has contributed to the fast growth of the Banarasi saree industry is the increase in the popularity of famous sari designers from India. The renowned designers work with the Indian government to promote the brand on a global scale. Designer sarees can be worn by women of all ages, including girls, and thus, it’s not uncommon to find teenage girls wearing this outfit in different parts of the world.
Also, there are many Indians living in Europe and the US who strictly adhere to their native norms and traditions, including Indian-themed outfits. In early 2020, the Banarasi silk saree experienced a dip in business due to the corona pandemic, which hampered trade in almost every country. Fortunately, the industry is slowly picking up with things slowly returning to normal.
How to Check the Purity of the Banarasi Silk Sarees
If you’re seeking to identify a pure Banarasi silk saree, you need to inspect the outfit’s reverse side. It should feature weft grids and a floating warp. A pure Banarasi silk saree also boasts of golden and silver threads that look beautiful from all angles.
Another important thing to look out for when buying this attire is an 8-inch long patch of plain silk. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re buying genuine saree online by checking customer reviews.
The Bottom Line
The Banarasi silk saree is renowned for its beautiful colors and flexibility, which explains why many women are going for it. This attire originated from India but has slowly gained popularity in the rest of Asia and other continents.
Its reputation is largely attributed to many celebrities and other high-profile women wearing it and the promotion of the brand India in North America, Europe, and Australia.
