Sarees have always been an essential part of any Indian woman’s wardrobe. This need and popularity have led to many different fabrics, designs and styles popping up from various parts of India. The diversity of India plays a huge role in this. One unique and beautiful style of decorating fabrics for saree is the art of Kalamkari. The original art form originated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. ‘kalam’ means pen, while ‘kari’ means art or work. Thus, using this beautiful art, elaborate designs are created on saree fabrics using a pen. A tamarind pen and natural dyes create intricate and decorated designs.
Cow dung, seeds, crushed flowers, and many plant species are used to produce various effects on the Kalamkari fabric. For best results, the Kalamkari cloth must be coloured after each and every dyeing procedure. Many people work to create handloom sarees in India, and Kalamkari sarees are one such handloom product that calls for creativity, devotion, and a love of painting. Kalamkari sarees are regarded as a luxurious and stylish option. The stories told on these sarees provide a healing and refreshing aura. Hence, this is one of the most preferred types of sarees by Indian women.
Originally, scenes from the Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana were depicted beautifully on various fabrics. Nowadays, it also includes many floral and natural patterns. Flowers, peacocks, trees, leaves and other nature-inspired designs are elaborated elegantly onto fabrics. Most of the drawing and art is done freehand using a pen. The filling, later on, is also entirely done by hand. Earthy and rusty colors like mustard, indigo, black, green, etc., are used to design these pieces, to showcase the beauty of nature.
Initially, this beautiful craft was restricted to the use of cotton only. But now, the art has been extended to a variety of silks, crepe, chiffon, georgette, Chanderi, etc. Based on the methods and motifs employed, there are three different categories of Kalamkari artwork:
The Kalamkari saree is an excellent pick for any woman who wants a classy and sophisticated look. The designs utilized on the saree's body must be considered while wearing this saree since the shoes or accessories used should ideally fit the overall style and theme of the print to avoid clashing or looking awful. As a result, it's critical to ensure that everything complements each other beautifully and creates a stunning ensemble.
High-heeled shoes are the most excellent choice for wearing a kalamkari saree since they greatly enhance the fall of the pallu. While older ladies choose classic high-heeled sandals that are more comfortable and simpler to walk in, younger women prefer to wear trendier shoes like platform shoes with their clothing.
Given that the kalamkari style is primarily associated with south India, it is significant to notice that this garment can benefit significantly from regional aesthetics. Gold sets and other South Indian jewelry can appear gorgeous and genuinely highlight the overall natural luster of the outfit.