Zari - Where Embroidery Defines Prestige

Considered to be at the pinnacle of embroidery, Zari is the fashion aficionado’s desire when it comes to detailing their special outfits. 

Whether it is for a wedding or a gathering, zari is the most glamorous choice to raise the eyebrows of all those who look at you. And for Indians, it is a just a matter of going ahead your fashion with panache.

 

 

What is Zari?

To be precise, zari is a brocade of fine threads made from metal, that reflects light off of it to awe anyone that looks onto it. Zari has been an age-old sign of prestige and elegance because the tinsel used was exclusively made out of noble metals like gold and silver.. 

Besides the sheer richness of the material, zari is recognized to be at the level of royal embroidery thanks to the intricate designs and patterns that are woven by artisans. These artisans were known widely to recreate a simple textile into a magical piece of art.

Despite having its origin in Persia, zari has firmly set its roots in India, because of which the country is known as the largest producer of handcrafted zari threads. Today it is a common practice for Indian bridalwear to be laden with zari embroidery.

 

 

Style depends on Textile

Zari is broadly classified into two categories - Zardosi and Kamdani.

Zardosi, also known as the traditional Persian method of weaving gold, is done with heavy embroidery, closely women to form a sheen across the surface of the textile. It is a representation of opulence and is a common sight during weddings in lehengas and sarees.

Kamdani, on the other hand, is noticeably lighter. This style of embroidery is normally used on textile that is too soft and fragile to handle the stress of heavy weaving without falling apart. By using the textile as a basis of the design, Kamdan is largely to create vivid patterns for accessories and sashes.

 

 

Changes through the Ages

Like any other fashion aspect, zari too has gone through various changes over the years.
Initially, rare metals like gold and silver were found in plenty and there was not much use of it besides creating jewellery and accessories. Zari has always been considered a symbol of regality as in those times, authentic threads used to be made out of finely woven gold or silver. 

As gold became commonly used in other industries like electronics, and in recognition of the scarcity of these noble metals,it is common to use electroplated copper as a substitute. The embroidery retains its shine and applies less duress on the cloth.

With advancements in technology, modern day zari is synthesized with a different metallic compound. This solution was created in response to the growing demand for zari for its twinkly appearance. 

The fact that this modern-day metallic zari does not tarnish nor lose its lustre over a period of time has gained it a genuine audience that acknowledges its value.

Today, there is a market across the globe that makes use of zari in fashion in different forms.
The balance in embroidery is one of the most crucial aspects of zari and true artisans know the exact depth that is needed for every masterpiece that they weave.
Pawan and Pranav have always made use of the finest techniques in creating every garment. Our artisans have in-depth knowledge in the finer details of cloth weaving and paying attention to such fine detailing is a hallmark that we are proud to have established. 

To check out our collections, visit-
pawanandpranav.com