8 designers to bookmark for your next shopping trip
The saree, a timeless Indian garment steeped in tradition, has undergone a renaissance in the past few years. Today's discerning woman seeks not just the charisma of the saree but also the effortless ease of modern dressing. The concept of a pre-draped saree is perhaps apt enough—a conscientiously crafted fusion of heritage and modern innovation.
Pre-draped sarees are a cheat code, doing away with the nuances of draping while still allowing the wearer to appreciate the garment. From couturiers who reinterpret heirloom techniques to younger designers pushing the boundaries of design, here are the pre-draped saree brands you need to know.
Labels to Seek Out for Pre-Draped Sarees
431-88 by Shweta Kapur
431-88 by Delhi-based designer Shweta Kapur caters to urban Indian women with a minimalist aesthetic. Known for its take on athleisure, the label’s pre-draped sarees follow a similar design sensibility. Kapur’s pre-draped sarees have been seen on celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor. The sarees are lightweight with minimal embellishment and a built-in petticoat.
Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre has long cultivated a loyal following for her effortless Indian wear. Her pre-draped sarees are crafted from eco-conscious fabrics such as Bemberg chiffon and georgette, showcasing the artistry of women from rural India. Dongre's commitment to social sustainability helps preserve these artisans' livelihoods, keeping traditional weaving techniques alive.
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431-88 by Delhi-based designer Shweta Kapur caters to urban Indian women with a minimalist aesthetic. Image: Instagram.com/431_88
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Anita Dongre's pre-draped designs offer a flawless foundation that flatters every silhouette. Image: Anitadongre.com
Her pre-draped designs offer a flawless foundation that flatters every silhouette. Vibrant florals, delicate pastels, and modern block prints take centre stage. Dongre’s pre-draped sarees are perfect for every occasion, catering to the modern woman on the go.
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna
The designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s popular pre-draped sarees are made from tulle, featuring embellishments such as crystals, beads, and metallic hematite. These sarees are the perfect solution for all your party-wear dilemmas.
Adorned with fringes and handcrafted 3D floral and geometric motifs as well as crystals, sequins, and real pearls, these sarees are frequently seen on celebrities like Shilpa Shetty and Kajal Aggarwal. The uniform diamond artwork adds an extra layer of light and texture.
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Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna's designs are often adorned with fringes and handcrafted 3D floral and geometric motifs as well as crystals, sequins, and real pearls. Image: Instagram.com/rohitgandhirahulkhanna
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If you are looking for a statement piece, look no further than Falguni and Shane Peacock. Their A-list clientele includes Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Kardashian, and Janhvi Kapoor. Image: Instagram.com/falgunishanepeacock
Falguni Shane Peacock
If you are looking for a statement piece, look no further than Falguni and Shane Peacock. Their A-list clientele includes Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Kardashian, and Janhvi Kapoor.
Their pre-draped sarees feature Swarovski crystals, sequins, feathered hems, and tassels.
Combining sheer fabrics such as tulle and net with beaded embroidery creates a captivating textural contrast. The sarees are adorned with intricate threadwork embroidery and are versatile enough to be worn as gowns.
Ridhima Bhasin
Given her family's background in textiles, Ridhima Bhasin's eponymous contemporary women's wear label focuses on the interplay of Indian textiles with signature prints and mirror embellishments. Bhasin’s muse is a young, bold woman who is confident in her own skin—a trait that is reflected in her pre-draped sarees.
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Ridhima Bhasin’s muse is a young, bold woman who is confident in her own skin—a trait that is reflected in her pre-draped sarees. Image: Instagram.com/ridhimabhasinofficial
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Amit Aggarwal’s use of unconventional materials transforms industrial discards like polymers and rubber into luxurious textures. Image: Instagram.com/amitaggarwalofficial
With delicate threadwork, intricate zardozi, and contemporary beadwork in a range of whites, creams, and jewel tones, Bhasin blends modern details with traditional textiles. Her outfits have been worn by Kiara Advani, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Amit Aggarwal
When it comes to textiles, Amit Aggarwal is an artist who melds impermeable materials into pre-draped sarees where the designs mimic the intricate veins of a leaf. Aggarwal’s use of unconventional materials transforms industrial discards like polymers and rubber into luxurious textures.
His signature style lies at the intersection of traditional and futuristic, redefining classic Indian silhouettes with clean cuts, sharp angles, and unexpected volumes, all dipped in a palette of metallics.
Rimzim Dadu
Rimzim Dadu’s eponymous label is synonymous with textile innovation and surface work. She takes inspiration from the beauty of industrial materials, transforming them into metallic fabrics that evoke the fluidity of molten metal.
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Rimzim Dadu’s eponymous label is synonymous with textile innovation and surface work. Image: Instagram.com/rimzimdaduofficial
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Lylah Shah, the founder of Ituvana, blends Indian and Indonesian influences in her work. Image: Instagram.com/ituvana
Dadu's signature technique pushes the boundaries of textile technology. 3D applique work in floral motifs on the fabrics lends a sense of organic movement.
Ituvana
Lylah Shah, the founder of Ituvana, blends Indian and Indonesian influences in her work. The brand’s readymade pleated sarees are crafted from natural fabrics like handwoven cotton and silk.
An appreciation for the efforts of the artisans as well as veneration for the environment translates into the comfort of a soft cotton kurta with embroidery details or the effortless drape of a silk pre-stitched saree.
Also Read: Gen-Z has readily embraced the ease and versatility the saree offers
Also Read: Homegrown labels are breaking away from pre-draped sarees to re-embrace Indian craftsmanship