A group of intricately decorated shuttle-woven fabrics known as brocade are frequently constructed of coloured silks and occasionally contain gold and silver threads. Depending on the materials used in production, brocade can be either natural or synthetic. When either silk or cotton is used in the weaving process, the fabric is considered to be natural because none of these materials was created by humans.
Banarasi silk fabric is a fine quality silk variant originating from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Banarasi silk has its roots deep in the rich history of India. Their special characteristics are Mughal-inspired designs/elements such as intricate floral and foliate motifs. Other features are gold work, compact weaving, figures with small details, metallic visual effects, “jali” and “meena” work. Traditional Indian fashion and the Banarasi silk fabric go hand in hand. There are different varieties of Banarasi fabrics that are used to make elegant salwar kameez.
The Banarasi trend has been around for centuries with no intentions of leaving anytime soon. With its international appeal increasing now than ever before, fashion houses are recognizing this need and are including this traditional weave into their clothing lines. After all, a traditional Banarasi weave is something of a must in Indian wardrobes