Weaves & Wonders 2025: An insider’s tour

As makers of handloom Kanchipuram silk sarees, the most rewarding moment of the creative process is the presentation of our weaves. Watching our customers admiring the design and then gently touching the silk in appreciation shows us that craftsmanship still has its place. 

So, at the Weaves & Wonders 2025 showcase that was held in Chennai and Coimbatore, we unveiled our Festive Collection to an audience of patrons, journalists, celebrities, textile enthusiasts and digital creators. The program not only launched the 15 handwoven silk sarees from our 2025 Diwali Collection, but also featured dance performances and interactive displays that celebrated the inspirations and techniques behind the designs.

In Chennai, the event was held at My Bungalow on Eldams Road. The vintage bungalow was transformed into an exhibition space in which the silk sarees were displayed as pieces of art, not merely clothing. The 15 silk sarees from this year’s collection were spread out in canopies and cascades, inviting visitors to explore the festive silks in finer detail. At Maheshwari Bhavan in Coimbatore, the core collection was accompanied by 45 of our most prized innovations, such as the 702-feet-long silk saree that was awarded the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest saree in 2004.

Crafting weaves, telling stories

Enriched by diverse influences, our Festive Collection featured several capsules and each was showcased uniquely. For example, our Naturals capsule, which comprises naturally-dyed handloom Kanchipuram silk sarees, was accompanied by a display that paid tribute to the creative process. While a spinner refined the yarns and a weaver patiently worked away at his wooden handloom, our dyers set up colourful silk yarns alongside the natural ingredients - indigo, mulberry leaves, lac, marigold and more - that were used to dye them. The plain silk yarns were then dipped into the natural dyes, giving our guests a glimpse into the intricate processes that went into the making of the silk sarees. 

Visitors then went on to view the results, such as our Muppagam naturally-dyed silk saree. A heritage design, the festive saree features a palum pazhamum (milk and fruit) kattam (checked) pattern alongside dark maroon panels with kili (parrot) motifs in gold zari. Dyed with lac, myrobalan, indigo and sappan wood, the saree showcases the rich jewel tones that can be created with natural dyes.

 

Flowers and minerals can also create muted tones, such as the earthy copper hue of the Japanese-inspired Chrysanthemum handloom silk saree. Made with Indian madder, lac and mulberry, the festive silk saree with a running border spotlights Japanese floral motifs such as kiku (chrysanthemum) and sakura (cherry blossom) with exquisite gold zari detailing and Meenakari work. 

 

One of the standout sarees this season was the Rasleela handloom silk saree, which recreated Lord Krishna’s dance with his devoted gopikas in the forests of Vrindavan. The blue pallu turned into a sublime canvas, while the aquamarine body was decorated with peacock feather motifs. The saree was displayed alongside paintings of the Rasleela, showcasing the precision with which the painter’s brushstrokes were reflected on the saree’s pallu. The dance itself was brought to life by a semi-classical performance set to the soulful rendition of ‘Krishna Nee Begane’, sung exclusively by Sai Vignesh for RmKV.

 

Japanese silk sarees make their debut

Our Japanese capsule found inspiration in everything from the island nation’s textile crafts to its architecture and landscapes. The result was a fusion of Kanchipuram’s weaving techniques and Japanese motifs and embroidery. We were delighted to host Ms.Teraoka Mami, Researcher and Advisor for Culture and Information at the Consulate-General of Japan, who joined us for the event in Chennai. 

The Japanese influences in the collection were emphasised by decorative elements in the display. Japanese fans with delicate floral paintings and origami birds soaring skyward brought a sliver of Japan to Tamil Nadu. 

 

The Shashiko Reversible handloom korvai silk saree could well be the flag bearer of the collection. The world’s first-ever korvai reversible silk saree, this is a two-in-one drape that features unique designs on the front and reverse. One side features a dark green body with an orange border while the reverse is dark orange with a green and purple border. Kikyo (bellflower) motifs in gold zari adorn the body while a flowering vine has been traced on the attached border using the Shashiko embroidery technique from Japan. 

 

Kanchipuram’s famous korvai weaving technique made an appearance on the resplendent Kumo Korvai handloom silk saree as well, bringing together an array of Japanese motifs - from kumo (clouds) and sasa (bamboo leaves) to the triangular uroko (scales) - in perfect harmony.

 

The Japanese handloom silk saree with Mount Fuji depicted on the pallu was a crowd favourite; while the painterly perfection of the pallu was the first to catch the eye, guests lingered on to admire the intricate detailing of the overlapping seigaiha (wave) patterns on the indigo body and the masterful rendering of sakura and asanoha (hemp leaf) motifs on the gold zari border. 

 

The tsuru (Japanese crane), a symbol of enduring hope and regeneration, found its canvas on the naturally-dyed handloom silk saree that is based on Pantone’s Colour for 2025 - Mocha Mousse. Dyed using betel leaf and catechu, the silk saree features silver cranes soaring from the pallu into the body, framed by seigaiha motifs on the border. 

The collection of handloom Japanese silk sarees comprised eight stunning designs, each unique and a true representation of Japanese art and aesthetics. They can all be viewed here.

 

Inspired by the world, innovated by RmKV

 Our exclusive Lino sarees, which are made 40% lighter than regular Kanchipuram handloom silk sarees using a patented technique, are always in demand for the festive and wedding seasons. Every year, we utilise the Lino weaving technique to add new silk sarees to our collection. 

This year, our influences were far-flung; while one handloom creation celebrates the artistry of Bengal’s weavers, another references the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. The first, called the Dubla Lino Varna saree, is a Jamdani-inspired beauty that reinterprets the iconic dubla jaal (lattice pattern) in the Lino technique, making the silk saree especially airy and easy to wear. 

On the other Lino silk saree, Van Gogh’s dreamy ‘Field of Irises near Arles’ painting has been reproduced on the pallu in all its impressionist glory. The colours of the canvas are contrasted with the deep pink of the body, where strands of poppies and almond blossoms twirl around the basket-weave pattern that distinguishes the Lino technique.

 

A festive collection that celebrates craft 

The enthusiastic response that the Festive Collection received was immensely satisfying and the sarees were sold out in hours. They’re now available on a made-to-order basis. Yet, for us, success is measured in the support of our customers and our ability to convey the depth and versatility of Kanchipuram’s handloom craft. It’s what inspired the creation of RmKV in 1924 and continues to guide our efforts to this day.

 To view the full collection, please click here.