Founded in 1924 by Sri Rm.K.Visvanatha Pillai, RmKV today is reputed for its wedding silks, unique silk sarees, as well as family apparel, with large showrooms in Chennai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore and Bengaluru. With 100 years's experience in silk, we are identified with quality products, design innovations and new techniques in handloom silk weaving which have won us two National Awards. Today RmKV's vision is taken forward by Sri. Rm. K. Sivakumar, following in the illustrious foot-steps of his father Sri.V.Kumaraswamy and his brother Sri.K.Viswanathan.

The RmKV Design Studio has created numerous unique silk sarees to date, the most notable being Theme sarees such a s Chinnanchiru Kiliye, Durbar Krishna, Aishwarya Pookkal and Kural Ovium; the Grand Reversible Saree, the 50000-Colour saree, the Varnajaalam range, and the innovative Natural Silk range and Lino light-silk saree collections. Today you can custom-design your own saree in one of over 50000 colours, to be hand-woven by RmKV's team of master weavers.

RmKV also carries a wide range of fancy and embroidered sarees, salwar kameez, and a complete range of ladies, gents and children's products.

Innovations in Design

Hamsa Damayanti

Drape yourself with a piece of art that has been immortalised with a legendary tale of love. Hamsa Damayanti, the classic masterpiece of celebrated artist Raja Ravi Varma, narrates the romantic tale of King Nala and Queen Damayanti with a beautiful white swan playing Cupid between them. Woven in shades of crimson and laced with gold, the saga takes you back to the mythical era of fairy tale romances.

The Hamsa Damayanti is not just a Kanchipuram silk saree. It is where classical art meets innovative design. The saree pays a tribute to the royal painter and his immortal classic on his 150th anniversary and the centenary of the painting in 1999. It is a display of the innovative workmanship of the craftsmanship of the design team of RmKV and the talented weavers who have recreated this moment of love in silken splendour. Forty-five thousand jacquard cards and one lakh knots were used to create this magical moment alive. As the silk gently caresses you, fall in love once again.

RmKV has always been innovative in their designs and it is little wonder that this exquisite saree won the National Award in 1999.

Chinnanchiru Kiliye

It is sheer poetry crafted in silk. And it makes you want to break into song and dance. Musical and magical, this Kanchipuram saree is a melody translated into a language of silk. The muse is none other than the legendary Kavi (Poet) Subramaniya Bharatiyar and his Tamil verse ChinnanChiru Kiliye, which is an emotional outpouring of love and affection. An ode to the musical geniuses and legendary singers like ML Vasanthakumari who have sung this lilting melody, the saree depicts 32 Abhinayas or the Bharatanatyam dance poses, which are woven in golden zari on a lush green Kanchipuram saree.

Crafting unique designs has always been a forte of RmKV and the weavers have created this masterpiece in 1997 blending poetry, music and dance. The RmKV design studio has always been an inspiration for blending creativity, innovation and culture and this saree is the first in this tradition. It has been recorded in Limca Book of World Records in 1998 in the category of Unique Thematic Saree.

Aishwarya Pookal

Let us travel back in time and visit the magnificent abode of the kings of Travancore – the Padmanabhapuram Palace. Tucked away in a little village and surrounded by mountains, the ancient wooden palace filled with unique carvings is an ode to heritage. And now imagine yourself sashaying down the corridors of power in an elegant Kanchipuram saree with the pallu caressing the wooden sculptures... You are now a part of the legacy.

The Aishwarya Pookal refers to the 90 designs of flowers carved on the roof of the Padmanabhapuram palace and each of these exquisite designs is unique and represents wealth and prosperity. It is not just another Kanchipuram saree but is a tribute to the sculptures of the era. A National Award Winner in the year 1998, the saree is inspired by the architectural splendour of the palace and the heritage of the Travancore kings.

Tree of Life

Drape yourself in a world of nature wrapped in silk. There are peacocks dancing and birds singing. Exotic and colourful fruits are waiting to be plucked from myriad branches of a sacred tree. Rooted in symbolism and spirituality, The Tree of Life is a recurring theme in every faith. Almost every civilisation has its own folklore and culture depicting the Tree of Life. It represents qualities like strength, vitality and growth and symbolises family and fertility, but it also has deeper connotations of life, including rebirth and revival. It’s the ever-giving Kalpavriksha, the tree with divine fruits and flowers that grant every wish,

The multi-layered imagery of the Tree of Life has been a muse to many craftsmen across centuries. In traditional Indian art, the exquisite motif has been depicted in different media from ceramics to canvas. The complex designs, the perfect symmetry, the mystical motifs have all found expression in yards of silk woven and designed by the RmKV team. As you wear this sacred tree, resplendent in gold on you, you can feel the mesmerising and spiritual aura around you as every wish comes true.

Kuraloviyam

Blending threads of the sacred with the classic, music and poetry, temples and chariots, literature, and art - Kuraloviyam is a painting in silk and an ode to Tamil Nadu. A tribute to the venerable Saint Thiruvalluvar and his sacred verses – the Thirukkural, it is a celebration of the Tamil language. The design takes its inspiration from The Kural and of the 1330 couplets penned in the masterpiece, 18 have been chosen to be woven in this silken splendour.

A tussle between zari and silk, the pallu takes you into the heartland of Tamil Nadu, to the land of the Cholas to Thiruvarur near Thanjavur. The town is known for the legendary Thygaraja Swamy temple, the temple chariot car festival and the annual music festival dedicated to the saint composer.

Glittering in gold, the chariot car is one of the largest in Tamil Nadu towering at 96 feet and it now majestically adorns the pallu of the saree. Drape yourself in this ancient classic work of art, music, literature and culture that is timeless, simple and yet profound.

108 Karnas

Every weave in this silken splendour is a celebration. Blending music and dance, art and architecture, the Kanchipuram saree pays a tribute to the oldest Indian dance form - Bharatanatyam. The Natyashastra, a treatise on Indian dance, drama and music by Sage Bharataa describes 108 Karnas which have in turn inspired the sculptures of many temples, including the majestic Nataraja temple in Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu.

Each strand of silk in this saree has a musical note to it. The sculptures of the temples have become a muse to the designers and weavers, who have created this marvel of a saree with 108 Karnas that make you want to flow with the rhythm into a spiritual realm.

Longest Silk Saree

Cascade down the spiral staircases. Let yards of silk mesmerise everyone, leaving a trail of silken glory behind you as you cross their path. Watch the wonder in their eyes as you walk past them. Let the world stand aside and make way as you step forward, draped in the longest saree, measuring 702 feet or 214 metres. The wonder that is silk is never ending as it can wrap monuments, temples and towers. The length of the saree stretches beyond your imagination and is twice as long as the height of the Statue of Liberty.

The 60 feet pallu is a tribute to the timeless sculptures of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. Every detail has been magnificently woven to perfection. As you can feel the waves lashing against the monuments, sculptures from one of the largest bass reliefs - the Arjuna’s Penance are delicately woven in silk. Celestial beings and mythical creatures, lions and elephants, monkeys, and deer jostle for space here.

You are not wearing a saree, but a piece of heritage designed on the traditional loom. Handwoven passionately by three master weavers of RmKV with the help of 16 craftsmen, this masterpiece took about three months to be completed. It is a magnum opus indeed.

2000 Butta

A new millennium calls for a celebration in silk. Buttas have always been in vogue since time immemorial and can transform a shimmering silk saree into a vibrant expression. And the special 2000 Butta Saree with its six yards of distinct, different golden buttas is a sheer tribute to the spirit of the new millennium. The designers at RmKV decided to go in a simple but classic design to welcome the new era.

A butta is a small motif woven on the saree and the designs can vary from simple buttas to flowers and they add a different dimension to the saree and accentuating the entire look and feel. And with 2000 unique golden motifs dotting the silk saree, it definitely adds to the festive look.

Shilabalika

Shilabalikas or Madanikas are celestial nymphs and they are believed to epitomize the ideal woman form. The Belur Chennakesava temple pays an ode to them as the sculptors have carved them on the walls and pillars of the temple. Every detail is carved so beautifully as they are depicted as dancers, musicians, drummers or as hunters.There are 42 of these beautiful women, with 4 of them inside the shrine and the others adorning the outer walls.

The designers and weavers of RmKV have woven these beautiful women in the Shilabalika collection, with nine divine apsaras or nymphs adorning the pallu of the Kanchipuram saree. Inspired by the Hoysala sculptors and paying homage to the ancient temple, every strand of silk here comes with the same care and detail that created this shrine of lasting beauty.

Cindrella Pattu Pavadai

You don't need a magic wand to feel like a little princess. You are literally swept off your feet as a timeless fairy tale awaits you. As you drape this lovely pattu pavadai on your little girl, you step into an enchanting world filled with a quaint charm. The magic transports you into the world of Cinderella as you are lost in a spell cast by the designers at RmKV who have woven the magical fairy tale on the borders of the pavadai.

Dazzling in gold zari, each picture in this Cinderella silk pavadai is designed in exquisite detail, narrating the heart-warming story. East meets West as the fairies and witches designed on the Kanchipuram pattu pavadai lure you into a world of wonder.

Innovations in Colour

50000 Colour Silk Saree

Even the rainbow is no match for these palette of colours. The canvas here is a Kanchipuram silk saree and every individual yarn of silk is painted in myriad shades. Blink and the colour changes from hues of pinks and oranges to blues and greens, reds and purples to yellows and violets. There are 50000 rare colours and shades brightening your mood every moment. And the golden zari just enhances all the shades.

The saree is also an ode to a technological marvel. The artisans worked with the technical team and they blended traditional techniques with cutting edge technology in dyeing to produce individual yarn of silk in vibrant shades. The master weavers handpicked by RmKV team of designers patiently created the multi-hued rainbow and the handwoven beauty offers you an array of 50,000 colours in just one saree with the rarest of shades.

Varnajaalam Silk Saree

You wonder if it's an illusion or if your eyes are playing a trick on you. Inspired by Victor Vasarely, originator of Optical Art, the designers at RmKV tease your imagination by applying optical art to a traditional silk saree. Varnajaalam is all about magic and mirages. A strikingly rich and beautiful saree, you can see a symphony of colours blinding you. The beauty of the saree is the blending of trendy motifs on a traditional Kanchipuram silk, and it is a melange of abstract art and psychedelic patterns.

The unique and contemporary saree filled with intricate design is the first of its kind and is as magical as the RmKV talented team.

Varnajaalam and Ikat Varnajaalam

You wonder if it's an illusion or if your eyes are playing a trick on you. Inspired by Victor Vasarely, originator of Optical Art, the designers at RmKV tease your imagination by applying optical art to a traditional silk saree. Varnajaalam is all about magic and mirages. A strikingly rich and beautiful saree, you can see a symphony of colours blinding you. The beauty of the saree is the blending of trendy motifs on a traditional Kanchipuram silk, and it is a melange of abstract art and psychedelic patterns.

The unique and contemporary saree filled with intricate design is the first of its kind and is as magical as the RmKV talented team. A blend of Ikat and Varnajaalam has also been conceptualised and created by the master weavers of the RmKV Design Studio and has been patented as well using the KV Technique.

Natural Saree

At RmKV we are committed to being environment friendly. As Climate Change and Global Warming are being discussed everywhere, we wanted our designs to also reflect our beliefs and ideals. The Natural Saree draws its inspiration from the heritage of the past and is a tribute to nature. The team dedicated the saree to reviving vegetable dyes that were used naturally thousands of years ago by the artists and artisans of the bygone era.

The Natural Saree is as natural as it can get. Traditional and natural elements from Mother Earth were blended in earthen pots and pans to extract natural colours using traditional methods. The silken yarns were then dyed in these beautiful colours. Every bit of the process was an ode to the natural tradition and heritage. The colours are all reflections of nature, without any artificial flavours. There are over 100 shades and every hue is derived from the environment around us. As you wear this saree, it’s like draping the entire wealth of nature on you.

Innovations in Fabrics

The Grand Reversible Silk Saree

Nothing is a match for this magnum opus of a saree. Even the RmKV team of designers and weavers have surpassed themselves with this masterpiece. Consider this - One saree but four stunning pallus, four matching borders, two distinct bodies and there are dual sides to the same Kanchipuram silk. Presenting you The Grand Reversible Silk Saree.

This is where art meets science as it is the first of its kind. Conceptualised of RmKV design studio, master weavers were handpicked by the team and special looms were created to weave this saree. The unique and extraordinary technique used to create this masterpiece has been patented reinforcing RmKV as being pioneers and experts in silk sarees.

Nagasu – Embossed silk saree

One in million look and a never-before feel are two hallmarks of this first ever, patented technique of embossed design on silk that display an immaculate blend of traditional motifs and contemporary patterns.

Lino

While the team at RmKV has been working on innovative designs, there has also been a focus on creating “breath-taking” innovative steps in fabric as well. Lino is a collection of lightweight silk saris that could literally “breathe”. A patented technique in silk weaving, Lino Sarees make you feel light and airy and you can almost feel like you can fly. Lino Technology has been patented by RmKV and there have been a few versions created like Lino Blue and Lino Lite Silks.

The sarees woven from the finest silk, weigh almost 40 % lesser allowing the wearer to feel comfortable. The bold and contemporary colours and patterns woven in this saree and its lightweight appeal to the younger generation who wear these sarees with panache.

Awards

Guinness Record – Longest Saree 2004

In 2004, RmKV created another revolution in design with the innovative and creative spirit of 16 craftsmen and designers - the World’s Longest Saree. In 2004, RmKV created another revolution in design with the innovative and creative spirit of 16 craftsmen and designers - the World’s Longest Saree.

The Longest Saree is entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for its sheer innovation. Let yards of silk mesmerise everyone, leaving a trail of silken glory behind you. Measuring 702 feet or 214 metres and designed on the traditional loom, the wonder that is silk is never ending as it can wrap monuments, temples and towers. The length of the saree stretches beyond your imagination and is twice as long as the height of the Statue of Liberty.

The 60 feet pallu is a tribute to the timeless sculptures of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. Every detail has been magnificently woven to perfection. As you can feel the waves lashing against the monuments, sculptures from one of the largest bass reliefs - the Arjuna’s Penance are delicately woven in silk. Celestial beings and mythical creatures, lions and elephants, monkeys and deers jostle for space here.

Read more

National Award 1999

Mr K Viswanathan received the National Award for his excellence in Hamsa Damayanthi Silk Saree weaving from Vice President Krishan Kant in 1999

The Hamsa Damayanti blends classical art and innovative design. The saree pays a tribute to the royal painter, Raja Varma and his immortal classic on his 150th anniversary and the centenary of the painting in 1999. It is a display of the innovative workmanship of the craftsmanship of the design team of RmKV and the talented weavers who have recreated this moment of love in silken splendour. Forty-five thousand jacquard cards and one lakh knots were used to create this magical moment alive.

Read more

National Award for the Innovation in Design for weaving and designing - 1998

Mr K Sivakumar. MD of RmKV received the National Award for the Innovation in Design for weaving and designing the elegant Aiswarya Pookkal Silk Saree from Vice President Krishan Kant.

The Aishwarpa Pookal refers to the 90 designs of flowers carved on the roof of the Padmabhapuram palace and each of these exquisite designs is unique and represents wealth and prosperity. It is not just another Kanchipuram saree but is a tribute to the sculptures of the era. A National Award Winner in the year 1998, the saree is inspired by the architectural splendour of the palace and the heritage of the Travancore kings.

Read more

Limca Book of Records 1998

It is sheer poetry crafted in silk, musical and magical, the Kanchipuram saree is a melody translated into a language of silk. The muse is none other than the legendary Kavi (Poet) Subramaniya Bharatiyar and his Tamil verse ChinnanChiru Kiliye , which is an emotional outpouring of love and affection.

Crafting unique designs has always been a forte of RmKV and the weavers have created this masterpiece in 1997 blending poetry, music and dance. The RmKV design store has always been an inspiration for blending creativity, innovation and culture and this saree is the first in this tradition. It has been recorded in Limca Book of World Records in 1998 in the category of Unique Thematic Saree.

Read more

IRF - Most Admired Regional Retailer

At the India Retail Forum organised by IMAGES Group, RmKV was awarded the Most Admired Regional Retailer of the Year in 2010. The IMAGES Retail Awards were given to the prominent brands in Retail and the award was presented by S Raghunandan, Chairman SCAI and received by Kapil Jain on behalf of RmKV.

Read more

Most Admired Regional Fashion Retailer of The Year - South

RmKV also emerged as the Most Admired Regional Fashion Retailer of the Year- South. The award was presented by Amit Bagaria, Chairman and CEO Asipac and was received by S.Raghunandan CEO Prestige Retail Group on behalf of RmKV.

Read more

Documentary

Indulge in some nostalgia as we take you back in time to relish some moments of our rich history. Witness the testimonials of some of our patrons proudly showcasing their loyalty to RmKV's silks and their valuable purchases as well. Retrace our path to success and discover the roots that keep us growing forever.

Weavers' Joy

RmKV has always been focused on the welfare of weavers and their new innovations have changed the very face of handloom weaving.

Traditionally a weaver used to sit on the floor and operate the loom with his legs while weaving magic with his fingers. In such a scenario, the weaver repeatedly had to lift about 25 kg of load by pressing on wooden pedals while weaving a saree and this could be over 50 kgs for sarees with intricate designs, Most talented and experienced weavers were exhausted after a couple of decades of weaving. The younger generation started looking at greener pastures, given the strenuous nature of the techniques. And the handlooms were soon bereft of talented weavers.

RmKV came up with two new innovations to modify the handloom which will also help the weavers to preserve the art of weaving. One of them is the launch of the "pneumatic loom". This practically eliminated the physical effort required by the weavers to weave a saree and they could just complete the process with a mere tap of their feet.

The pneumatic loom uses compressed air to lift the heavy overhead jacquard assembly, and has a mechanised shuttle movement. An electronic jacquard controller has also been incorporated, which is another first in the handloom industry.

The innovations have also empowered women weavers to showcase their skills and has brought the younger generation back to the looms.

RmKV has applied for a patent for this invention. Eventually, the dream is to take this technology to every loom across the country so that the tradition of handlooms will be preserved while keeping in mind the safety and comfort of the weaver.

*Patent applied through NRDC (National Research Development Corporation) Application No : 2781/CHE/2015 Dt: 3rd June 15
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