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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RmKV has always been dedicated to promoting arts and artisans from all over the world. An event was organized in partnership with SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre (STFC), an organization owned and managed by thousands of women artisans to promote sale of handcrafted products from entire South Asian including India (mainly Gujarat) at Forum Vijaya Mall Vadapalani , Chennai in 2014. The event was inaugurated by Smt Gita Ram, Vice Chair Person, Crafts Council of India.

The exhibition and sale brought a mélange of unique handcrafted products from countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and India under one umbrella. Some of the crafts showcased during the event included – Baluchi kandaharjoshi embroidery from Afghanistan, Dhaka weaving from Nepal, Sapma and Tigma weaves from Bhutan, Jisti embroidery from Pakistan, Jamdani weaving from Bangladesh and mirror, patch work and intricate hand embroidery from Gujarat.

There were also hand embroidered kurtas and kurtis, dupattas from Afghanistan and Pakistan; Allo, Pashmina, Bamboo, Dhaka hand spun-hand woven shawls and stoles from Nepal and Bhutan; hand embroidered cushion covers, kurtas and kurtis, dupattas, bags and accessories from ‘Radhanpur’ Gujarat.

There were also arts and crafts workshops and live demonstrations and sessions conducted by the artisans, showcasing their skills and experiences.

RmKV in association with Rotary has been at the forefront of encouraging and inspiring children by organising Kiddival, an event to help discover their hidden talents. Kiddival was spearheaded by the founders and patrons of RmKV - the late K. Viswanathan and late K. Pon Anand who helped them conceptualize and initiate the grand event 30 years ago. The event includes contests in various categories like painting and sketching, handwriting besides several music and dance contests like solo and group dance, fancy dress among others. For the culturally inclined there is also Thirukural Recitation Contest and also English Recitation Contest. There is also a category called Fab Kid. The festival of talent is open to schools and each school is allowed to send students for various contests. Schools are identified by a specific number and students are not allowed to wear their uniforms as well. The contests are in three groups and students from kindergarten to Class V can participate based on the groups.

The 'Rm.K.Viswanathan Ever Rolling Cup' along with a winner's shield is awarded to the school that gets the maximum number of Points. The 1st and 2nd runner up also get appropriate Cups / Shield. Each participant of Kiddival is given a 'RmKV Special Participation Gift' along with a certificate.

RmKV has always pushed the boundaries when it comes to innovations and every silk saree here is a creative expression. Tradition meets technology, culture meets contemporary. And it is little wonder that RmKV made its foray into fashion with a grand opening at the Lakme Fashion Week 2018.

The showstopper was The Grand Reversible Saree, handwoven using a Patented Weaving Technique by RmKV. And draping the magnum opus was none other than the graceful and gorgeous Sushmita Sen who sashayed down the ramp in this masterpiece of a saree.

The Grand Reversible Saree is where art meets science. It is a vibrant combination of purple, orange and green with patterned diagonal stripes on one side and a chevron pattern on the other. It may be just one saree but there are four stunning pallus, four matching borders, two distinct bodies and there are dual sides to the same Kanchipuram silk. Master weavers were handpicked by the team and special looms were created to weave this saree

However it was not the only showstopper at the show. There were 25 ornate silk sarees from the House of RmKV, besides 12 garments designed out of sustainable fabrics by Sunita Shankar. Bharatanatyam dancer and transgender activist. Dr Narthaki Natraj opened the show, models walked barefoot with their hair styled with floor-length green plaits.

With their newest collection, RmKV had re-imagined traditional silks for a modern audience. Dominated by hues of pink and orange, the collection had experimented with drapes and silhouettes: shrugs and capes had replaced regular blouses and each saree was draped differently, and paired quite unexpectedly, with jumpsuits, crushed trousers, skirts and pleated dresses

K Sivakumar – Managing Director, RmKV Silks said, “We are truly delighted to launch our new collection at Lakme Fashion Week. We have been working tirelessly to create a collection of textiles and garments using novel techniques, that are a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary wear. We had Sushmita Sen, who has been an inspiration to many women, as our showstopper. We are committed to being innovative pioneers in the industry and we hope the new line will be the beginning of an entirely new category of business for us.”

Said Sushmita Sen, “I was excited to be walking the ramp for label RmKV, well known for their beautiful silks. RmKV has revived old crafts, used sustainable fabrics and dyes, and brought to the forefront their varied innovative textiles with this collection. I wore the vibrant and unique reversible saree, which has been handwoven using a patented technique.”

A seven-point guide to the Lakmé Fashion Week
https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/0u5aPY5A7nbsHQrPpS8soJ/A-sevenpoint-guide-to-the-Lakm-Fashion-Week.html
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155709245915936&id=273704375935

Lakmé Fashion Week 2018 Day 2: Sushmita Sen, Rahul Bose walk the ramp in sustainable clothing
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/lakme-fashion-week-2018-day-2-sushmita-sen-rahul-bose-walk-the-ramp-in-sustainable-clothing-5028091.html
http://www.forbesindia.com/aperture/slideshow/lakm%C3%A9-fashion-week-winter/51107/6
https://indianexpress.com/photos/lifestyle-gallery/lakme-fashion-week-2018-sushmita-sen-5323374/

Lakme Fashion Week 2018: Sushmita Sen sizzles in a saree, plus 5 bold style lessons
https://m.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/lakme-fashion-week-2018-sushmita-sen-sizzles-in-a-saree-plus-5-bold-style-lessons/story-0juYjpkhdrIjTH6RZT5lXO.html

Lakme Fashion Week Day 2: Sushmita Sen Stuns In A Jumpsuit
http://elle.in/fashion/the-best-saris-from-lakme-fashion-week-autumnwinter-2018/

Sushmita Sen channels her inner Miss Universe as she walks the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week. See pics
https://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushmita-sen-channels-her-inner-miss-universe-as-she-walks-the-ramp-at-lakme-fashion-week-see-pics/story-VbAlKBLzAOyLX8njl1Lr1O.html