Indigo Choosing Perfect-saree

Indigo is arguably the world’s most famous natural dye. Obtained from the leaves of the Indigofera tinctoria plant, through a series of laborious and time-consuming processes, the colour is also one that earned India a glorious place in world textiles. Traded globally and considered a valued export amongst erstwhile European merchants, indigo was once a luxury reserved for royalty and the social elite. So much so that the dye earned the name Blue Gold. Coupled with rarity and tightly guarded production recipes that were passed down only through generations, indigo-making led to tyrannical regimes that came to a halt, and eventually led to indigo’s downfall, with the invention of synthetic dyes.

This once-coveted natural blue colour is experiencing renewed interest among patrons who hold sustainable, handmade textiles dear. Juxtaposed with the charms of the six-yard drape, indigo-dyed creations are a mesmerising sight to behold. Whether you’re fascinated by the hue or want to make a distinguished style expression, here’s a look at how you can do what your heart desires, with an indigo saree.

A Blue For Every Mood. Which One Are You?

To most people, ‘indigo’ brings forth images of the purple-blue hue that this natural colour is commonly associated with. However, not every indigo is a deep blue. Through pre-calculated changes during the dyeing process, it is possible to obtain myriad shades that are a sight to behold. The calming pale blue of a misty morning. The invigorating, medium blue of endless seas. The entrancing, deep blue of the midnight sky. And every shade in between. When laying your hands on indigo sarees online, be sure to explore tints and tones beyond the classic hue. Pick one, or more, that mirrors your mood and colour preferences, and very soon, you’ll own a wardrobe dedicated entirely to blue gold.

Cotton, Silk, Or A Blend - As You Please

Being a natural colour, indigo best adheres to natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, or its blends. The choice of fabric, though, is a mix of personal preferences and the season or weather conditions under which you wear the saree. An indigo cotton saree, bestowed with breathability and comfort, is your companion for easy movement and longer wear, especially in summer or humid weather. It’s also your go-to choice for easy-to-drape needs and laid-back style. An equal favourite is a pure linen saree or a linen-cotton blend, which appeals with its distinctive texture. Silk lends depth to indigo, imbuing your saree with an ethereal grace and a touch of grandeur that stands out in any crowd. With a cotton-silk blend, you experience the best of both worlds - the soothing feel of cotton and the understated elegance of silk, offering a versatile choice as the occasion demands.

Indigo And Indian Block Prints - A Match Made In Heaven

Indigo’s links with traditional Indian textile crafts are centuries old. The colour finds a prominent place in the hand-block prints of Rajasthan and Gujarat that celebrate the blue on its own or in conjunction with other natural colours, elevating the beauty of indigo sarees manifold. Dabu, with its tell-tale blue and off-white designs developed through mud-resist printing, is for rustic lovers. For those who appreciate finer details, Ajrakh offers a remarkable choice. Its famed Dopari (two-sided) designs that mirror each other with soulful blue and crimson hues present you with a saree like no other. Bagru’s bold outlines, classic Syahi-Begar (red and black) colours, and elaborate floral patterns paint an enchanting picture on your indigo saree. The craft also fascinates with rich green hues, the result of over-dyeing indigo with myrobalan, pomegranate, or turmeric.

The Occasion - It’s In The Little Details

The stunner that it is, the indigo saree impresses crowds in a meeting room as it does at an evening gala. Yet, the little details on your blue drape decide which occasion the saree is best suited for. A borderless, monochrome indigo colour saree with elegant floral or bold geometric prints is a classic pick perfect for casual meet-ups and daily workwear. Peppered with sparkling sequins or accented with dual tones and hand embroidery, the saree is an ideal choice for soirees and cocktail parties. Team it with shimmery silver or copper zari borders, and you have the perfect attire for a festive gathering or traditional event.

A celebration of India’s unmatched textile legacy in blue gold, Taneira’s indigo saree collection offers a plethora of choices - alluring colours, captivating prints, delightful design details, and more. Explore the range from the comfort of your home at www.taneira.com or visit a store near you today.