Palam weaves classical music into Kanchivaram saris, Launches the “Concert Collection” this music season
First of its kind in India to satiate music lovers. Palam Silks launched “Concert Collections” to drape it right for this music season. The timeless ragas of Carnatic music string together 7 swaras to create the magic of music. The master weavers of Kanchivaram weave silk and satin to create the magic of traditional Indian silk sari.
Now Palam Silks, the boutique design house that specialises in intriguing, refreshing interpretations of kanchivaram silk sarees, has succeeded in weaving together two grand traditions; Carnatic music and Kanchivarams. The result is the instant classic called the Concert Collection.
Created in collaboration with Carnatic ethnomusicologist, composer and singer Dr. Sriram Parasuram, the Concert Collection gives gorgeous, shimmering and sparkling form to five beautiful Carnatic ragas. Dr. Sriram and Palam’s weavers have turned the notations of these ragas into elegant designs that now grace the saris of our Concert Collection.
The five ragas, chosen for their popularity and distinctive character, are Shankarabharanam, Thodi, Bhairavi, Kalyani and Kambhoji. Each saree represents each of the ragas.
Dr. Sriram Parasuram has also created five unique compositions, one in each raga, which meld the actual sounds of weaving with classical music, to make an aural accompaniment to the visual feast.
Speaking about the Concert Collection, Mrs. Jeyasree Ravi of Palam Silks said, “Palam has always striven to innovate, while at the same time preserving the purity of the heritage of Kanchivaram silk. I like to compare our efforts to the ‘manodharma’ sangeetham of Carnatic music, where the artist improvises and invents, while staying true to tradition. Our ideas have included, a refreshingly light weight silk saree collection, ‘corporate’ silk sarees that you can wear to work. Golusu Pattu, Slim-fit collections and Palam Hues were other collections that were introduced by Palam and were well received by customers. We are proud of our association with Chennai‘s vibrant music season, beginning with our ‘isai payanam’, a special shuttle service for rasikas during the season, and now, the Concert Collection.”
Dr. Sriram Parasuram said, “Whether it is sound, visual, rangoli or saree or a bridge, everything comes from design, something that pleases our self. Here, we took something that is of design – a raaga, comprising of notes and arrangement, and turned it into the design of a saree. One is a sonic arrangement and the other is a visual arrangement. We have translated five of the most basic Carnatic ragas, five big pillars, into the design of the sarees and that’s a beautiful bridge. We have also segued the soundscape of each of these ragas, each in a 30-40 second piece, into the sounds of weaving, making auditory set pieces to go with the sarees.”
Palam invites women to find out which of these ragas matches their own personality. They could then wear their signature raga, their ‘soul music’ with a sari from the Concert Collection. It’s the perfect dress for the season. Customers may also look through the collections on www.palamsilk.com and the Palam Silks apps on iOS and Android or reach us on our helpline at 91-7358664442 / 9282444444.
