Arakku Red and Royal Purple Rettapet Pure Silk Kanjivaram Saree

The warmth of Arakku meets the majesty of purple, with golden peacocks dancing along the silk. A saree for the bride's sister at a winter wedding, chosen so she holds her own in every photograph without ever competing with the bride.

We are Silk Mark Certified. Click here to view18 Days on LoomPure Mulberry SilkHandwoven in Kanchipuram

A classic Rettapet composition defines this Kanjivaram saree, woven in pure mulberry silk, with two parallel woven bands creating a layered architectural frame around the silk body. Rettapet is the traditional Kanchipuram double-border arrangement: the two ornamental bands sit apart on the border ground and are read as separate registers, which is what distinguishes it from a single broad zari border or a Korvai interlock. The deep, earthy Arakku red body, with rich brick-red and muted crimson undertones, is ornamented with small, regularly spaced circular gold zari buttas resembling miniature floral rosettes or sunburst medallions; their modest scale keeps the body traditional but uncluttered. Handwoven by artisan weaver families in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, for Idam Living. A saree of this type represents approximately 18 active days on the loom, with exact weaving time varying according to the individual saree. Read our story.

Border: An intense royal purple border, deep violet-blue in character, carries twin ornamental gold zari bands separated by a broad expanse of purple silk. The zari features elaborate Mayil-inspired peacock forms surrounded by scrolling floral vines and foliage, while a fine green selvedge-like accent adds definition between the gold zari and the purple silk, bringing a restrained jewel-toned contrast. Small triangular temple-inspired forms trace the upper edges of the ornamental bands, and the warm antique-gold tone of the zari balances the coloured silk.

Pallu: The royal purple pallu is decorated with a prominent vertical zari panel of circular ornamental medallions. The medallions appear to contain stylised bird or peacock-inspired forms surrounded by dense floral scrollwork, giving the panel a Mayil Chakram-inspired appearance, and the rest of the pallu is balanced by areas of plain royal purple silk. Explore the Rettapet collection, or browse the wider pure silk Kanchipuram collection for more of this character.

Styling: Let the border lead: a royal purple blouse with a boat neck and three-quarter sleeves makes the twin peacock bands read as one deliberate choice. Temple-gold jhumkas with no necklace, crisp front pleats, the medallion pallu pinned long over the shoulder, and a side-parted soft bun with a small jasmine strand.

Shipping, Fall & Pico and care information | Pure silk saree care guide

Slight color variations due to screen and lighting; daylight photos/videos available on request.

✦ Fall & Picot Finishing included complimentary with every order.