From elephants decorated in beautiful nettipattoms and the performance by the wild pulikali dancers to the magnificent snake boats lined up at the shores, the intricately done floral rangolis and the preparation of the lavish onam sadhya, all of these curiously suggest the arrival of Onam. While these are the typical scenes found in Kerala, there are others who are able to witness them only on social media channels and television.
Every year, the festival of Onam is marked by family get-togethers. Onakodi is an important aspect that celebrates the revival of Kerala’s traditional outfits – the beige and gold kasavu sarees for women and mundus for men.
Considered to be a sacred ensemble, until few years ago there were very few designers who experimented with its style. But as the fashion industry focuses on the revival of Indian textiles in ways that syncs in with the modern times, the sacred kasavu of Kerala has seen transition and transformation in stunning ways.
Whether it is hosting your close ones for lunch or going to a friend’s house for a savouring sadhya, Ciceroni has scoured for seven contemporary labels for Onam fashion 2020 that is filled with staples, rooted and relevant!
Pranaah by Poornima Indrajith
Barter your regular pattu pavadas for the kasavu lehenga cholis from Pranaah’s Chethi Manjaadi’ collection. Inspired by the soulfulness and delicacies of Chethi, Manjaadi and Kunnikkuru, this collection speaks of the timeless and the irresistible connection of nostalgia of our childhood each one of us carry and yearn for. Featured with a modern deep neck blouse and an embroidered dupatta, the outfit is sure to stay in your wardrobe for not just onam but also for festivities and weddings.
Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan
Kerala’s traditional kasavu sari stands out for its elegance and visual restraint. If the timeless beige and gold drapes are in your wishlist, you may want to check out the chathurangam saree from Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan. Visually pleasing and detailed with regal festive hues, the saree is part of the sustainable fashion curation in collaboration with the weavers of the Oodum Paavum Collective.
Alka Hari
Is minimalistic and edgy your middle name? This Onam, be at your fashionable best with the off-white wrap around dress from Alka Hari’s Onam collection. Contemporary and modern, the dress can be styled and worn at multiple occasions with the right kind of make-up and jewellery.
Pavaki by Sneha
While you get busy adorning your festive favourites, do not miss out on the best for your kids this Onam. Dainty and beautiful, the net frock from Pavaki by Sneha’s Onam edit with intricately detailed parijat work is perfect for your little one.
Aanyaa by Sujatha
Looking for something fuss free to adorn for Onam? Juggle doing home chores in style with Aanyaa by Sujatha’s kaftan that is handcrafted with the traditional Kasavu textile. While the kaftan adds a contemporary touch to the festive ensemble, it’s also very much traditional in its making. Do not miss out on the brand’s kids range that encapsulates layered dresses in modern silhouettes for all the mother- daughter fashion statements you plan on acing this Onam.
Lave by Anagha Venu
If you are an ardent saree lover, go for the Kerala kasavu sarees by Lave by Anagha Venu. Offered with a printed blouse, the sarees are perfect for those looking to add a hint of colour to the traditional ensemble.
Kalaakaari
Bring in the power of festive colours this season with Kakaakari’s latest onam collection “Sindoor”. Through this collection the brand brings together to circles of embroidery in the most traditional yet powerful way. Inspired by the custom of wearing sindoor which epitomizes the circle and red color where the circle reflects eternity and the red colour symbolises spirit and the essence of love.
With this list handy, shop your favourites for Onam 2020 and stand apart from the usual.
Happy Onam!
If you are looking for inspiration to style your saree, check out this video!
