PAYANAM by Anavila - A Luxurious Journey Through Chettinad's Opulent Heritage
- 1st Oct 2024
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Inspired by the grandeur of Chettinad's rich heritage and the lavish lifestyles of its people, PAYANAM—meaning "journey" in Tamil—stands as a remarkable textile collection. With a harmonious blend of local craftsmanship and global influences, this collection takes center stage at the Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival, offering a unique celebration of artistry.
Each piece in the collection captures the elegance of Chettinad’s grand mansions while incorporating elements from around the world, such as European classical architecture, Burmese gemstones, and the intricate Minton tiles that inspired Chettinad’s iconic Athangudi tiles. With vibrant murals featuring mythical characters like yali and peacocks, the textiles narrate a story of cultural grandeur and timeless beauty.
Hand-Woven Masterpieces
At the heart of PAYANAM are its exquisite hand-woven textiles. Experimentation with yarns brings monochromatic linens and bold checkered patterns to life, intricately woven with metallic zari to reflect the opulence of Chettinad. Inspired by the architectural blueprints of Chettinad mansions, these designs capture both the aesthetic and spirit of this historic region.
From plain weaves featuring linen and zari yarns to intricate patterns that evoke the vivid colors of the Chettinad landscape, each textile is a canvas for creativity. The collection also reimagines traditional South Indian sari borders in fine linens, showcasing the balance between innovation and tradition. Hand embroidery and appliqué add an artisanal touch, while mythical chimeras and iconic Chettinad horses offer rich visual layers.
Fashion with a Festive Flair
PAYANAM’s apparel range embodies both sophistication and versatility. Metallic textiles create a festive narrative while maintaining clean, minimalist silhouettes. Dravidian-inspired safari jackets and skirts offer a modern twist on classic attire, ensuring that each piece transitions seamlessly from heritage to contemporary wear.
Every outfit reflects the beauty of the textile, merging cultural significance with modern design sensibilities. This blend of luxury and versatility ensures that PAYANAM can be worn for a variety of occasions, whether you’re celebrating tradition or embracing the contemporary.
The Timeless Jewelry of Meenu Subbiah
The jewelry selection in PAYANAM is equally breathtaking, curated by Chettinad-based designer Meenu Subbiah. With a background in diamonds from GIA-USA and a legacy of crafting heritage jewelry, Meenu Subbiah reimagines traditional Chettinad jewelry, drawing inspiration from ancient temple motifs. Her collection, Timeless Chettinad, beautifully complements the elegance of PAYANAM’s textiles, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present.
Anavila Misra: A Pioneer of Sustainable Luxury
Designer Anavila Misra, the visionary behind the PAYANAM collection, is known for reviving the sari as a symbol of everyday luxury. As an advocate of sustainability and traditional craftsmanship, she works closely with craft clusters across India, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bhuj. Her use of pure linen yarns has redefined sari fashion, making Anavila’s creations a symbol of heritage, comfort, and environmental consciousness.
Since establishing her eponymous brand in 2012, Anavila Misra has become a leader in the world of sustainable luxury, crafting timeless designs that honor both tradition and the environment.
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