Eye-catching hues and traditional motifs define Studio Virupa’s aesthetic

If you are browsing through the social media page of Studio Virupa and are transported back to a familiar memory of rummaging through your grandmother’s teak cupboard of prized silk and cotton saris, sisters Aditya Rajsri and Adarsya Padmasri believe that they have done their job. An ode to their childhood memory of growing up in a household where Chettinadu cottons and Kanjeevaram silks were a staple, the duo launched their online sari boutique earlier this year. Making their way through weaving clusters in Chettinadu and Kanchipuram, these Tiruppur-based entrepreneurs handpick an eclectic mix of unconventional hues— teal blue, bright pink, coffee brown, mango yellow, burnt orange — with motifs like annapakshi, rudhraksham and temple borders. 

Something borrowed 

An embodiment of their love for cultural heritage, timeless style and antiques, their Instagram page is a well-stocked repertoire of drapes. Each sari neatly photographed against a backdrop of two old-fashioned iron trunks stacked atop each other. “The trunks are over 75-years-old and belonged to our grandmother. It was something that we found in our attic. Given that, the brand is an ode to her drapes and we felt it would make the perfect addition to our pictures,” shares the 21-year-old Adarsya. 

Stocking up on hand woven saris, their summer collection which they unveiled in the second week of March is dominated by Kandangi saris with a selection of contrasting blouse pieces, “The Chettinadu saris are known for their patterns of bold checks, stripes and contrasting tints. Adding an additional pop of colour elevates the whole ensemble,” she says.

Something new

Inheriting their business sensibilities as part of the family legacy of running textile mills, the sisters who are looking at curating drapes from other weaving clusters say that they will continue to handpick each of the pieces on sale under the brand. With expansion on the cards, the duo tell us that customers can look out for physical stores in their hometown and Coimbatore latest by Diwali this year. 

Rs 1,650 upwards for Chettinadu cotton saris. Kanjeevaram saris start at Rs 8,000.