Kankatala, a Vishakapatnam-based handloom sari store has launched a new collection to celebrate turning 75. And the line of saris will be on sale at Raintree on February 2 and 3. Conceptualised by Anirudh Kankatala, a third generation member of the family that owns the business, the collection, titled Queens of Andhra, is based on the lesser known queens of the region.
“We started by identifying queens whose personalities were interesting, who have done something for the community and have used their position to do good,” says Anirudh, who also released a coffee table book along with the collection.
Boasting a wide range of handwoven saris such as Patan Patolas, Paithanis, Kanjivarams, Banarasis, Khadis, Kotas, Linens, Organzas, Gadwals, Uppadas and Ikats, the line is modeled after six queens from different provinces of Andhra Pradesh. For instance, the sairs designed for Rani Chandramani Devi of Visakhapatnam, are made from humble khadi with intricate jamdani work and Benarasi zari. “This was because she was known for her monetary donation to noble causes,” explains Anirudh, who has a Bachelors in Finance from Penn State University, USA.
Talking about his experience curating the collection, Anirudh says it was like an interesting history lesson. “I learnt so much about our heritage through this exercise. It was really eye opening,” he shares.
February 2 & 3. At Raintree Sankey Road
Rs.2,000 upwards