Art of the Drape

The traditional attire of the state features pristine off-white or cream cotton base fabric, bordered by pure gold zari threads (Kasavu). The minimalistic, unstitched garment made of fine, raw cotton became the norm to deal with the humid climate in the state, that sits between the coast of Arabian sea and Western Ghats mountains. 

Women wear a two piece garment (Set mundu) or 5.5- 6 metres of fabric (Kerala saree). Men wear a wrap around called ‘Mundu’, along with a shirt. 

The golden border on the fabric is a product of Kerala's primary position in the global spice trade. The barter system of trade where the Portuguese exchanged gold for spices was utilised by the state’s royalty who started weaving the fine golden threads into cotton fabric. Later on, as gold became expensive, other threads and colours were woven into the fabric. 

Over the years, women expressed creativity to drape the unstitched garments in so many different ways including chest wrap drape, saree style drape, two-piece set mundu drape etc. Gradually, traditional attire found a place in the modern wardrobe, styled alongside contemporary staples like tailored blazers.

Curation

Emie Roy

Draped by

• Divya James 

• Sandhya Ginni

• Noura Thaha

• Neethu Melbin

• Jephy Johnson