Read Singhania's S-Craft Magazine Vol-12
Introduction :
Welcome to S-Craft Vol. 12, your portal to the current updates. S-Craft Vol. 12 celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian fashion and textile heritage, offering an exclusive glimpse into Singhania's latest expansion at Gachibowli and their exquisite festival collection. From the cultural significance of Diwali sarees to expert fabric care guides, this edition weaves together traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. Featuring the stunning SHEEN collection by Label Sailesh Singhania and comprehensive guides for festive fashion, this volume serves as your ultimate companion for navigating the world of luxury Indian textiles and celebrating the art of traditional weaving.
INDEX
New Horizons: Singhania's Gachibowli Store
Celebrating our expansion and commitment to serving our valued customers in a new location
Diwali Elegance: The Five-Day Saree Story
Exploring the unique significance of sarees during each day of the Diwali festivities
Fabric Guide: Festive Edition
Your comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect fabrics for Diwali celebrations and special occasions
Artisanal Heritage
Celebrating and preserving the legacy of traditional craftsmanship in Indian textiles
Saree Care Guide
Expert tips and techniques for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your precious sarees
SHEEN by Label Sailesh Singhania
Introducing our exclusive collection that embodies timeless elegance and contemporary design
Festive Fashion Guide
Style tips and inspiration to create stunning festive looks with Singhania's ready-to-wear collection
Client DIaries
Real experiences and testimonials from our cherished clientele
Saree Facts
Fascinating facts and stories about India's most beloved traditional garment
Kavitha Reddy Konda, noted textile designer and revivalist, visiting Singhania's store in Gachibowli. Here she is accompanied by a group of women, and she also explored the store's extensive collection of traditional and contemporary sarees. During her visit, Kavitha engaged warmly with other customers, sharing her expertise about textiles and weaving techniques. She took time to try on several sarees herself, appreciating their craftsmanship and design elements. The interactive session allowed visitors to benefit from her deep knowledge of Indian textiles while exploring Singhania's curated collection.
Chandana Jayaram, Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh 2024, making an appearance at Singhania's store in Gachibowli.
Singhania’s New Store in Gachibowli: A Journey of Growth and Success
The busy streets of Gachibowli is now home to the newest jewel in Singhania's crown - a state-of-the-art store that marks another milestone in the brand's remarkable journey. This expansion brings about decades of fashion knowledge and customer demand to Hyderabad's thriving IT corridor. The move represents a significant step forward for a brand that has been synonymous with quality and trust in Hyderabad's fashion landscape.
The Singhania story began decades ago, when the family first earned the trust of the Nizam's court with their exceptional fabric quality and impeccable service. From a modest establishment, they built their reputation step by step, becoming one of the most trusted names in Hyderabad's fashion world. As Hyderabad transformed, so did Singhania's. The brand's expansion into Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills marked its transformation from a traditional textile merchant to a modern brand. Each store opening was a response to the city's changing needs, but the core values remained unchanged - quality, trust, and personal service.
Today's Gachibowli store represents more than just expansion - it's a response to countless customer requests and the area's dynamic demographics. Located in the heart of Hyderabad's IT hub, the new store caters to general audience and professionals alike who look for cultural . The new establishment spans three floors of carefully curated fashion spaces, offering everything from casual wear to designer collections. Amenities like trial rooms, comfortable seating areas, dedicated styling consultants, and express alteration services enhance the shopping experience.
The store's location, near major IT parks and residential areas, makes it easily accessible for quick shopping during lunch breaks or after office hours. This thoughtful positioning has already made it a favourite among local residents and working professionals alike.
The overwhelming response to the Gachibowli store reflects the special bond Singhania's shares with its customers. From young IT professionals to growing families in nearby townships, the store has quickly become a fashion destination for the area's diverse community.
The Gachibowli store represents more than just retail expansion - it's a bridge between Singhania's rich heritage and Hyderabad's tech-driven future. While the store embraces modern retail concepts, it maintains the personal touch that has been Singhania's hallmark for generations. As Gachibowli continues to grow as Hyderabad's premier IT hub, Singhania's stands ready to serve its fashion goals with the same dedication and excellence that has defined the brand for generations.
This new chapter in Singhania’s story shows how a brand can stay true to its roots while adapting to changing times. The success of the Gachibowli store isn't just a testament to the brand's growth - it's a reflection of the community's trust and support that has helped create a new horizon in Hyderabad's fashion world.
Diwali and Beyond: Sarees and their Cultural Significance in the 5 Days of Festivity
The festival of lights is a joyful time in Indian culture. Diwali is not only significant for its vibrant lights but is also extremely significant in Hinduism. It is a symbol of victory of good over evil and marks the Hindu New Year. The five days of Diwali each bring their own significance and importance. These auspicious days are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Like any Indian festival, sarees have been an integral part of the culture for centuries. Diwali, being one of the most important festivals of the nation, witnesses exceptional festival wear. The importance of saree in Indian culture is not just limited to beauty but transcends to tradition, art, and identity. They signify grace and elegance, making them perfect for festivals. Women appreciate wearing a saree for puja as it is a way of paying homage to their rich heritage and celebrating their culture. The choice of saree colours and styles during Diwali holds deep cultural significance as well. Bright and vibrant colours like red, yellow, and orange are believed to bring prosperity and happiness.
Dhanteras, loosely translated to the thirteenth day of the month, is auspicious for monetary gain. This day in the lunar month of Krishna Paksha marks the beginning of Diwali festivities, and it is believed that purchasing gold and silver on this day brings prosperity. The preferred dhanteras saree is usually in gold or yellow, signifying the abundance of wealth. Fabrics like silk and brocade are favoured for their opulence, beauty, and purity. Motifs such as coins, lamps, and floral patterns symbolize monetary prosperity and good fortune.
Choti Diwali, also known as Kali Chaudas, is the second day of celebrations. It is associated with warding off evil. While wearing dark colours like black or blue symbolizes protection from negative energies, in Hindu culture, wearing black clothes for ritualistic events is prohibited. Hence, it is ideal to opt for dark colours in blue, green, or purple. The kali chaudas saree features intricate embroidery or embellishments that add elegance and sophistication. Woven in pure gold and silver zari, these sarees resonate with the idea of wealth and abundance.
The main day of Diwali is when people adorn themselves in resplendent new clothes to welcome the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, into their homes. The entire house is cleaned and decorated with floral arrangements, lamps, and fragrances. Women of the house deck up in vibrant hues of red, orange, and pink, symbolizing joy and festivity. Intricate drapes and pallu designs add an extra touch of glamour. As a precaution, the saree should be draped properly to avoid any loose ends near the many live lamps lit during celebrations.
Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna's act of raising the Govardhan mountain to save his village from Lord Indra's wrath. Women typically choose traditional sarees with minimal designs and muted colours to maintain the solemnity of the occasion. Given the various rituals involved, lightweight sarees in cotton or soft silk are ideal for comfort and ease of movement.
Bhai Dooj, like Raksha Bandhan, celebrates the bond between siblings. Modern celebrations often feature coordinated outfits with subtle prints and minimal embroidery, prioritizing comfort while maintaining festive elegance.
The regional diversity of India is reflected in the saree traditions during Diwali. In the north, women wear intricate Banarasi sarees with brocade work. Southern women opt for solid colours with heavy borders. In the West, traditional buta motifs dominate, while in the East, handloom cotton sarees remain eternal favorites. Contemporary designers have also redefined festival wear by infusing traditional designs with modern elements, creating fusion sarees that blend Western fashion with traditional elegance.
The enduring charm of sarees in Diwali celebrations reflects India's rich cultural heritage and diversity. Through their colors, designs, and fabrics, these garments tell stories of tradition, spirituality, and joy, keeping the cultural heritage alive for generations to come.
Perfect Fabrics for Your Diwali Celebrations: A Guide to Timeless Choices
As Diwali approaches, the search for the perfect outfit becomes a delightful journey of self-expression and tradition. While design preferences may vary, certain fabrics stand the test of time, offering versatility and comfort during this festive season. Among the vast array of textile options available today, three particular fabrics emerge as universally flattering choices that can elevate any Diwali ensemble, regardless of age, body type, or style preference.
Rawsilk Embroidery stands as our first recommendation for those seeking the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. During Diwali, when celebrations often extend from morning pujas to evening parties, RawSilk Embroidery proves invaluable. Its natural properties keep you comfortable through multiple events, while its subtle sheen captures the warm glow of diyas and festive lights beautifully. The fabric's moderate weight ensures your outfit drapes elegantly without feeling cumbersome, making it ideal for both traditional silhouettes like anarkalis and contemporary fusion wear. Additionally, its versatility allows for various embellishments without compromising on comfort.
Georgette, has earned its place as a beloved choice for festive wear. This lightweight, sheer fabric offers a flowing elegance that flatters every body type, creating graceful movement with each step. Georgette's slightly crinkled texture adds a unique dimension to garments, helping to camouflage minor imperfections while creating visual interest. During Diwali celebrations, when you're likely to be moving between different activities – from performing rituals to dancing at gatherings – Georgette's excellent draping quality maintains its shape while providing unrestricted movement. The fabric's ability to hold both prints and embellishments makes it particularly suitable for festive wear, allowing for everything from subtle tone-on-tone work to lavish embroidery. Its wrinkle-resistant nature ensures you look fresh throughout the celebrations, requiring minimal maintenance between events.
Chanderi, a traditional fabric is another fabric that has successfully adapted to contemporary fashion demands. Chanderi's unique composition, typically featuring silk and cotton threads woven together, creates a fabric that feels incredibly light yet holds its structure beautifully. This quality makes it particularly suitable for Diwali celebrations in warmer climates or indoor events where temperatures can rise. Chanderi's versatility allows it to be styled in numerous ways, from classic saris to modern Indo-western ensembles, making it a practical choice for those looking to build a versatile festive wardrobe.
Preserving Heritage: The Timeless Essence of Traditional Crafts
-Written by Smruti Umredkar (Textile Designer)
What is craft? Craft is the act of creating a tangible piece of art that holds the essence of geography and cultural dexterity. It is a set of skills passed down through generations to keep heritage alive. In these times of influencers, where celebrities wear crafts to promote them, the affordability of these crafts skyrockets for the common person. However, we need to understand that the original remains original, no matter how small it is. If one cannot afford a saree made in Varanasi, the budget might still fit a dupatta.
Varanasi has stood tall through the years with its weaving and specialty techniques. Even though the market has found numerous ways to dilute the quality of the weaves produced in Varanasi, the original Kadua, Rangkat, Tanchoi, and other heirloom-worthy specimens still exist. The quality of silk and zari from Varanasi is considered monumental.
Jamdani is a skill-based art that requires precision and minute attention. The craft was born in Dhaka, still called "Dhakai Muslin," and later flourished in India due to fine muslin and excellent craftsmanship. Jamdani sarees were initially made with the finest muslin/cotton possible—so fine that when it came in contact with water, it became see-through. Over time, the craft has been practiced on multiple materials, but the technique has remained the same. Kalamkari is another craft that has undergone significant changes. Initially, it was just hand-painted storytelling, which later expanded into apparel. Today, the original approach to Kalamkari is preferred for a more artistic touch in interiors, while apparel has helped keep the craft relevant.
These crafts, which have maintained their original techniques and materials, should be considered prime gifting and heirloom options. This will not only preserve the heritage but also ensure that their importance is not lost in today’s fast fashion world. We must understand that, just as Van Gogh painted masterpieces that not everyone could afford, framing duplicates of Van Gogh’s work does not make one an art connoisseur. Instead, one should buy an original piece by any artist who is skilled and has a noticeably different style.
A Guide to Caring for Your Sarees and Fabrics: Tips for Longevity and Shine
Sarees and beautiful fabrics are the stars of any festive wardrobe, but keeping them in top shape requires a bit of care. With some simple tips, you can ensure your favorite pieces stay stunning for years. First, always follow the care label since each fabric requires unique treatment. Delicate materials like silk usually need handwashing in cool water with a mild detergent; gently swish the fabric around and rinse thoroughly without rough handling. For tougher fabrics like cotton, a gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag can work well.
Drying these fabrics is crucial. Avoid wringing out sarees, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, press gently to remove excess water, then lay the fabric flat on a dry towel, roll it up to absorb moisture, and unroll to hang in a shaded area. This protects against direct sunlight, which can fade colors. Ironing adds a crisp, polished look but requires caution; always iron on the reverse side with low heat to protect any embellishments. For heavily embroidered sections, place a thin cloth over the area to prevent damage, and use a light spray of water for stubborn wrinkles without soaking the fabric.
Proper storage is essential for keeping your sarees in prime condition between wears. Avoid hanging them long-term, as this can stretch the fabric. Instead, fold them with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing, and wrap in a cotton cloth to guard against dust and moisture. As part of your festive routine, give your sarees a gentle wash and ironing before celebrations to ensure they’re fresh and ready. After each wear, take a few minutes to air them out and check for any spots; treating these promptly can prevent long-term damage.
If you’re planning to wear the same saree to multiple events, give it a break between wears to let the fabric rest and recover its shape. A quick steam or gentle press can refresh it for the next occasion. For heavily embellished or delicate pieces, professional care is recommended to prevent damage. Embrace the beauty of your sarees as they age – even a slightly faded silk can look elegant, and a well-loved cotton saree tells a story of past celebrations. With these simple care tips, your festive wardrobe will remain fresh, vibrant, and ready to shine for any occasion.
Label Sailesh Singhania: SHEEN
Introducing SHEEN - meaning beautiful, our exclusive collection of sarees, crafted to captivate, with every piece embodying an impeccable smoothness and radiant shine that effortlessly exudes glamour. Designed for celebratory occasions, the sarees are distinctively eye-catching, setting you apart with a glow that’s as vibrant as the spirit of celebration itself. The bases are sheer and sleek, flowing with a grace that feels almost ethereal, while the ornamentation—both tactile and rich in visual appeal—invites touch and admiration. Each saree, one-of-a-kind, transforms the art of draping into a bold fashion statement.
The essence of SHEEN is drawn from the extraordinary life and legacy of Frida Kahlo, a symbol of resilience, passion, and creative expression. Known for her surreal self-portraits and use of colours, Kahlo’s work celebrates the power of embracing one’s struggles and vulnerabilities, turning them into art. Much like Frida’s paintings that reflected her physical and emotional trials, the SHEEN collection is a testament to the transformative beauty of strength and courage. Frida’s art was a profound expression of the female form, deeply resonating with women worldwide as an emblem of liberation and authenticity.
In this collection, we celebrate the philosophy encapsulated by the words of Rumi: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Just as Frida found light through her challenges, each SHEEN saree represents the delicate balance of strength and grace, designed to uplift the wearer with an inner glow that shines as brilliantly as the saree itself.
How to Shine this Festive Season with Singhania’s Ready-to-Wear
For festive occasions, few outfits match the elegance of traditional Indian attire like lehengas and anarkalis. These timeless pieces not only honor cultural heritage but also allow for personal style, making them perfect for weddings, family gatherings, and celebrations.
Lehengas feature a long skirt, blouse, and dupatta, and range from heavily embellished to minimalistic designs. Anarkalis offer a structured silhouette with a flowing top and fitted bottoms. Choosing the right one can depend on body type: pear-shaped figures benefit from flared anarkalis, while high-waisted lehengas accentuate the waist. Athletic builds look great in lehengas with layered skirts for added volume.
Fabric choice also impacts fit and style. Light fabrics like georgette and chiffon create graceful movement, while silk and brocade add structure. For a luxurious touch, choose embroidered silk or brocade.
Thoughtful accessories complete the look. Statement jewelry, an elegant clutch, and embellished footwear add richness. Hairstyles like a traditional bun or braid, paired with bold lipstick, can elevate the outfit beautifully. Lehengas and anarkalis celebrate personal style and confidence, making them perfect for festive gatherings.
Client Diaries
Client Diaries is a heartfelt celebration of our cherished clients and their unique journeys with us. Here, we capture the magic of every moment they experience, from choosing the perfect saree and fabrics to creating memories that last a lifetime. Our Client Diaries highlights these special moments, showcasing the joy and connection that comes from wearing handcrafted pieces that echo generations of artistry.
Saree Facts
The first machine-made sarees appeared in the 1930s
A single Kanjeevaram silk saree can use up to 250 grams of pure silver thread.
The Kancheepuram silk sarees get their distinctive stiffness from zari made with silver threads dipped in gold, while the silk is boiled in rice water and banana stem ash.
The Mysore royal family maintains a tradition of preserving silk sarees in banana leaves and tobacco, as these natural materials help prevent damage from moisture and insects.
Conclusion
As we embrace the confluence of tradition and modernity in Indian fashion, SCraft Vol-12 stands as a testament to Singhania's commitment to preserving and evolving our textile heritage. Through thoughtfully curated collections, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of cultural significance, this edition invites readers to explore the timeless elegance of Indian craftsmanship while embracing contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Thank you for being a cherished part of our journey. Until next time, stay elegant, stay inspired, and most importantly, stay connected with Singhania’s!
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