Shanti Banaras Is Making Handloom Saris Cool Again

If you’re someone who wants to support Indian handlooms but hasn’t been able to find the right fit for your style sensibilities, Shanti Banaras might be the answer you’re looking for.

The label is an offshoot of a formidable legacy that has supported and empowered Banarasi handloom weavers for over 50 years. In 2018, co-founders and siblings Khushi and Amrit Shah decided to introduce the beauty of Banarasi handlooms to a whole new audience with the brand Shanti Banaras, named after their grandmother.

“Since we were already involved in the business for so long, we did know a lot about handloom and the community,” says Khushi, “We had a specific community of weavers working with us for a very long time. So we started with that and now we've been able to mould it into its modern identity.”

The road to building a bridge between the traditional charms of Banarasi handlooms and modern design sensibilities was a long but rewarding one, says Khushi. But, as she claims, it could be made possible because of their respect and understanding of their roots. “We draw inspiration from India's rich cultural landscape—whether it’s the Ajanta Ellora caves, vibrant flora, or traditional wildlife scenes—and then reimagine them in a way that resonates with today’s sensibilities. Our use of real zari, for instance, honours the skill and craftsmanship of artisans, but we pair that with modern design, innovative draping techniques, and understated elegance to appeal to a more cosmopolitan audience. It’s about allowing the timelessness of tradition to breathe within the framework of current fashion.”

The co-founder credits their brand’s expansion to include stores in Mumbai and Delhi for a closer understanding of what younger buyers are looking for. “Just meeting a new clientele and offering a different variety of products in all these other cities helped us realise what was essentially missing in the handloom Banarasi business. Within that research and everything, we started seeing how we could inculcate another client base and get more of a modern audience involved in the business. Accordingly, we've been changing our designs and our philosophy according to the modern mindset.”

The exposure to a whole new client base has allowed the co-founder to gain some surprising new insights into younger brides and consumers. “I’ve been amazed by brides who choose to style themselves, especially when they gravitate towards a modern collection. For us, it was our Jamiti Collection. We never imagined geometric designs would resonate with brides, yet seeing them embrace these non-traditional pieces was both surprising and heartwarming. So many clients come to our boutique, appreciating the work gone behind making each piece. In these moments, we’re reminded why we pour our heart into every piece—to create something that isn’t just worn but truly cherished.”

She goes on to add, “Interestingly, many younger brides are now leaning toward more understated, elegant, and meaningful ensembles. They’re increasingly opting for heirloom-worthy pieces that carry cultural significance, rather than just trendy designs. The narrative has shifted from ‘what’s in fashion’ to ‘what reflects me’. This is encouraging for us because they’re drawn to the authenticity and timeless appeal of handloom work, and they appreciate the sustainable and ethical practices behind it. And, saris are back in fashion!”

She credits the popularity of the ‘vocal for local’ campaign with making more and more people aware of the versatility of handloom. But this has brought a set of whole new challenges for the brand. “We've had to learn to adapt in different ways while keeping the technicalities the same but taking it into a modern direction with the design. This is why we’ve started working with a lot of geometric designs and a whole new colour palette.”

While Khushi is optimistic about the growing awareness amongst people about the versatility of Indian handlooms, she thinks we still have a long way to go. “For the handloom industry to truly thrive, we need to invest in both the artisans and the consumers. We need to ensure fair wages and better working conditions for the artisans, providing them with the resources and respect they deserve. On the marketing side, positioning handloom as not just a traditional product but also a luxury and a sustainable choice is key. The more we align handloom with ethical luxury and individuality, the more we can bridge the gap between artisans and the new wave of conscious consumers.”

Brides and wedding attendees, this is why Shanti Banaras needs to be a stop in your wedding shopping expedition!