Dating back to the Middle Ages, brocades were a particularly alluring fabric woven by the Byzantines. Brocade is generally produced using a cotton and flax yarn material found in the woods. Its patterns are dyed in natural hues. And these patterns on brocade texture often reflects the conventions of ethnic culture. The production of brocade fabrics was a well-kept secret and hidden from the public's knowledge by the Chinese. Over time, these luxury fabrics gained popularity and were exported to various regions and worn by the nobles throughout China, India, Persia, Japan, Korea and of course Byzantium. Due to the flourish of trade in India, particularly in Ladakh, silk-brocades become one of the most prestigious textiles that entered through trade. It became a symbol of status and their use was restricted to the royal family, nobility and the clergy. Usually used for religious purposes like seat coverings, canopies, alters, door hangings, pillar coverings etc. these fabrics then evolved to robes, hats, boots, etc. While hats were worn on a daily basis, the robes were reserved for special occasions or religious functions only. People started to add a strip of the brocade fabric to add detailing on their outfits like on the collar, sleeves, slits of the robes, etc. And gradually, due to an increase in trading and formation of democracy, common people could afford to buy these luxury fabrics as well and started wearing them.

Talking about the present brocade sarees, in particular, one can see the seamless way in which these sarees have seen a transition from being couture to pret. Brocade sarees that were once only adorned by royalty is now widely popular and available thanks to the modern technology that made weaving sarees relatively simple and less consuming. The increase in the availability of brocade sarees paved a way to constant

innovations in structure and design to add a modern flair to it to keep the craft alive.

Brocade fabrics today are mostly used in Fashion or home decor. Particularly in the late 90s and early 00s, a large number of our traditional cultural clothing items were filled with this art form in Sarees, Lehengas, Gowns, Dresses, Kurtis, Dupattas and more. Gorgeous intricate blouses and intricate woven patterns on Sarees are a definite must-have to make a statement that is effortlessly chic and we got to see just that. We have to agree that brocades are your best bet when it comes to glamming up in ethnic attire. But what about brocade in fashion for millennials? Let’s look at some options.

Brocade Crop Top with Saree
Give your style a chic look by sporting a Brocade crop top under a Saree. Blouses with Sarees are old-school and nothing new. After all, we do want to stand out and look our best. Replacing blouses with a crop top will surely addon an edge to your whole look that you have been looking for and will help give a contemporary spin to any occasion you go.

Jackets with Brocade Sarees
If you swear on donning a six-yards of wonder but can’t seem to find your own style, then this hack is all you need. Pairing your Brocade Silk Saree with a denim jacket or a leather jacket can make you stand out wherever you go. Tone it up with a fur jacket and be cocktail-ready or tone it down with a denim jacket and keep it casual, you decide. But do keep experimenting till you are satisfied with the perfect outfit.

Silk Shirts with Brocade Sarees
We have always seen influencers and celebrities rocking the shirt-with-saree look and have never mustered up enough confidence, to adorn that look for ourselves. Well, we sure can. Instead of pairing up with a straight-up white shirt as we see, we can opt for a silk shirt or a short kurta shirt. Since we know silk blouses exist, silk shirt will be much more adaptable and easier to pair.

Jeans with Brocade Sarees
One of the latest trends that has taken the centre stage amongst the many fashion influencers and celebrities is jeans with a saree, a perfect example of fusion wear. This ethnic style is a great way of getting the best of both the worlds. One can make quite a statement with this look while still keeping your traditional roots intact.

Author: A passion for excellence and a drive for novelty led Mr Sudarshan Budhia to establish Julahaa in 2014. With the objective of providing quality products that are an embodiment of modern tradition and finesse. In less than 5 years, Julahaa Sarees has established itself as a successful ethnic brand providing a range of opulent Jacquard Weave and Designer Embroidered Sarees for Weddings and Traditional Festivities. Julahaa is synonymous to exclusivity and high-quality with a huge collection of the most coveted embroidered and brocade sarees.