Shruti Haasan didn’t reach for the usual reds or golds this festive season. Instead, she chose a midnight-toned Banarasi from Shanti Banaras, proof that black silk can feel just as ceremonial as any jewel hue.
“Shruti Haasan, luminous in our Silver-Woven Onyx sari, embodies a quiet kind of power, one that doesn’t seek attention yet holds it completely,” says Khushi Shah, creative director at Shanti Banaras. “The sari is adorned with fine silver zari detailing along the border and pallu with meticulous precision. It features delicate floral patterns and subtle buttis scattered across the drape, creating an understated shimmer against the deep silk base. Paired with a coordinated blouse, her look reflects effortless grace, allowing the weave’s intricacy and her own innate elegance to take centre stage,” she elaborates on its details.
Banarasi weave remains one of India’s most enduring symbols of luxury craftsmanship. These saris are celebrated for their lustrous silk, intricate zari work and motifs inspired by Mughal artistry, from florals to jaali-like patterns that have transcended eras. Each piece is a testament to precision and patience, which can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to complete, with artisans deftly manoeuvring over 5,000 threads on a handloom to bring a single design to life. The hallmark of an authentic Banarasi lies in its weight, texture and the unmistakable sheen of real zari. Haasan’s drape upholds this legacy, but the ebony black lends the sari a strikingly contemporary edge.
Haasan’s accessories mirrored her approach to go the understated, elegant route. She ditched necklaces and opted for nothing except a pair of ornate jhumkas from Golden Window – Luxury Silver Jewellery. She rounded it off with an oxidised silver and Kundan-studded ring from Vasundhara: Creative Jewelry. A look, like Haasan’s, easily transcends occasions and aesthetics. It can be styled to feel either traditional or modern, simply by switching up the accessories.