Why is The Can Can saree called an stylish traditional silk saree with a modern twist?

Why is The CancanSaree called a styling Traditional Silk Sarees with a Modern Twist?

Silk sarees are in a class of their own – they are classic, beautiful, and timeless - passed down from generation to generation. They are also super expensive when compared with most other sarees. It's a shame that we treat them like fast fashion pieces and wear them once- maybe twice. Because silk sarees are classic, they are true basics and can be styled in many different ways. The addition of a cancan skirt allows you to experiment with the drape.

Cancan saree is a recent fashion phenomenon that allows you to experiment with the drape of your saree by adding a cancan skirt to the entire look. Although it is usually worn with a silk or Kanchipuram saree to give the stiff fabric some volume, this style can be paired with almost any saree you wish to drape unusually. Cancan saree doesn’t just look elegant but also adds the oomph factor to your look by making it more dressy and unique. This idea also works for the brides who feel that they don’t get to wear their silk sarees enough times. Repeat your silks pairing it with the cancan skirt and make it look classy.

How do you do the drapes?

For years now, South Indian brides have brought forward some of the most exquisite saree lehenga designs for us to admire. And they're probably the best way to say yes to both a saree and a lehenga at the same time! Honestly, there's nothing more elegant and awe-inspiring than a bride in an elegant saree lehenga, paired with beautiful family heirlooms.

The important thing to remember with draping a cancan saree look is that both the skirt, your top, and saree have to complement each other – this is why I recommend using simple skirts so that they are versatile and can be styled with many different sarees you (or your mom, grandma) already have in your closet.

But the most difficult part in doing most drapes is pleating the pallu. It takes a lot of practice and patience, so don’t give up if you don’t get it right away. But I can’t stress the importance of getting it right - I truly believe that a neatly pleated pallu can make or break the entire look. Never settle for uneven pleats!

The addition of a belt and/or waist chain really pulls the entire look together for most drapes – I think this is my #1 accessory. Other accessories should complement the saree/skirt and not detract from it. It’s all about balance! If the saree is intricate with many details, keep the earrings/necklace/tikka to a minimum, but if the outfit is quite simple, adding ornate accessories can really make the entire look come alive.

What sarees do you recommend for Cancan-saree drapes?

I think the cancan saree drapes work best with silk sarees – especially when styling with a silk skirt, but I’ve also tried different drapes with soft/georgette sarees, and they turn out beautifully as well.