Heirlooms & Heritage: Victorian Coins and Kanjeevaram Saris in Bengaluru’s Couture.

Heirlooms & Heritage: Victorian Coins and Kanjeevaram Saris in Bengaluru’s Couture

Introduction
In a transcendent display of personal history and sartorial elegance, Bengaluru’s fashion-forward circle recently gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel for Vogue India’s Editor’s High Tea. The evening was a striking exhibit of heirloom pieces—Victorian coins set in necklaces, century-old Kanjeevaram saris, delicate Basra pearls and more—each imbued with generational narratives.

1. The Woven Tales of Kanjeevaram

Kanjeevaram saris featured prominently, worn by both men and women as symbols of legacy and identity:

• Harish Ramaswamy draped his mother’s engagement Kanjeevaram—over 43 years old—paired with her mangalsutra.

• Ria Machani chose her mother’s bridal Kanjeevaram, while Preethi Machani wore her grandmother’s 75‑year‑old sari, first worn at her great‑uncle’s wedding.

• Antra Bhargava honoured her roots in her mother’s 50‑year‑old sari, thoughtfully paired with a sustainable accessory from her own brand.

These aren’t just fabrics—they’re stories folded into mulberry silk and zari, made to endure.

With origins in Tamil Nadu, the Kanjeevaram is celebrated for its distinctive broad borders, temple motifs, and high‑quality weaving: a recognized Geographical Indication since 2005–06

2. Victorian Coins and Antique Jewels

The evening’s jewelry stood as a testament to global ancestry and timeless craftsmanship:

• Anvitha Rao donned a necklace of British gold guineas from the 1800s—collected by her great-grandfather during trade journeys across India and Australia .

• Vani Ganapathy, an interior designer and Bharatanatyam dancer, opted for Queen Victoria silver‑coin accents on her necklace .

• Across the gathering, guests showcased heirlooms rich in Basra pearls (125 years old), South Sea pearls, polki sets, antique Seiko watches, and navaratna designs—all embedded with legacies.

These pieces transcend adornment, melding personal narrative, colonial history and transgenerational identity.

3. Why Heirlooms Mean More

The power of these heirlooms lies not only in their age or rarity but in their emotional gravitas:

• Kulsum Wahab Shadab explained, “It carries a story, and every thread has a history.” 

• Arpita Mehta shared, “Heirloom carries love from generation to generation.” 

• Raseel Sehmi likened wearing her inherited necklace to “a mother’s hug.” 

Whether it’s a 150‑year‑old “kokkethathi” necklace worn by wed­ding generations or polki-and-ruby sets passed in maternal lines, these heirlooms bridge eras.

4. Styling and Preservation Tips

Caring for antique fabrics & jewellery:

• Store silk saris in breathable cotton or muslin; refold periodically to avoid crease damage.

• Clean jewelry professionally; store pearls and coins in separate soft pouches.

Styling suggestions:

• Pair heirloom saris with modern blouses or jackets to inject freshness while preserving heritage.

• Use antique coins as sentiment-rich statement pieces; offset with minimalist attire to keep them in focus.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Timeless Style

Bengaluru’s Vogue gathering reaffirmed the evolving role of heirlooms in modern wardrobes—vestments of love and legacy that transcend fashion trends. These pieces enhance contemporary style not by overshadowing it, but by adding provenance, emotion, and a whisper of history.

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, heirlooms offer something enduring: a connection to roots, resilience across time, and the poetry of stories woven in silk and gold. Wear them well, with respect—and pass them on, with pride.

To get more details click on the Vogue website.