The Mumbai sky was ablaze with the hues of twilight, as a gathering of the city’s most stylish converged at the enchanting Fame Garden Restaurant, in Powai. The occasion? The fourth edition of Sarees & Sangrias, a brainchild of the dynamic duo, Ramya Rao and Kavea Chavali, co-founders of Kalaneca House of Handlooms.
Kalaneca, a label synonymous with exquisite handwoven sarees, has managed to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary allure. The twin sisters have actively been working with more than 70 weavers across 145 looms to weave handmade masterpieces that can be worn for generations. Their vision for Sarees & Sangrias was to create a platform where heritage, artisanal masterworks and modern aesthetics can coexist, fostering a community of like-minded individuals.
The twins decided to take the saree conversation forward by curating a soiree celebrating both the brands and the guests. Sarees & Sangrias, previously held editions across Bangalore and Hyderabad as well, and after seeing the positive response from the guests, decided on the maximum city, Mumbai for their 4th edition, which also marked the 1st anniversary for the concept.
For this edition, Kalaneca partnered with Lavenderoom, a content platform on holistic beauty by Aparrna Gupta, who has previously worked with Vogue and Elle. The execution was handled by KalaNomad, who help produce events in the Indian art and culture space.
The evening unfolded as a symphony of senses. The air was thick with interesting conversations, and handcrafted sangrias, while the curated selection of artisanal brands added a touch of bohemian chic to the proceedings. Oceana Clutches, Esha Lal Swimwear, Zukti Jewellery, and other coveted labels like Kavita Bhandari Arts, Roshni Candles, Taufaa by Bhavana, Cinnamon Lifestyle and more, showcased their collections, offering guests a plethora of options to elevate their personal style.
But the evening was more than just shopping and sipping. It was a celebration of women, their stories, and their aspirations. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the conversation flowed freely, punctuated by laughter and the clinking of glasses accompanied by live music performances. Tarot readings by Urvi Shrimankar added an element of intrigue, casting a spell of enchantment over the gathering. Equally engaging was the process of personalizing handpainted journals by Lavenderoom, with customized personal messages. Ramya also held a workshop on ‘Cowl Draping’, adding zazz to how to fashionably drape sarees in a unique and contemporary ways, showcasing power dressing with sarees!.
“Our vision was to create a space where women could connect, celebrate, and indulge in the beauty of Indian heritage,” shared Kavea. Ramya added, “Sarees & Sangrias is more than just an event; it’s a movement. We want to take the humble saree, a truly timeless garment, and re-introduce it to global audiences in fresh and exciting ways.”
Actress and Model Neha Iyer shared – “Firstly I loved the concept of marrying Sangrias with Sarees. It was a splendid evening bringing like minded people together. Style Coach Aiana added – “It was such a beautifully curated event. Loved the vibe, the atmosphere and the music and the saree draping workshop. I actually thought I would spend only 30 mins but I ended up staying back for more than 2 hours as it was so much fun”.
The evening was a testament to the power of community and the enduring allure of Indian craftsmanship. As the last vestiges of daylight faded, guests departed with a renewed sense of appreciation for the artistry and elegance that defines the Sarees & Sangrias experience. And eagerly awaiting the next edition, of course.