Lookbook, issue 04Kanchipuram, December

Margazhi

Six sarees photographed over two December mornings in Kanchipuram, in the temple corridors, tank steps and courtyards where they were woven. The month of Margazhi is when the town wakes before dawn, and so did we.

Photographs: Arjun RangaswamyDraped by Vasanthi RajanWorn by Meenakshi Sivakumar
Photograph: Arakku Rudraksham, Ekambareswarar temple, thousand-pillared corridor, 6.40 am
Plate 1 of 6 · Arakku Rudraksham

Ekambareswarar temple, thousand-pillared corridor, 6.40 am

See the saree, ₹48,500
Photograph: MS Blue Mayil Chakram, Sarvatheertham tank, eastern steps, 7.15 am
Plate 2 of 6 · MS Blue Mayil Chakram

Sarvatheertham tank, eastern steps, 7.15 am

See the saree, ₹62,000
Photograph: Kuyil Kazhuthu Thazhampoo, Weaver's courtyard, Pillaiyarpalayam, 8.05 am
Plate 3 of 6 · Kuyil Kazhuthu Thazhampoo

Weaver's courtyard, Pillaiyarpalayam, 8.05 am

See the saree, ₹54,000
Photograph: Kumkumam Kottadi, Vaikunda Perumal temple, outer wall, 9.30 am
Plate 4 of 6 · Kumkumam Kottadi

Vaikunda Perumal temple, outer wall, 9.30 am

See the saree, ₹27,500
Photograph: Manthulir Vaira Oosi, Paddy edge on the Arani road, 4.50 pm
Plate 5 of 6 · Manthulir Vaira Oosi

Paddy edge on the Arani road, 4.50 pm

See the saree, ₹31,800
Photograph: Vaazhai Poo Kalasam, Kailasanathar temple, sandstone niche, 5.35 pm
Plate 6 of 6 · Vaazhai Poo Kalasam

Kailasanathar temple, sandstone niche, 5.35 pm

See the saree, ₹39,900

Every saree in this issue is woven to order. Most take under a month; the Mayil Chakram takes thirty-four days.

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