In a celebration of heritage and elegance, Anavila’s new collection, PAYANAM, made a stunning debut at the Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival. PAYANAM—which translates to “journey” in Tamil—draws inspiration from the cultural richness and architectural grandeur of Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. The collection reflects a fusion of Chettinad’s regal charm with global influences, transforming hand-woven textiles into modern heirlooms.
Anavila Misra, the visionary designer behind this artisanal label, is widely known for reintroducing the sari as everyday wear while championing sustainable fashion and the revival of traditional handicrafts. PAYANAM seamlessly blends Chettinad’s grandeur with elements from European classical architecture, Burmese gemstones, and the famed Athangudi tiles. Each piece tells the story of well-traveled Chettiars and their opulent lifestyles. The hand-woven fabrics, adorned with murals of mythological figures like yali and peacocks, embody the depth of this cultural heritage.
At the core of the collection are hand-woven linens, known for their bold checkered patterns interwoven with metallic zari to create a striking visual play. These patterns take inspiration from the architectural blueprints of Chettinad’s grand mansions, while the vibrant hues mirror the landscape of the region.
Ms. Misra’s pioneering use of linen, which she first introduced in 2012, breathes new life into traditional South Indian sari layouts, offering a modern twist on heritage weaves.
The intricate embroidery and appliqué work add further richness to the collection, featuring iconic motifs like the horses of Chettinad and mythological chimeras. Anavila’s clean, versatile silhouettes, like safari jackets and skirts inspired by Dravidian drapes, highlight the beauty of the textiles while ensuring they can be worn across multiple occasions. The metallic textiles provide a festive shimmer, balancing tradition with understated modern elegance.
Adding another layer of heritage, designer Meenu Subbiah showcased her jewelry collection alongside PAYANAM. Inspired by her Chettinad roots and the ancient temple motifs of her ancestors, her pieces offer a modern reinterpretation of classic Chettinad jewelry. With her expertise in diamond jewelry design, Subbiah’s creations beautifully complement Anavila’s textiles, creating a harmonious celebration of Chettinad’s artistic legacy.
Anavila’s dedication to sustainable, hand-woven textiles, working closely with Indian craft clusters, ensures that this journey through heritage is as meaningful as it is visually stunning.
