Thread of Dreams
Kumaran Silks is the story of a man who did not think twice about going after his dreams. Coming from a humble background in the silk capital of South India, Kanchipuram, he was a P.T. Master at a School in Mambalam near Usman Road in Chennai. Every day, he would board the train from his native and travel to Mambalam. Despite the wonderment the new city had to offer, the town of Kanchipuram held a special place in his heart. It was here that he found himself surrounded by the rhythmic clatter of handloom weavers, including his very own father, their skilled hands weaving intricate stories into threads of silk on Mettu Street.
His heart swelled with a desire to uplift the weavers, amplify their artistry, and bring their creations directly to the people. One day, as he made his way from his hometown to Mambalam, he embarked on a journey that would shape the course of history. Wrapped in a simple white blanket, a collection of 4 sarees accompanied him, and by his side was his son, the young P.C. Ramamurthy. As he tended to the minds of young learners, he taught his son about the value the sarees hold and entrusted him with the responsibility to sell them. This ritual continued day after day, for an entire year.
It was a fervent desire to bridge the gap between weavers and customers, to offer a direct pathway from artistic hands to appreciative hearts. And so, in the year 1955, a new chapter was written – a small space in a building on Nageshwaran Road came alive announcing the birth of Kumaran Silks.
As the looms hummed with dedication, Kumaran Silks transformed from a humble retail haven into an epitome of India's rich heritage and traditions in 20 years. Our legacy expanded, embracing our role as a cultural icon - a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Every creation emerging from the loom was more than a garment; it was a reflection of the weaver's soul, an intricate masterpiece woven with passion, skill, and love.
Through the corridors of time, Kumaran Silks evolved, transcending boundaries and weaving our tale across the globe. The blend of tradition and modernity as our prowess, our productions bonded generations together over the history of fabric and the enchantment of design.
In our journey fueled by an unwavering love for silks and an insatiable desire to create exceptional weaves, we embarked on a path less traveled. A path that led us to establish our very own handloom units, scattered like precious gems across the silk cities of Tamil Nadu – Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, and Arani.
Our establishment of these vibrant weaving communities was not just a business endeavour; it was a heartfelt commitment to nurturing the very heart of our craft. It was a conscious effort to uplift and empower the weaving community. We understood that the soul of our sarees lay in the hands that meticulously wove them. By investing in these local artisans, we not only enriched their lives but also secured the future of a centuries-old art form.
Shri P.C. Ramamurthy carried the torch of craftsmanship with the same passion and commitment his father had. Kumaran Silks' global presence within the textile industry is a testimony to it. Through the changing fashion trends and competition, his unwavering dedication to adorn the discerning people of Chennai with premium, yet affordable textiles that transcend mere fabrics to works of art made Kumaran Silks an invincible leader.
Today, Kumaran Silks stands tall, not merely as a textile powerhouse, but as a living embodiment of a dream turned reality. The tireless efforts of our founding fathers, Shri P. Chengalvaraya Chettiar and Shri P.C. Ramamurthy have etched a legacy that flows through the threads of time, inspiring silk saree lovers worldwide. Each piece that graces our collection is a canvas of tradition and passion, woven with the essence of generations past.
In 1996, we introduced a revolutionary concept that breathed new life into saree fashion – the Reversible Saree, a marvel that captivated the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. This ingenious creation allowed women to effortlessly transform their looks by wearing it either way. Turn n Wear, as it's fondly known, was loved dearly by women.
It was our experimentation to fuse tradition with luxury that gave birth to Kanchivaram Satin Guard Sarees. This collection paid homage to the rich heritage of Kanchivaram silk sarees while adding a touch of satin opulence.
The Amritavarshini collection, a blend of silk and cotton, sported extraordinary artistic splendor. Born from our artisans' creative souls, this collection was a huge success.
In 1997, we introduced the art collection sarees that stands true to its name. The sarees in this collection featured hand paintings and embroidered designs inspired by Mughals and Madhubani art.
In the late 2000s, Kumaran Silks collaborated with the Aditya Birla Group to bring Linen sarees to the market, resulting in the creation of Lea, India’s first Linen saree collection. Launched at the Hindu bridal festival in Singapore in 2010, the lightweight, breathable fabric made these sarees ideal for summer, quickly gaining popularity among working professionals. The introduction of Linen sarees marked a significant milestone, with Lea becoming an instant favorite.
Rhapsody, introduced in 2002, is named after the feeling it evokes. Each Rhapsody saree was a by-product of a free-flowing mix of colors, patterns, and textures.
Our Kachi Embellished Sarees, a testament to the power of intricate detailing, introduced a new dimension of opulence to silk sarees. With every meticulously placed thread, these sarees became a canvas for the imagination of our skilled artisans, showcasing the perfect blend of heritage and modern sophistication.
In our dedication to democratizing elegance, we introduced Budget Sarees. These creations were a reflection of our belief that luxury should be accessible to all, embodying our ethos of quality, craftsmanship, and affordability.
Harnessing the beauty of pure silk, our Printing Collection emerged as an exquisite expression of design and craftsmanship. Each piece showcased the natural elegance of silk and vibrant prints that celebrated life's myriad colours and forms.
In 2000, Twin Silk unveiled a symphony of tradition and contemporary. These sarees weren't just pieces of fabric; they were adorned with Swarovski crystals, intricate hand paintings, and designs created through screen printing techniques.
In 1991, we transcended borders, as we ventured into international markets, exporting our exquisite creations to destinations far and wide. From the United States, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, England, London, France, UAE, Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark to Mauritius, Kumaran Silks' textiles graced the wardrobes of widespread Indian people and other saree enthusiasts across the globe.
In the year 1994, honoring the 50 years of the relationship between USA and India, Kumaran Silks had the honor of presenting a saree woven with the then Indian Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and USA President Bill Clinton to the consulate general of the United States of America in Chennai. This fabric was then represented in the White House showcasing our rich cultural heritage.
In a significant feat of business prowess, Kumaran Silks became the first retail shop to cross the coveted 100 crore mark in 1996, this was more appalled as it was a single-store entity. This remarkable accomplishment was duly recognized with the esteemed award presented by the then-honorable Minister of Finance, Manmohan Singh.
Shri P.C. Ramamurthy not only wanted to carry traditional and cultural Indian heritage through sarees but also was an active member under the Sheriff of Madras who contributed to the welfare of society.
In a truly awe-inspiring accomplishment, Kumaran Silks etched its name into the history of the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008. We handcrafted the longest woven saree of 642.3 m (2,106 ft 10 in) for the Padmavati Jain Temple in Krishnagiri. The saree was sponsored by Kumaran Silks to raise funds for the education of underprivileged children in the district. Â
Take this Journey with Us
Our heritage isn't merely a chapter in a story; it is a chapter yet to be written, guided by the very essence of dreams, passion, and commitment. We invite you to be a part of this enchanting journey, where threads intertwine to create stories of elegance, grace, and timeless beauty. Join us as we continue to weave the legacy of Kumaran Silks, where dreams are spun into reality, one exquisite saree at a time.
