Tilfi’s Rose Garden in Varanasi

Luxe handloom label Tilfi introduces ‘Gulab Bari,’ a sari collection that’s pure poetry in Banarasi weaves, celebrating roses, heritage, and timeless craftsmanship.

Imagine a morning on the Ganges, where a bajra glides across the water, surrounded by golden trays of rose petals. A harmonium’s melody fills the air as soft pink hues tie the scene together. At the heart of it all is Aditi Chand, CEO of Tilfi, greeting guests in an elegant Swetambari jamdani with delicate florals. This dreamy setting launches Gulab Bari, a collection inspired by the courtly traditions of the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajed Ali Shah, blending history, culture, and craftsmanship into one unforgettable moment.

The Rose Affair

The Gulab Bari collection, priced from ₹20K to ₹32K, brings Banarasi magic to life with five signature sari styles. From the intricate adha jaal to horizontal stripe kadua, plain tanchoi, tanchoi with meenakari borders, and chaithera meena trellis patterns, each piece showcases the finest weaving techniques. The collection also features dupattas and kurtas for men, keeping the rose theme alive in delicate embroidery and pastel hues.

The standout design is a sari that looks like it’s been caught in a rose petal shower, achieved through expert gradation and free-flowing patterns. Shades of ombré peach and pink, rose vine details on borders, and the interplay of gold and silver exude quiet luxury, creating pieces that are both artistic and wearable.

Craftsmanship at Its Core

Tilfi’s design philosophy is rooted in tradition, allowing the craft to take center stage. The brand focuses exclusively on Banarasi textiles, with over 2,000 weavers from Varanasi and nearby villages bringing its vision to life. By staying true to its heritage, Tilfi ensures its creations are timeless, avoiding digital prints, machine embroidery, or fleeting trends.

Since its inception in 2016, the brand has taken a purist approach, embracing the Banarasi design language perfected over centuries. Each piece tells an authentic story, honoring the artistry and culture of the region.

The Rhythm of Handlooms

Tilfi’s collections are guided by the time and effort required to create handwoven masterpieces. A single sari can take anywhere from ten days to four months to complete. This focus on craftsmanship means that the weaver’s artistry drives the process rather than seasonal fashion cycles. The Gulab Bari collection exemplifies this, celebrating the beauty of slow fashion with every stitch.

Heritage Meets Modernity

Tilfi’s innovation lies in reimagining Varanasi’s textile heritage. From optical illusion motifs in the SeeSaw collection to silk tissue saris with geometric patterns in Shakti, the brand reinvents tradition without losing its essence. Its journey into stitched garments since 2018 has brought unisex bomber jackets in silk and crocodile-patterned satin, blending heritage with contemporary appeal.

Looking ahead, Tilfi is set to launch a jamdani collection in 2024 while expanding into home decor, further showcasing the versatility of Banarasi craftsmanship.

Tilfi’s commitment to its craft, storytelling, and heritage creates a design language that feels both rooted and refreshing. It’s a celebration of timeless artistry, driven by the quiet elegance of handwoven luxury.