Fashion has always carried history within its threads. Long before trends were named or seasons defined, fabric was shaped by climate, craft, and culture. Crushed silk was born this way — not as an invention, but as an evolution. In regions of India and Persia, where silk was hand-loomed and naturally exposed to humidity, the fabric developed soft crinkles and textures over time. What began as an accidental transformation soon became intentional, refined by artisans who hand-pleated, twisted, and heat-set silk to preserve its fluid, crushed character.
In royal courts and Mughal-era ateliers, crushed silk found its place in Anarkalis, dupattas, and ceremonial garments. It was cherished not for uniformity, but for movement. Each fold caught light differently, each step brought the fabric alive. It was a symbol of quiet luxury — expressive, graceful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
As centuries passed, tradition did not fade. It adapted.
The very technique that gave crushed silk its soul began to evolve with time and changing lifestyles. Artisans and designers explored new ways to retain the richness of silk while making it lighter, smoother, and more versatile. From this exploration emerged space silk — a contemporary fabric that carries the essence of crushed silk forward. With its satin-like softness, luminous sheen, and fluid drape, space silk reflects the same heritage of movement, now shaped for the modern woman.
At Arnika — Anarkali by Ival, exploration has always been instinctive. Founder Bangaru Priya believes that tradition should not be preserved by standing still, but by allowing it to breathe and grow. That philosophy guides every silhouette we create. Our Anarkalis are inspired by heritage forms, yet designed for the present — and space silk became a natural extension of that vision.
In an Anarkali, space silk moves with the same grace once seen in crushed silk, enhancing every flare without heaviness. It holds the richness of silk once worn in royal halls, while offering comfort for long celebrations and meaningful moments today.
For us, this journey from crushed silk to space silk is not about replacing the past. It is about carrying it forward — thoughtfully, respectfully, and with intention.
Because heritage is not something we leave behind.
It is something we continue to wear, evolve, and live.