About the Founder – Palam Silks

Jeyasree Ravi FOUNDER OF PALAM SILKS

Jeyasree Ravi, daughter of the renowned Silk Merchant Doctor Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, founded Palam Silks in 2003. Two decades ago, Kanchipuram silk sarees were reserved for only for one occasion - Muhurtham. Every young girl tended to own only one silk saree which will be dawned on her wedding day. It is this thought Jeyasree Ravi challenged. She believed kanchipuram is malleable to fit into any occasion and not just as a bridalwear. This thought became the foundation of Palam Silks.

Ms jeyasree Ravi started 4 lines of Kanchipuram - Casual Kanjeevarams, Designer Kanjeevarams, Bridal Kannjeevarams and Concept Kanjeevarams. This shook the industry as a whole as Kanjeevarams were revered as the most premium silk of India. Ms Jeyasree preserved the sanctity of the fabric and experimented only in designs and colours. However, over time she realized that young women find it difficult to wear Kanjeevaram frequently since silk sarees carry a certain amount of weight. Ms Jeyasree worked with her master weaver over a year to change the texture of silk without compromising on quality.

Hence, Palam birthed the biggest revolution ever done in silk - Lightweight Kanjeevarams.

Earlier, brands tended to introduce new colours and designs for every Diwali and the same designs would be repeated through the year. Ms Jeyasree once again broke this myth about Kanjeevarams and established the “One of Each” design concept. Kanjeeavarams were seen in new designs and colours everytime a customer made a visit. She grouped the signature creations and conceptualized a collection for the same which led to Palam’s pathbreaking fashion shows. The first brand that stylised Kanjeevarams on a ramp - The Silkline.

Silkline, our yearly fashion shows, displayed 10 silk sarees under each line - Casual Kanjeevarams, Designer Kanjeevarams, Bridal Kannjeevarams and Concept Kanjeevarams. The faces behind these creations, the weavers, were honoured on stage by her father Doctor Nalli Kuppuswamy Chettiar.

Over the years, Jeyasree has experimented, innovated and challenged the norms that were attached to silk sarees. Whether it came to revolutionising the designs templates by introducing modern concepts like silver zari, copper zari and the most celebrated collection - Corporate Pattu or by flaunting silk sarees to young women through fashion shows, she has paved the path for Kanjeevarams to evolve into the Queen of all Indian Fabrics.

Jeyasree Ravi unveiled contemporary designs launched under NAVA and Folklore Collection at the Vogue Wedding Show from 2017-2o19. The first for a South Indian brand to achieve this feat. Preceded by collaborations in 2013 and 2014 with Bollywood Blockbusters like Chennai express and Happy New Year, Jeyasree has always ensured that Palam Silks is the fashionable face of silk. Deepika Padukone and Vidya Balan decked up in the finest of Palam weaves on silver screen was truly an milestone moment in Palam’s journey.

Jeyasree Ravi sculpted the brand to cater to the millenials and Gen-Z. She has been relatable to the youngest saree patrons and is findly called “Princess of Silk”. She has won numerous awards for her contributions in the silk industry. She is also a philanthropist and authored her book, “The Magical Scroll” in 2014.

All I wanted to do was take Kanjeevarams to young women. Make them fall in love with the fabric and build a wardrobe of silk sarees. -Jeyasree Ravi

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

  • Jothi Madar Sangam – Innovative Entrepreneur Award
  • Mayan International Awards ( 6th edition ) 2019 – Icon in Textile Industry
  • Raindrops ( 5th Annual Awards ) 2017 – Women Achievers’ Award
  • Sail Foundation Presentation - 2017 – Inspiring Woman Icon Award
  • Rotary Club of Anna Nagar Madras 2018 – Vocational Excellence Award
  • Femina Penn Shakthi Awards 2014 - Women Achievers’ Award
  • 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 – Jewels of South India
  • Ritz South Scope Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Best Cultural Revivalist in Fashion
  • Brew Magazine Awards 2017 – Inspire and Conquer Award
  • Puthiya Thalaimurai Sakthi Award for Leadership 2019