Nafeesa Begum (A die-hard preservationist of the magnificent legacy of Banarasi handloom saris), is the Founder and Creative Director of Madame Banarsi. Nafeesa, now living in Hyderabad, Telangana, has learned to love the eight-hundred-year-old exquisite creation for over two decades and relishes the fine art attached to it and the culture that it signifies.
Early Inspiration and Personal Connection
Nafeesa was born and brought up in Hyderabad, and it was in that momentous event called the wedding wherein she got linked to Banarasi sarees. For the first time, her mother gifted her that lovely Banarasi saree, to which she attached an everlasting meaning and value of tradition and elegance. Over the years, her husband, Syed Kareem Basha, has presented her with several other Banarasi sarees, thereby strengthening her association with these beautiful pieces over time. Nafeesa understands that such cultural gifts must be preserved for future generations to admire and relive. This was the moment of realization that led her down the path of curating and promoting pure Banarasi sarees across the world.
Empowering Artisans and Promoting Indian Heritage
The very core of Madame Banarsi's mission is the promotion of Indian heritage and empowerment of its artisans. Through her platform, Nafeesa collaborates with skilled weavers and artisans in Banaras so that their work might be appreciated and their art passed on to the future generations. She works towards a collection of sarees that represent the great traditions of Banaras and showcase the artistry of the local weavers.
Saree Curation Expertise
As an experienced saree consultant, nobody could rival Nafeesa's expertise. Nafeesa meticulously handpicks and displays exquisitely crafted Banarasi sarees that show traditional designs and weaving techniques. Nafeesa's collections are well studied and were created to illuminate the delicate beauty of Banaras art, combining antique elegance with modern style. With a thorough knowledge of textile, marketing, and sales, she established her brand, Madame Banarsi, giving it a niche in the competitive world of fashion.
Educational Background
Nafeesa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities from Hyderabad, which helped chart her course in life. Her academic background and her passion for textiles have imparted to her an in-depth understanding of the saree industry from both cultural and commercial perspectives.
In her work at Madame Banarsi, Nafeesa continues to be an influential figure in the world of handloom sarees, contributing to the preservation of India's textile legacy.
