chikankari

Fashion is always evolving, be it a week or a month it keeps changing. With the change in the fashion landscape and the test of time, certain weaves stand unshakable, like the weave of chikankari. Delicate threads being woven into intricate patterns on soft cotton fabric is the art of chikankari. An ancient Indian art form, the chikankari is a testament to tradition, beauty, and skillful craftsmanship.

The embroidery is typically done in white thread, with intricate patterns and mesmerizing motifs that dance across the fabric. Chikankari kurtis are evergreen attires that have endless grace and charm. Apparel from Lucknow, India the chikankari kurti Is a symbol of timeless beauty and elegance.

Chikankari- An essential in every wardrobe
Whether it’s a casual day, party, or a formal occasion, the chikankari kurta effortlessly fits the bill.

Comfort and Elegance

If you want to look elegant and also look for a comfort fit, kurta is the perfect match. And a chikankari kurti is an embodiment of all these fit conditions.

Since it is lightweight and airy on the fabric it is perfect for everyday wear, from running errands or even attending a formal meet.

Styling the Chikankari Kurta

Dupatta: Pairing the chikankari kurta with a chikankari palazzo and dupatta adds elegance making it perfect for a day out to shop or a quick hangout with friends.

Contemporary style:
Denim jacket and sneaker with a chikankari kurti will make you rock the contemporary look.

Accessories: The chikakari kurta is like a versatile canvas that can be styled with a choker, clutch, and statement Jhumki to elevate the style.

Footwear: Pairing your kurta with the right footwear hits the correct notch. If you want to rock the traditional look opt for Punjabi juttis, kolhapuris and if you want to rock the modern look go for flats or even sneakers.

The magic of layering

Layering can be carried out by styling it with a stole or a shrug. Layering adds to the indo-fusion look beautifully.

When browsing the Internet for authentic chikankari kurtis I stumbled upon the House Of Chikankari. This website is a treasure trove for lovers of exquisite hand-embroidered fashion. Founded by a mother-daughter duo Poonam and Akriti Rawal, the mission of the brand is to revive and preserve the art of chikankari. This is seen as each piece is precisely crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring authenticity and quality.

They have a wide range of kurtas, palazzos, and dupattas. Their range includes clothing for both men and women. Their range starts from 1000-10000.

I personally loved exploring the different celebrity collections- Mira Kapoor, Meher Taluja and Simran Sethi Bedi.

I ordered a mulmul straight short kurta in red from the Mira collection and a Zainab mulmul straight kurta. I was initially doubtful with respect to the sizes when I compared it with the size chart that was provided but I must say the fit was perfect once I tried them out.

I loved the packaging that encased the garment inside two layers—personally loved the little chikankari pouch and the card that listed the different stitches which was very informative. I also checked out their mobile app, which was an easy experience to make shopping smooth.

Chikankari kurtis are not just clothing but a celebration of elegance, beauty, and artistry.

Churidar

Image source Flipkart

Originating in North India, the churidar is bottom wear, which is worn with kameez or a tunic. Characterized by its tight fit near the ankle, it uses extra fabric to be gathered around the ankle. A churidar is a versatile outfit that can be worn for both formal and casual events. It can be stitched with cotton, silk, or chiffon and to add that touch of elegance it can be embellished with sequins or embroidery.

A modest and conservative garment that covers the leg, the churidar is loved by women from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other south Asian countries. It is a comfortable and easy-to-move-around attire.

Chanderi silk

Image source Jaypore

Handwoven by artisans in the town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, chanderi silk is a fabric that is a combination of cotton threads and silk. Unparalleled quality, exquisite texture, and intricate designs make it a luxurious fabric that is known for its sheer texture and lightweight that makes it stand apart distinctly.

The soft and delicate feel makes it perfect for weaving comfortable garments. The history dates to the 7th Century, wherein the artisans spun the thread to yarn, dye them with vibrant colors, and then weave them into the fabric. Highly coveted for its intricate design and graceful drape, the chanderi silk often uses zari which is a metallic thread that adds to the glamour of the drape.

Elegant and sophisticated evening wear can be made because of the natural sheen, but since it’s also lightweight, it can be suited to make daily or casual wear garments as well. Such is the versatility of the fabric. The fabric can be woven into sarees, salwar, and lehenga.

Chikankari

Image source meesho

An embroidery technique that comprises intricate handmade designs being stitched onto lightweight airy fabrics is chikankari which originates from the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a traditional embroidery style derived from the Persian word ‘chikan’ which means embroidery. It is usually done on lightweight fabrics like silk, muslin, and cotton.

Initially brought to India by the Persians, the technique was later adopted by the Mughals who used it to make garments for the nobility who made it an art form, so we could also say that the chikankari art flourished during the Mughal Era. Now it is a widely practiced embroidery technique that is also loved by the general population.

Floral motifs, paisleys, and geometric designs are some of the intricate patterns of embroidery that are done on the fabric. Mostly done in white or pastel colors the light weight of the fabric is the distinct feature of the chikankari which makes it perfect to be worn in summer. Its, crisp finished texture gives it a sophisticated look.

It takes days to finish making a garment because the process is highly labor-intensive because needs delicate embroidery which is one of the reasons that the fabric or garment is on the expensive side.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.