Originating from Lucknow, India and having its roots within the Mughal era, chikankari embroidery isn’t simply an embroidery technique – instead, it’s an ancient art. The primary references of chikankari embroidery designs as ‘flowered muslins’ go back to the 3rd Century BC.
Chikankari technique is exclusive and stand-alone amongst all other embroideries. While modern chikankari has been mixed and consolidated with other conventional methods, the core of chikan work stays faithful to its roots even to the present day.
THE UNDENIABLE LORE OF MOTIFS
Like all Mughal-origin artforms, chikankari motifs are based on nature. Hence, bountiful flowers, leaves, paisley patterns are most conversant in this embroidery work and Lucknow chikankari artwork. While there are many sorts of chikankari embroidery – like Jaali work, ‘hool’ (eyelet stitch), and Banarasi styles – the foremost popularly loved is the ‘Bakhiya’ or the shadow work.
Shadow work – which involves using a back-stitch, chain stitch, and therefore the stitch to embroider white-on-white motifs from the back-side of a translucent fabric creating a shadow effect – is prevalent in today’s Lucknow chikankari and modern-day chikankari inspired fashion. Chikankari embroidery stitches aren’t only soul-pleasingly beautiful but also manage to weave quite just beauty into folds.
AIRY CHIKANKARI DUPATTA
Beautiful, tonal, and traditionally in white and light pastels, a chikankari dupatta can add a subtle yet magnificent flair to any kurta combo! It’s a method often worn during morning ceremonies at weddings or festive seasons and is enchanting and endearing simultaneously. Keep it casual by pairing your beau chikan embroidery dupatta with a clear solid coloured kurta and palazzo outfit for that relaxed desi-girl vibe! Or go all call at co-ords.
EMBODY YOURSELF IN CHIKANKARI SUITS
Ah, the charm of a well-tailored, beautifully embroidered and subtly designed chikankari dress or suit-set can’t be underestimated! Indian fashion designers have found ways to adapt this system into their collections, keeping this kind alive in times and adding their zest to its traditional methods. So choose a designer chikankari Anarkali in a jewel-toned colour for an updated look!
ROCK THE NIGHT IN CHIKANKARI OUTFITS
Diwali, Durga Pooja, and wedding favourites – chikankari Anarkali and kurta-set styles are loved by festive party-goers! These suits and kurtas are an excellent desi party-wear option if you’re tired of the standard western dresses for night-outs. Instead, get yourself a chikankari suit embellished in a net or a mesh fabric for a fairy-like appeal!
FOLLOW THE ULTIMATE SUMMER LOOK WITH CHIKANKARI KURTI
A chikankari kurta could also be a perfect match on party nights and festive days – but to remain trendy, desi, and excellent for the summer, we highly recommend the shorter and more casual kurti version!
MELLOW POISE WITH LUCKNOWI KURTI
A tonal white chikankari kurta with white or pink embroidery in classic lucknowi style is essential for each desi-girl’s wardrobe! Wear a lucknowi kurta style in lovely summer-appropriate colours for max impact! This kurtis looks fabulous on women from all walks of life – college-going younglings to older matriarchs who have seen many monsoons and skills to measure energy, sort of a boss!
ROMANTIC GRACE WITH CHIKANKARI SAREE
An embodiment of grace and femininity, when embellished with chikankari – the saree may be a total winner! The appeal of chikankari embroidery sarees lies in their lightweight and subtle characteristics. Unlike most embroideries, Chikan work is light and soft – making it a practical, comfortable and lovely alternative to prints or solids.
LEGAL LOOK WITH CHIKANKARI LEHENGA
Ditch the heavy zardozi and hulking phulkaris this summer wedding season for a subtle, lightweight and stunning chikankari lehenga! Play with soft hues like mint, beige or lavender, subtle shimmer with a sort of gota or mukaish and make sure that you’ve got an equally stunning dupatta – perhaps in an embroidered net – to finish this look.
India’s deeply traditional & world-famous troupe of expertise is reverend on the grandest runways. Remember where it came from; let’s always honour & find joy within the effort that goes into these heirloom pieces entrenched in cultural history – lest they disappear.
So show some love and surprise yourself with a beautiful chikankari outfit to rock your next bash, or get slaying your lifestyle in chikan kari.
