Chikankari, is an art that has been promoted by artisans from Lucknow, but has been around since ages, and is liked by the masses, including Bollywood celebrities. What makes Chikan work a priceless possession even today?
This form of hand-embroidery is versatile and crafted on a wide array of fabrics - silk, organza, cotton, chiffon, and georgette. The lightness, and comfort of these fabrics, coupled with the fineness of hand embroidery, often accentuated with other forms of crafts like mukaish, badla and parsi work elevates the look to a whole new level. Today a wide range of outfits like lehengas, sarees, suits, and dupattas, for both men and women are created with this intricate work. Having a fun get-together or a wedding, or a festive celebration, chikankari clothing is a quintessential choice for those who prefer easy to carry yet elegant, subtle, comfortable, dreamy, and bewitching appearance. Interesting isn't it? This is where the popularity and mania for having chikankari embroidered pieces in every woman's wardrobe lies.
Chikan is an intricate and delicate technique that came to India as a part of the Persian culture present in Mughal court. It is one of the best designs on fabric. While chikan embroidery is mainly done by white thread on softer pastel shaded fabrics, it doesn't stop there. To keep up to new trends, bright as well as fluorescent colors are also being incorporated along with multicolour threads, and silk threads. For the embroidery to work its magic, the fabric needs to be soft and fine.The purer the fabric, that lasting is it’s charm, however that builds up the costs too. Hence, it is very difficult to differentiate why similar looking products may cost different - the fabric quality, thread quality, size and mic of stitch, all contribute towards the cost of each product. There are 36 different kinds of stitching techniques- back stitch, chain stitch, hem stitch, fish bone stitch among the many more woven by skilled craftsmen. Some pieces may take months to be made, and are a culmination of the brilliance of the craftsmen who create them.
Today we’re trying to create traditional designs and also fusion wear, trying to bring the best of many art and craft forms together. There’s something for everyone.
Here are some ways in which we recommend styling your chikankari look, be it for a casual day out, a party or even for work.
The white chikankari suit is one of the most loved ensembles. It keeps you cool, comfortable, and just adding a soft or bright dupatta can dictate your overall look. Here we've paired the white kurta palazzo set with a bright green Banarasi dupatta and chunky jewellery to keep the overall look casual yet very traditional.
Kurta: White Ghaspatti Chikankari Georgette Kurta - LW02
Palazzo: White Chikan Sharara Palazzo - LW01
Dupatta: Banarasi Cotton Silk Dupatta With Flower Butti - Green
The chikan kurta with white embroidery teamed up with white bottom and dupatta is an evergreen ensemble, perfect for a work day or casual day out. The white chikan stretchable pants are a big trend these days. To get this look, visit
Kurta: Chikankari Georgette Dori Kurti- Red
Pants: Chikankari Lycra Stretchable pants With Pockets In Relaxed Fit - White
Dupatta: Chanderi Chikankari Dupatta With Zari Border- White
This kurta with multicolour thread embroidery has been a forever favourite. We recommend this smart look for those who like to keep it simple and elegant. Teaming up the kurta with solid contrast pants instead of regular salwar and chunky oxidised earrings adds a touch of glam to the overall attire.
Kurta: Chikankari Georgette Kurti Floral Embroidery - Cream Multicolour
Pants: Chikankari Lycra Stretchable pants - Red
Earrings: Oxidised Silver Large Earrings - Bird - FJ005
Lastly, we recommend chikankari sarees who like the flow and fairness of this craft. The fine embroidery on flow fabrics make them easy to drape, yet however you style them there is oodles of elegance. The sarees are available in various bright and pastel shades and you can pick one as per the occasion. The saree itself brings so much charm to your look, that just a simple blouse, and minimal jewellery are alright to complete the look.
Saree: Georgette Chikankari Saree Full Jaal Work - Candy Peach
Earrings: Swan pearl matt finish gold earrings - pink
It’s time to fall in love with the ancient heritage art form, which boosts the desi appearance of every woman. Add the romantic and delicate touch to your life by owning beautifully embroidered exquisite Chikankari outfits. Check our website for more products or get in touch for custom requests.
Happy Dressing, Happy Shopping!
