Agrita Chhibber
Chikan means embroidery. This traditional embroidery style is ancient and well-known art forms of Lucknow, which was introduced by the Mughals. The simple and neat handwork on the garment, gives it a very subtle feel that modern embroidery techniques may lack. The main attraction of the garment is a simple design.And chikankari adds a modern twist to present traditional fashion era.
Indian chikan work goes as far back as the early 3rd century BC, with one tale mentioning the story of a traveller who taught chikan to a peasant in return for drinking water. However, the most popular and factually verifiable story is that Noor Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jehangir, introduced the Persian art in India in the 17th century. She herself was a talented embroideress, and had a particular fondness for this art. Her husband is said to have loved chikan work too and has established several workshops to perfect this art form in India.
Chikankari was started with white on white, as it was made for summer season. The preferred fabric was mulmul or muslin as they were season friendly. Chikankari artisans are found all over India but Lucknow remained the birth land of this beautiful creative work.
As summer has knocked the doors of your cupboard, it is time to update it with a new variety of fabric and pattern. In this languorous yet lyrical time of the year add some chikankari kurta in pastel shades to your collection as plain cotton shirts are too mainstream for every summer look. Chikankari adds grace and style in this most breezy way as the wearer pleases. Pakistani shows are making summer fashion seem carefree and easy even in the scorching heat. Chikankari has a huge range in simple detailing to heavy. It is up to you to pick your favourite piece.Team up a beautiful heavy worked chikankari dupatta with your plain cotton kurta to get a chic look this summer. Chikankari is not stocked upto suits or kurta. The huge variety can be styled according to the need of the wearer along with minimals.
Nowadays chikan embroidery is also done with coloured and silk threads in colours to meet the fashion. Chikan work in the recent times has adapted additional embellishments like Mukaish, Kamdani, Badla, sequin, bead and mirror work, which gives it a rich look. Chikan embroidery is mostly done on fabrics like cotton, semi-Georgette, pure Georgette, crepe, chiffon, silk and any other fabric which is light and which highlights the embroidery. The fabric cannot be too thick or hard, else the embroidery needle won’t pierce it.
Chikankari is not just limited to kurtas, but it can be worn in lehanga and sarees too. If the fabric base is used in gorgette for chikankari it gives an amazing look to your saree and lehanga. Kareena Kapoor at Sonam Kapoor wedding was spotted wearing baby pink chikankarilehanga. Lucknawi looks simple yet elegant for summer weddings. Try pairing a heavy white thread worked blouse with the skirt or vice versa. For casual look Jhanvi Kapoor was spotted wearing plain simple kurta with pants. For regular college or tuition classes buy some plain kurtis and team them up with your ankle length jeggings. Comfortable yet chic.Celebriries time to time amp up the game of styling plain outfits and bringing them back to the fashion.
If Jammuites are looking for chikankari and Lakhnawi material, here is your answer – Love the Wardrobe, Bathindi. The Wardrobe has the most exclusive and stunning collection in ethnic wear. The fabric is trustworthy and their pattern are up to date. Recently they have welcomed Chikanri in their collection which is in huge demand in India as well as overseas, so you can guess the amazing quality they serve. They deal withAnarkali in chikan fabric on orders, customising according to the taste and need of their customers. Go to the store and check them out yourself!
I hope you enjoyed reading about various intresting facts and style tips about chikankari fabric. Design your own chikankari kurta this summer and add a glam factor to your everyday summer work look. Summers should trail of different comfortable fabrics to add fun to the heat! Don’t forget your sunscreen though! Stay hydrated!
Follow our WhatsApp channel
