At Namastay, we don’t just design clothes, but we also believe in crafting experiences. We believe fashion isn’t just about what you wear, but how it makes you feel and who it supports. That belief led us to Chikankari, one of India’s most graceful and soulful embroidery traditions, still lovingly practiced in the historic city of Lucknow.
Where the craft starts
Step into any artisan’s home in Lucknow, and you’ll feel it immediately: time slows down. There’s rhythm in the way they work. Most of our Chikankari kurtas are crafted by women, often working alongside their mothers, sisters, or daughters. A half-embroidered kurta rests beside a steaming cup of chai. Children giggle nearby. Here, even the air holds stories.
This space is not a factory. There are no machines humming or deadlines ticking loudly.
What Chikankari Really Is
Chikankari is far more than just embroidery. It involves more than a dozen distinct stitches, each layered carefully into soft cottons and mulmuls. The art dates back to the Mughal era, yet somehow has found its place today in modern spaces, thanks to the artisans who continue to create despite changing trends.
Our Promise to Stay Human
We didn’t want to be “just another brand.” So we started with a promise: to stay human in every part of our work. That means choosing ethical sourcing, fair wages, kind timelines, and meaningful partnerships. Every artisan we work with is seen, heard, and respected. We check in regularly, not just on orders, but on families, health, and joy.
Here, people come first. Always.
Also Read: Why is Chikankari Expensive?
Reimagining a Classic
Traditionally, Chikankari was done mostly on whites. We wanted to honor that while opening it up. So we added color: warm earthy tones, ombre pinks, soft blues, and even deeper tones. These aren’t just garments for occasions. They’re pieces for living in: for early coffees, impromptu picnics, office days, and long travels. Each one is breathable, gentle on the skin, and crafted to move with you.
A Brand with a Soul
Namastay was founded by Palak Chawla, a NIFT Delhi graduate whose love for Indian textiles led her deep into the heart of craft clusters across India. She listened, learned, sat cross-legged beside artisans, and envisioned a brand that could honor both heritage and modernity.
From a handful of artisans, we’ve now grown to support more than 1,000 craftspeople. And with over 15,000 customers wearing our pieces, we’ve built a community of people who believe in beauty with meaning.
A Place for Everybody
We believe fashion should never be exclusive. That’s why our sizing ranges from XS to 3XL, with silhouettes that flatter. Every collection is designed with thoughtfulness, comfort, and respect for real women’s lives. Whether you’re curling up with a book or stepping into a boardroom, we want our pieces to feel like confidence, kindness, and more importantly, you.
What You’re Really Buying
Let’s be honest, you will find cheaper copies in the market. But when you choose
Namastay, you’re choosing something deeper. You’re buying time. Time spent on each stitch. Time that wasn’t rushed.
You’re buying heritage. Quiet power. Something that doesn’t shout but still speaks volumes.
You’re buying humanity. A kind of fashion that honors hands, not machines. That values stories, not speed.
Thank You for More Than Just Shopping
If you’ve ever worn our Chikankari and felt something shift inside, thank you. You’ve done more than shop. You’ve told an artisan her work matters. You’ve kept a craft alive.
You’ve helped us build a world where clothes are not just worn but also cherished for a long time.
