The word Chikankari literally means 'Embroidery' (thread or wire). It is one of Lucknow's oldest textile decoration styles. It is a very delicate and intricate type of embroidery. Initially, the embroidery was done using white yarn on colorless muslin known as tanzeb. However, today, georgette, chiffon, cotton, mulmul, and other fine fabrics are also being used.

Nama:Stay is your one-stop destination to shop for all types of Chiknakri embroidery on a variety of silhouettes and fabrics. We offer you a Chikankari a-line kurta, angrakha, flared kurta, straight kurta etc. We bring to you celebrity-approved and influencer-approved chikankari kurtas and bottom wear.

Yes, all our Chikankari kurtas are hand embroidered by our artisans in Lucknow. Genuine Chikankari kurtas feature intricate hand embroidery. The stitches should be fine, even, and delicately executed, reflecting the artisan's skill and patience.

Here are our Chikankari garment care tips:

• We recommend hand washing in cold water or dry cleaning only.
• White garments need to be washed separately.
• Use cold water only for chikankari
• Do not iron embellishments
• Do not dry in direct sunlight as it may fade the color of the fabric

Both the Lucknowi Chikankari Kurta and Lucknowi Chikan Kurta are the same. It's just a nomenclature difference, both mean Chikankari Kurta.

At Shop Nama:stay, we bring to you a wide variety of materials that are intricately hand embroidered by our artisans. Our collection of materials includes cotton, pure cotton, georgette, kota cotton, organza, muslin, mukaish work on cotton, muslin, crepe, chanderi, cambric, modal cotton, etc.

For identifying a real Chikankari kurta follow these 5 easy steps:

• Check the back side of the garment, it should have loose threads. These loose threads indicate that they are hand embroidered and not machine embroidered.
• Look for various traditional Chikankari stitches such as "Bakhiya" (shadow work), "Phanda" (small dot), etc.
• Check the fabric, it should feel pure, soft, and breathable.
• Buy Chikankari kurtas from trusted sources, well-known brands, or artisan cooperatives
• Authentic handcrafted Chikankari kurtas are a labor-intensive art form. If the price seems too good to be true, it might indicate a lack of authenticity.

Absolutely yes, you can definitely wear a Chikankari kurta for casual occasions! Chikankari kurtas are the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. It's an excellent choice to wear on casual occasions such as a friend's birthday, brunch, or office wear. We offer a wide variety of cotton, muslin, and mulmul kurtas that you can wear on casual occasions.

Styling a Chikankari kurta for a special event such as Diwali, a friend's wedding, Durga puja or any other festivity is all about blending traditional elegance with modern flair. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning look:

• Choose the Right Kurta: Opt for a Chikankari kurta that suits the formality of the event. Long-length straight kurtas or a-line flared kurtas can add a touch of grandeur, while shorter lengths provide a more contemporary feel.
• Color Palette: Soft pastels are perfect for daytime events, while rich jewel tones add glamor to evening affairs.
• Bottom Wear:
  • Palazzo Pants: Pair your kurta with flowy palazzo pants for an effortlessly chic look.
  • Straight Pants: For a more sophisticated appearance, opt for fitted cigarette pants that balance the flair of the kurta.

Choose a clutch or potli bag that matches your outfit's color palette and complements the Chikankari work. And you are ready for your special event.

At shop Nama:Stay we offer our community Chikankari kurtas in a wide array of colors, offering a spectrum that suits every taste and occasion. We offer pastel shades like powder blue, blush pink, mint green, and lavender that evoke an air of delicacy and elegance. We also offer Neutrals such as ivory, beige, and ecru for timeless choices. We bring to you Chikankari kurtas that feature embroidery in a contrasting color, which adds a striking visual appeal. Rest assured from earthy tones to jewel tones like ruby or emerald green, we offer you a wide variety of color options to choose from.