Chikankari Kurtas: Traditional Embroidery for Modern Fashion
In the multicolored domain of ethnic fashion, few garments go beyond time, weaving tales of heritage, comfort, and elegance. One among them is Chikankari - a hand-embroidery masterpiece that traces its roots back to the culturally rich city of Lucknow.
Chikankari originated approximately 400 years ago during the Mughal era in the historic city of Lucknow, and the artistry was embraced by Noor Jahan, where it flourished under royal patronage. Skilled artisans in the royal courts precisely crafted intricate patterns onto fabric, creating garments that were once the preserve of kings and queens.
Beyond its historical significance, Lucknowi Chikankari has surpassed its royal roots to become a cherished part of today’s fashion. The chikankari kurti offers unparalleled comfort. The kurtas are crafted from breathable, airy, and light textured fabrics; they provide a soft embrace and unrestricted movement throughout the day, making them ideal for casual and formal occasions.
At Nama: stay, we are proud to carry forward this rich legacy. Our hand-embroidered Chikanakri kurtas and kurtis for women are the perfect examples of the skill and dedication of Lucknow’s artisans.
Step beyond the realms of everyday fashion with Nama: Stay's Chikan Kurtis and chikankari kurta set, where each thread weaves together the rich heritage of a timeless craft, elevating your style to a celebration of cultural artistry.
Explore Incredible Collections of Lucknowi Chikankari Kurtis Online at Nama: Stay
Straight Chikankari Kurta
The Straight Chikankari Kurtas for women stands as a testament to the fusion of classic charm and modern sophistication, especially the classic white Chikankari kurta and Zainul Black Chikankari Kurta perfectly exemplifies timeless elegance. With its clean lines and classic outline, these collections showcase intricate hand embroidery in all its glory. Whether paired with chikankari palazzos for a casual day out or with chikankari pants for a formal event, the straight kurta is essential, seamlessly blending fashion with modern style.
Angrakha Chikankari Kurta
Characterized by its overlapping panel and dazzling closures, the Angrakha chikankari kurta manifests a vintage look. The intricacies adorn the folds, creating a visual symphony that offers awe to the rich history of this art form. The angrakha chikankari kurti effortlessly merges tradition with a touch of royal allure.
A-line Chikankari Kurta
The A-line collection offers a contemporary sophistication, flaring out gently from the bust; this style complements various body types, offering comfort and grace. The A-line outline chiknakari kurta silhouette add a touch of ethereal beauty, making it an ideal choice for semi-formal gatherings or a day of leisurely exploration. Especially white chikankari A- line kurtas which are a perfect example for a chic office wear chikankari kurta.
Flared Chikankari Kurta
The intricate hand embroidery enhances the charm of the flared chikankari kurta or chikankari anarakali kurta with a palazzo set, creating a harmony of comfort and grandeur. These kurtas offer a modern touch on a traditional design, making it ideal for occasions where you want to make an unforgettable style statement.Check out our white flared chikankari kurta that was spotted on Masoom Minawala Mehta. Our Naeem Chiknakar flared Kurta set has been our Besteller.
Long and Short Chikankari Kurtis
In our women's chikankari kurtas collection, the long lakhnavi kurta and short Lucknowi kurti versions each stand out with their own distinct allure. For those who favor elegance and grace, our long Chikankari Kurtis are a perfect choice, offering a blend of traditional charm and contemporary style. Meanwhile, our chikankari short kurta caters to those seeking a more modern and playful look, providing versatility and ease for various occasions. A short chikan kurti is a must have versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Make your fashion statement with our Chikankari collections
Today in the fashion landscape, our exclusive collection of Lakhnavi Chikankari kurtas stands as a lantern of style, tradition, and quality. Elevate your wardrobe with the timeless allure of hand-embroidered craftsmanship, and let your style tell a story as enchanting as
the intricate stitches that adorn your kurtas. Buy chikankari kurti for women online at Nama: Stay to embrace elegance and tradition.
FAQs about Chikan Kurta
1. What is Chikankari and where does it come from?
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.
2. What Styles of Chikankari Kurtas do you offer at Nama: Stay?
Nama: Stay is your one-stop destination to shop for all types of Chikankakri embroidery on a variety of silhouettes and fabrics. We offer you versatile
collections of chikankari such as A-line chikankari kurta, Angrakha chikanakri kurta, Flared kurta chikankari kurta , Straight chikankari kurta, Anarkali chikanakri kurta, Short chikan kurti etc.
3. Are all the Chikankari Kurtas on Nama: Stay hand-embroidered?
Yes, all our Chikankari kurtas are hand embroidered by our artisans in Lucknow. Genuine Chikankari lakhnavi kurta kurtas feature intricate hand embroidery. The stitches should be fine, even, and delicately executed, reflecting the artisan's skill and patience.
4. How do I care for my Chikankari Kurta purchased from Shop Nama: Stay?
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 adornments
● Do not dry in direct sunlight as it may fade the color of the fabric
5. What is the difference between a Lucknowi Chikankari Kurta and a Lucknowi Chikan Kurta?
Both the Lucknowi Chikankari Kurta and Lucknowi Chikan Kurta are the same. It's just a nomenclature difference, both mean Chikankari Kurta.
6. What materials are used in the creation of Chikankari Kurtas at Nama: Stay?
At 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, muslin, mukaish work on cotton, muslin, cambric cotton and modal cotton, etc.
7. How Can I Identify a Genuine Chikankari Kurta?
Here are the five easy steps for you to identify a real Chikankari kurta:
● 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.
8. Can I wear Chikankari Kurtas for casual occasions?
Absolutely Yes! Chikankari kurtas are incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for casual occasions. Whether it’s a day out with friends or a weekend getaway, a chikankari kurti can be your go-to choice for casual Elegance.
9. How do I style my Chikankari Kurta for a Special Occasion?
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:
- Chikankari Palazzo Pants: Pair your kurta with flowy Chikankari palazzo pants for an effortlessly chic look.
- Straight Chikankari 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.
10. What Colors and best material are available for Chikankari Kurtas at Nama: Stay?
We offer a wide range of colors that suits every taste and occasion. We offer pastel shades like powder blue, blush pink, mint green, and lavender/lilac or neutrals such as ivory, beige, and ecru or contrast colors with striking visual appeal. We provide a wide variety of color options to choose from.
Chikanakri was traditionally done on muslin. We at Nama:Stay offer chikankari and lakhnavi kurta in muslin, mulmul, rayon , georgette, organza, crepe, silk, raw silk, chanderi ,pure cotton, modal cotton and a variety of other fabrics.
11. Can chikankari kurta be altered?
Yes, chikankari kurtas can be altered. Minor changes like adjusting the sides or sleeves are usually simple. Major alterations, especially if the size change is big, can be tricky and might impact the embroidery pattern. Also, since there is little to no margin the kurta , you can not size up Nama:Stay chikankari kurta.
12. Which thread is used for Chikankari?
Chikankari embroidery is mostly done with cotton threads, which are soft and breathable. Sometimes Silk threads are used to add a glossy finish and are used for finer, detailed designs. Polyester threads are also used sometimes, they are cost-effective and offer durability. Each thread type gives the embroidery a different look and feel.
13. Is chikankari cotton?
Yes, Chikankari is commonly done on cotton fabric, especially in India. But it can also be embroidered on materials like silk, chiffon, and georgette. Cotton is a popular choice because it’s comfortable and easy to work with. Other fabrics give different textures and are used for special occasions.
14. What is the difference between chikankari and embroidery?
Chikankari is a traditional hand embroidery style from Lucknow, India. Embroidery is a general term for decorating fabric with thread using different methods. Embroidery includes both machine and hand embroidery whereas Chikankari can only be done by hand and is one type of embroidery technique among many embroidery techniques. It’s known for its delicate and intricate patterns.
