The Beauty of the Chikankari Dress

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery from Lucknow, India. It is one of the most popular traditional dress styles in India and has been popular for centuries. The intricate and delicate embroidery, along with its traditional style, makes it one of the most sought-after dress styles in India. This article will discuss the traditional Chikankari dress, its history, crafting process, popular styles, wearing tips, and care and maintenance tips.

Traditional Chikankari Dress

1. Chikankari dress is a traditional dress style from Lucknow, India. It is usually made from light-weight fabric such as cotton, muslin, or chiffon.
2. Chikankari dress is usually white in colour and is decorated with intricate and delicate embroidery.
3. The dress usually features a long, loose fit with a side seam, and is often embellished with lace trim and sequins.
4. It is often paired with a dupatta, which is a long scarf or shawl that is draped over the shoulders and chest.
5. Chikankari dress is usually adorned with intricate floral designs, geometric patterns, and other motifs.
6. The dress is usually finished with zari, which is a thin metallic thread used to create an embroidered border.

History of Chikankari

1. Chikankari originated in the Mughal period in India and was traditionally used to decorate the clothes of courtiers and royalty.
2. It was later adopted by the general public and became popular amongst all classes of society.
3. The craft of Chikankari has been passed down through generations and is still practiced by skilled artisans in Lucknow today.
4. The traditional embroidery techniques include shadow work, cutwork, and block printing.
5. Chikankari is a highly skilled and labour-intensive craft, and the intricate embroidery can take many weeks to complete.
6. The craft of Chikankari has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of India by UNESCO.

Crafting Chikankari Dress

1. Crafting a Chikankari dress requires skill and patience. The dress is usually crafted by hand, using a variety of traditional embroidery techniques.
2. The fabric is pre-washed and prepared, and then the embroidery is done directly onto the fabric.