Festive season or not, a sure-fire Chikankari piece, be it kurta, dupatta, lehenga or scarf is a must-have fashion necessity. Now, I've been to my share of weddings, Diwali parties, Puja pandals and Garba functions... and every time someone pulling off a tasteful Chikankari outfit catches my eye, my heart sinks in regret and envy. It could have (easily) been me donning into that beautiful Chikankari Anarkali or Salwar Suit but no, my clueless brain took a different approach. Needless to say, I learned my lesson and since then one thing that you'll never see me missing out in is an opportunity to buy a nice Chikankari suit or kurta
Since all the major festivals are right around the corner, we have a perfect excuse to shop for new and exciting Chikankari clothing again. So here's a list of 6 online Chikankari brands you can start with.
Nazrana Chikan is a three-decade-old venture handcrafting Chikan work on assorted fabrics such as voile, cambric, chanderi, silk, georgette, etc. in fine blends of different colours and hues. Also known for recreating wonderful motifs inspired by Persian art and Taj Mahal's floral & geometrical patterns in Pieta dura on their fabrics, this brand is a reliable place to shop for good quality Chikankari outfits.
Image Courtesy: nazranachikan
From short/long kurtis to tops, pants, palazzos, sarees, dupattas, stoles, etc. for the ladies and kurtas, lowers, etc. for men... there are more options to choose from than you can count. In addition to this variety, you can even score unstitched Chikankari material of your liking. And the fact that all of this is possible online is a cherry on the cake.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nazranachikan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nazranachikanofficial/
From timeless whites to bright reds, blues & more... Noorkari Chikankari is crafting finesse and class in the form of delicate Chikankari embroidery mainly encouraged by beautiful floral patterns. Their use of fabrics such as cotton, organza, Banarasi Zari and georgette is commendable and the handwork is rather exquisite. Be it daily wear, wedding specials or festive looks... this place has it all and that too handcrafted in the lanes of Lucknow. I personally admire their collection of pastel shades.
Image Courtesy: noorkari.com
And for the peeps looking for Chikankari fabric/outfits online, we have good news for you. Noorkari Chikankari recently launched their app as well.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noorchikankari.in/
By combining various embroidery techniques such as Zardosi, Aari, Abla & Kaamlani with Muqaish, Ada is taking Chikankari onto the next level. Other than offering abundant apparel options such as... Kurtis, Angrakhas, Dupattas, Sarees, Masks, slips, Pathani suit for the guys, etc. to choose from, this studio is fully stocked with essential home decor crafts like table linens, cushion covers, curtains, tea cosies, etc. that I one hundred per cent appreciate. You can find a stunning Chikankari outfit for the next occasion and a decorative cushion cover set to spruce up your house for the festive season all under a single label. Now how often does that happen?
Image Courtesy: @adachikan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adachikan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adadesignerchikanstudio/
A perfect blend of classic and contemporary, Ankaari is a unique and delightful apparel brand spreading joy in the form of handcrafted Lucknowi Chikankari work all over the country now. Famous for its vintage needlework, this brand may not pitch a lot of pazazz but they certainly know how to keep the outfit gracious and on-fleek. You can either buy Chikankari fabric or ready-made Chikankari ensembles such as Kurtas, Sarees, Lehengas, Anarkalis, Dupattas, Bottoms and more. Curated in 2015, these people showcase their talent on the finest fabrics ranging from cotton, handlooms to georgette, silk, chanderi, etc. So, ready... set... shop!
Image Courtesy: @_ankaari
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ankaari/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnkaariClothing/
The namesake of this label is a talented designer who learned about Chikankari and beyond from the master craftsmen before she came up with the business idea. After the launch of the brand in 2012, Anjul Bhandari has employed more than 1500 skilled craftswoman and men working with dignity to bring you the best. Their creations are said to be timeless which in my opinion is the result of combining Chikan embroidery with Kamdani dying technique. Attention to details, subtle Nawabi beauty and a wider scope of imagination has lead to the success of this brand. The designs are royal, elegant and fresh... and options are quite impressive. Under the Classics, they have Anarkalis, Gararas, Shararas and straight suits while in the dropdown list of Heirlooms they have Ek Taar, Lehengas, Sarees and shawls. And finally, for the Timeless outfits, they have Chogas, Jama, Kedia and Peshwa... all regals.
Image Courtesy: anjulbhandaricouture
Do check out their latest buzz "Ode To Awadh" inspired by Mahi or the fish motif.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjulbhandari/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjulbhandaricouture/
Something so stunning and delicate deserves proper respect. And being happy with just one or maybe two Chikankari apparel is an insult to the intricate art form we all love so much. The fact that a lot of work, precision and talent goes into the making of such a wonderful piece of clothing should be a good enough reason to loosen the purse strings for more and more of these. But if you still need one, here it is; Ethnic & Beyond. These guys are celebrating the craft of Chikankari in their own contemporary way. More than basic suits and kurtas, this brand is making headlines from their exclusive collection of outfits like Chikankari dresses, camisoles, waistcoats, crop tops, rompers, skirts and shorts. Their beautiful stitches are to die for and quite easy on the pocket.
Image Courtesy: @enbfashion
Their latest festive collection Jashn-e-Bahaar is live so do take a gander while looking to make a statement with your festive look 2020.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enbfashion/
Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/EnBFashion/
A ringing in my ear tells me that if you like something, it's okay to hoard. And if it's about something so pure as Chikankari, I say go crazy.