A craft that needs no introduction, chikankari is arguably one of the most popular and widespread techniques used in Indian traditional wear. With early roots in Persian culture to its flourishing patronage among Mughal nobility, the craft is now ubiquitous. While the decadence of the threadwork in intricate patterns is used to adorn couture and wedding collections extensively, the tonal embroidery also lends an elegant touch to lighter occasion wear and everyday kurtas. Many Bollywood celebrities would agree that no Indian wear closet is complete without a breezy chikankari kurta or sari. In the spirit of reviving summer wardrobes while sustaining crafts, we round up the best designers, homegrown labels and remote online stores where you can find all kinds of ensembles highlighting chikankari.
Choose from wispy dresses and blouses from Patine, Grassroot or Saksh; classic kurtas and anarkalis with ivory thread work from Tahiliya, Noorkari or Payal Jain; or even invest in summer wedding-ready lehengas and saris by Label Kanupriya, House of Three and Anjul Bhandari, among many others.
