In a fashion landscape populated by fast trends, it is refreshing that Indian craft values can still be appreciated and relevant in today's world. Among Indian textiles, one embroidery has not just survived but thrived as part of our rich heritage: Lucknowi Chikankari suits. 

These delicate hand-embroidered suits, which carry with them tradition, also provide a modern-day twist, enough for a woman of any generation to wear.

From extremely high-end designers to local artisans, chikankari suits have been enjoying a glorious revival thanks to attention to detail, good quality natural fabrics, and versatile styling options.

As Indian clothes are still considered key to wear for a festival, formal event, or even casual wear, a Lucknowi Chikankari suit offers elegance, with a hint of history.

What is a Lucknowi Chikankari Suit? 

A Lucknowi chikankari suit is more than a piece of clothing, it is wearable art.  A complete suit, in its most perfect form, is made up of a kurta, a matching dupatta, and matching bottoms. Each Lucknowi suit represents elegance, made by artisans through careful embroidery taking hours to complete.

Key characteristics include:

• Exceptionally Intricate Hand Embroidery: Stitches like Bakhiya (shadow work), Phanda, Keel, and Murri, and every motif is made by artisans using fine needles and thread.
  
•  Airy, Comfortable Fabrics: Cotton, georgette, chiffon, and mulmul are some popular fabrics that make her wearing a Lucknowi chikankari suit comfortable in the Indian weather.
  
• Signatures Motifs: Expect traditional floral and paisley patterns, Mughal jaals, and nature-inspired motifs that tell tales of another time.
  
  

The Evolution: From Mughal Royalties to Everyday Elegance

The origins of Chikankari design date back about 400 years during the Mughal Empire (which was at its height of power during Empress Noor Jahan’s reign), when a fine muslin garment would be embroidered using white threads as an embellishment.

Chikankari was initially a garment style for local royals, but over time, it became adapted and available for as many people's wardrobes as the preferred garment.

Currently, with the support of designers and artisan work, the Lucknowi chikankari suit is not solely for royalty but a luxe fashion piece for everyone to wear.

The art lies in its traditions and how the technology is both respectful and original in developing contemporary designs.

Types of Lucknowi Chikankari Suits

Chikankari suits are available in many different styles and occasions:

• Anarkali Suits

Anarkali suits are flared, floor-length suits that are perfect for weddings, festivals, or formal evening wear. They look beautifully royal with Chikankari and sequins or gota work on them.

• Straight-Cut Suits

Straight-cut suits are an emphasis on elegance, yet minimalist, and can be worn for everyday office wear or a casual meetup. Look for pastel colours for an understated look. 

• Palazzo Sets

Pairing a chikankari kurta with/without palazzo pants or flowy palazzos will give you an Indo-western look. Ideal for brunches, semi-formal occasions, and easy-going chic.

• Sharara & Gharara Suits

These suits have a dramatic charm with a shirt with pant style with plenty of flair. All the rage for modern-day festivals/re-created for last season's color trends, and worn for weddings and celebrations.

Selecting the right Lucknowi Chikankari suit for you

To fully experience the richness of Chikankari, it is important to select the right suit for your body type, the event you are attending, and the climate.

• Body Types:

Petite: Look for vertical designs and straight cuts.

Curvy: Look for either flared or Anarkali suits, as these styles will balance your figure. 

• Events:

For formal events, embellished Anarkali or Sharara suits are good options.

For casual events, look for breathable cotton suits with limited embroidery.

• Seasons:

For summer, look for whites, blush wins, powder blues in cotton, mulmul.

For winter, look for deeper colors, navy, maroon, or emerald, in georgette or wool. 

• Color:

Pastels are good for morning wear, or for warmer weather, gem tones are good for evening wear, or winter clothes.

Styling Lucknowi Chikankari Suits: Modern Vs. Tradition  

On your path to styling your chikankari outfit, consider the following:

●       Jewelry: Wear silver oxidised jewelry, strings of pearls, or kundan earrings to accentuate your ethnic look.

●       Footwear: Wear traditional juttis or Kolhapuris to stay true to ethnic style. Heels suit the formal look.

●       Fusion Fashion: Replace the dupatta with a stylish embroidered stole. Add a denim jacket or belt to a straight-cut kurta for a fun fusion look. Wear contemporary bags like potlis or boho slings for statement-making. 

Fashion Celebrities & Pop Culture Influence

The world of fashion championed by celebrities and influencers has readily accepted chikankari suits.

●     Kareena Kapoor Khan often pairs classic white     chikankari kurtas, minimal makeup, and juttis to demonstrate that less is more.

●       Pastel chikankari Anarkalis have been seen on several occasions being worn by Deepika Padukone or Alia Bhatt in their public appearances and promotions of fashion labels.

●       Sara Ali Khan also regularly showcases Lucknowi chikankari suits in her ethnic wardrobe of recent Instagram posts, which appeal to a younger demographic.

With high profile celebrity validation, there has been a considerable lift around the popularity of the Lucknowi chikankari suit now perceived as a relevant staple piece extending from centuries ago.

Ideal Occasions to Flaunt Your Chikankari Suit

There's no need for a royal reason to wear Chikankari - it fits with every mood, and moment.

●       Festivals & Weddings - Go for large fabrics and bold colors with decor to achieve your feeling of grandeur.

●       Office - Straight fit cotton suits in ivory or pastels offer comfortable elegance at work.

●       Travels & Casual Occasions - Wear a short chikankari kurti with leggings or cigarette pants for comfort and chicness perfect for photo poses.

How to Care for Your Chikankari Suit

Keep your specialty hand-stitched items beautiful by taking care of them:

●       Washing - hand wash in cold water with mild detergents and do not wring or rub the embroidery.

●       Drying - Dry in shade so the colors and threads do not fade.

●       Ironing - Always iron inside out using low heat. Firmly place a muslin over the embroidery while pressing.

●       Storage - Keep in breathable bags or muslin cloths to avoid yellowing and breaking of threads.

With the right care, your Lucknowi chikankari suit can be part of your wardrobe for years to come.

Why Purchase from the Lucknowi Chikan Store?

When it comes to quality and authenticity, Lucknowi Chikan Store is truly unmatched.

●       Artisan Made - Our suits are handmade and embroidered by artisans with generations of experience.

●       Ethically Sourced - Our materials are ethically sourced and go toward supporting sustainable fashion.

●       Variety - Wedding Sets, office wear, and everything in between, we have a collection for all shapes, sizes, and ages.

Purchasing from them is not only acquiring a premium, authentic product but also part centuries-old tradition.

Conclusion

Lucknowi Chikankari suit is a celebration of India's history of textiles. They transcend trends and seasonal fashion, they tell a story of artisanal craft, culture, and understated luxury. Whether you attend a wedding extravaganza dressed to look stunning, or down-dress for a leisurely weekend brunch match-up, every discovery will bring an elegance and sophistication to whatever you are wearing. 

Respect tradition, elevate your style, and wear your heritage with dignity. Check out unique collections in hand embroidered garments available in Lucknowi Chikan Store   and appreciate a beautiful piece of history styled for today.