Art Silk Long Jacket from Kashmir with Aari-Embroidered All-Over Giant Floral Vine
Dry clean only. Store folded in a soft muslin pouch away from direct sunlight to keep the sheen alive.
Description
In Kashmir, the needle moves like a river finding its course, and the result is this. Worked in the Aari tradition, the embroidery on this long jacket traces an all-over floral vine of considerable scale, each tendril and bloom stitched with the characteristic hooked-needle technique that has distinguished Kashmiri embroidery for centuries. The base is art silk, a fabric that carries the fluid drape and quiet lustre suited to such ornamental work without the weight of heavier textiles. Haute Red lends the piece an authority that is neither restrained nor excessive; it is the colour of celebration worn with full intention. The jacket's length and structure make it a considered choice for festive gatherings, mehendi ceremonies, or any occasion where craft deserves to be seen rather than merely suggested. Pair it over a straight-cut ivory kurta and wide-leg palazzo to let the embroidery command the silhouette, or wear it above a simple churidar in ivory or cream, allowing the red and the vine work to speak entirely on their own terms.
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Behind this piece
Aari embroidery takes its name from the hooked needle that Kashmiri artisans have wielded for centuries, drawing thread through taut fabric with a rhythm that is almost meditative. On this jacket, the craft unfolds at its most ambitious: a giant floral vine sweeps across the entire length of art silk, pooling into blooms that recall the chinars and rose gardens of the Dal basin. The haute red ground intensifies every petal, every tendril. This is the kind of embroidery that once adorned the courts of the Mughal nobility, now carried into the present with quiet confidence.
How to style
For a festive evening, layer this jacket over a ivory silk kurta and narrow palazzo trousers, finishing with Kashmiri silver jhumkas and block-heeled kolhapuris. For a contemporary daytime look, drape it over a simple white linen co-ord and add tan leather sandals. For a wedding as a guest, pair it with a heavily embroidered lehenga skirt in ivory or deep wine, let the jacket be the statement, and keep the jewellery to a single gold choker. The length of the jacket flatters both petite and tall frames equally.
Fabric & care
Art silk carries the sheen of natural silk but responds best to gentle handling. Hand wash separately in cool water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent; never wring or twist. Lay flat on a clean cotton towel and reshape before drying in shade, away from direct sunlight, which can shift the red. Before storing, ensure the piece is fully dry. Fold along the embroidered seams to avoid crushing the Aari threadwork. Store inside a breathable cotton cover rather than a plastic bag. Light steaming on a low setting refreshes the fabric without stressing the embroidery.
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