Black Kurti with Chikan Embroidered Flowers and Paisleys by Hand
Hand-wash gently with mild detergent. Do not wring. Dry in shade, iron on the lowest setting.
Description
Darkness, in the hands of a Lucknow craftsman, becomes a canvas for light. Chikankari is one of the oldest embroidery traditions of the Indian subcontinent, refined over centuries in the lanes of Lucknow under the patronage of the Nawabi court. On this chiffon kurti, the motifs follow the classic vocabulary of the craft: flowers rendered in delicate shadow work, paisleys traced with the fine pull-and-push of a needle through gossamer fabric. Black is an unconventional ground for chikankari, which has long favoured ivory and pastels, and yet it lends the embroidery a quiet drama that feels entirely contemporary. The chiffon itself moves with a weightless ease, allowing the embroidered surface to catch the light differently with every step. The result is a garment that holds the patience of its maker in every stitch. Wear it with wide-legged ivory palazzos to let the embroidery read clearly, or layer it over a fitted churidar for a more formal silhouette. A pair of silver jhumkas and kolhapuri sandals complete the look without competing with the textile.
Complete your look
Hand-picked pieces that sing gently with this one.
Behind this piece
Chikankari is Lucknow's most enduring gift to Indian textile heritage, a tradition believed to have flourished under Mughal patronage in the courts of Awadh. Practised today in the narrow lanes of Chowk and Aminabad, the craft involves dozens of distinct stitches, each with its own name and character. On this black chiffon kurti, artisans have worked floral motifs and paisleys by hand, the white threadwork lifting gently against the dark ground. The restraint is deliberate. Chikankari has always understood that less, rendered with patience, carries more weight than excess.
How to style
Wear this kurti with wide-leg ivory palazzos and kolhapuri flats for an afternoon gathering that asks for elegance without ceremony. For evening, pair it with a silk cigarette trouser in ivory or deep plum, add silver jhumkas from Rajasthan, and let the embroidery speak. The black ground also suits a simple churidar and pointed mules in nude leather for office occasions that call for quiet refinement. Avoid heavy printed dupattas; if you choose to layer one, reach for a sheer ivory georgette that echoes the thread colour without competing.
Fabric & care
Chiffon is a delicate open-weave fabric, and hand embroidery demands additional gentleness. Always hand-wash in cold water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent, keeping agitation minimal. Do not wring or twist; press the fabric gently between a clean towel to remove moisture. Dry flat in shade, away from direct sunlight, which can fade both the ground colour and the thread over time. Iron on the reverse side at the lowest setting, placing a pressing cloth between the iron and the embroidery. Store folded in soft muslin, never hung, to protect the chiffon from distortion.
More from womens tops
Sale
Sale
Sale
Sale
Sale
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts.
From the Journal
Stories about the craft, the loom, and the wearing of a piece like this one.
