Dahlia-Colored Two-Piece Salwar Kameez Fabric from Kashmir with Aari Hand-Embroidered Flowers on Neck
Dry clean recommended. Store with natural cedar or neem leaves. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
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Behind this piece
Aari embroidery takes its name from the hooked needle that Kashmiri craftsmen have wielded for centuries, drawing thread through wool and pashmina with a patience that resists industrialisation. This two-piece fabric originates from the Kashmir Valley, where embroiderers trained in family ateliers work the chain-stitch florals that bloom across the neckline here. The dahlia colouring, rich and saturated as an autumn garden, is characteristic of the Valley's sensibility toward colour. Wool as a ground cloth gives the Aari thread something substantial to anchor itself to, creating a surface that is simultaneously warm, structured, and quietly magnificent.
How to style
Stitch this fabric into a straight-cut kurta with a collarless neck to let the embroidered flowers speak clearly. Worn with wide-leg ivory palazzos and brown leather kolhapuris, it reads effortlessly at a winter art preview or a festive lunch gathering. For a more formal register, pair the stitched kurta with a fitted churidar and gold jadau earrings in polki or uncut stones, which echo the handmade quality of Aari work. A raw-silk dupatta in antique gold or deep teal would complete the silhouette without competing with the embroidered neckline at the centre of the ensemble.
Fabric & care
Pure wool requires cold water and a gentle, pH-neutral detergent formulated for delicate fibres. Hand-wash the finished garment with minimal agitation, never wringing or twisting the cloth. Rinse thoroughly and press the fabric between two dry towels to absorb moisture before laying it flat on a clean surface to dry away from direct sunlight. Iron on a low wool setting, always using a pressing cloth to protect the Aari embroidery. For storage, fold loosely with a layer of acid-free tissue and place cedar blocks or dried neem leaves nearby to deter moths across the season.
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