Solitary-Star Long Jacket from Kashmir with Aari Embroidered Floral Vines and Side Pockets
Dry clean only. Store folded in a soft muslin pouch away from direct sunlight to keep the sheen alive.
Description
A single star need not fill the sky to hold the eye. This long jacket carries the spirit of Kashmir in every curving vine, each petal shaped by the slow, patient needle of aari embroidery. The aari technique, practised across the Kashmir Valley, uses a fine hooked awl to draw thread into looped stitches that sit on the surface with a delicate raised quality, giving florals their characteristic softness and depth. Here, the motif is restrained, a solitary star anchoring a spreading arrangement of blossoming vines, rendered in tones that feel both festive and contemplative. The base fabric is art silk, fluid and light, lending the jacket a gentle drape that moves well across sizes. Side pockets, so often an afterthought in womens occasionwear, are worked into the silhouette with quiet practicality. Wear it over slim trousers or a fitted kurta for a curated daytime gathering, or layer it above a silk churidar for an evening that calls for understated grace. The length flatters generously, making it a versatile addition across the L to XXL range.
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Behind this piece
Aari embroidery takes its name from the hooked needle used by craftsmen across the Kashmir Valley for centuries. Practised predominantly in Srinagar and its surrounding towns, this needlework tradition once adorned the courts of Mughal patrons and continues today in family workshops passed through generations. The solitary-star motif at the centre of this jacket speaks to a classical Kashmiri vocabulary, where cosmos and garden are woven into the same breath. Floral vines trail outward in the manner of a chinar grove in autumn, rendered here on art silk with characteristic density and precision.
How to style
Wear the jacket open over a slim ivory kurta and straight-cut churidar for a literary festival or art gallery evening. For a more polished occasion such as a mehendi or daytime wedding, layer it over a solid georgette salwar set in dusty rose and finish with silver jhumkas from Rajasthan. A third reading, purely contemporary: pair with straight-leg ivory linen trousers and block-heeled kolhapuris for a Sunday brunch. The side pockets make it genuinely practical, so a clutch remains optional rather than compulsory.
Fabric & care
Art silk carries the luminosity of natural silk but requires equally attentive handling. Hand-wash in cold water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent, keeping agitation gentle and brief. Never wring the fabric; instead, press the water out softly and roll the garment in a clean cotton towel. Dry flat, away from direct sunlight, which can shift the colour over time. Store folded in a breathable muslin bag rather than a plastic cover. Iron on a low setting with a pressing cloth placed between the iron and the embroidered surface to protect the Aari work.
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