Lucknow’s magical white-on-white chikankari embroidery has been graced Indian ethnic wear for centuries, and over time this artistic needlework continues its legacy on one staple Indian garment – the kurti. It ranges from block prints to threadwork ,floral motifs, to geometric designs to block print embellishment; chikankari is constantly being innovated to produce chikankari pieces that bridge tradition with trends for modern Indian women.
Let’s delve into some of these Latest chikankari kurti design collections set to rule women’s wardrobes this season:
Peacock Motifs
The regal peacock struts into chikankari kurtis with vibrant colors and quirky designs. Royal blue, emerald green and purple outlined stitch work add an exciting pop of color to the ivory base fabric. Kurtis with peacock motifs go well for festive and wedding wear. Pair these flowy chikankari kurtis with silk palazzos. Complete the look with a contrasting printed dupatta with gota patti borders.
Mughal Jaalis
Jaalis or lattice work in chikankari is inspired by old Mughal architecture. This intricate pierced design is created by making tiny vertical slits into the fabric. Jaali work looks stunning on pastel georgette or chiffon fabric kurtis. Style straight-fit chikankari jaali kurtis with sharara pants and statement floral dupatta for a fusion fashion statement.
Gold Tricks
Metallic gold threads are illuminating chikankari kurtis in more than one. Gold zardozi, ari and kalabattu work, dazzling sequins and fabrics like silk, crepe and velvet are introducing an exciting shimmer. Pair simple yet blingy goldwork kurtis with churidars or dhoti pants. Accessorize with jhumkas and golden juttis for that dressy celebratory look.
Paisley Mania
The regal paisley teardrop motif is something every chikankari connoisseur loves. This season sees giant paisleys embroidered using French knots enveloping the hems of gossamer georgette kurtis. Cropped paisley prints are also encircling necks or cascading on one side of flirty short kurtis. These paisley patterned chikankari wonders make perfect evening wear when teamed with slim pants.
Flared Anarkalis
The Anarkali silhouette goes through a refreshing tweak with flared hems and flowy fabrics. Pair these mulmul cotton or malkha silk Anarkalis with churidars or palazzo pants. Ribbons, gotta and dabka work deck up the hemline and cuffs of these flared Anarkalis. Staying true to the style, complete the regal look with an embroidered chiffon dupatta.
Indo-Western Twist
Indo-western fusion doesn’t get better than chikankari kurtis paired with denims or skirts. Crisp cotton kurtis with bold chikankari motifs make for comfortable workwear with trousers or formal pants. Flowy georgette kurtis with vibrant multi-hued Resham embroidery sizzle when teamed with long flared skirts or maxis. Kurtis never go out of style.
Styled Jackets
Designers are taking chikankari kurtis a notch higher by pairing them with trendy long jackets. These ankle or calf-length structured jackets contrast with the gracious embroidery on flowy chiffon kurtis. Work your next dressy event by layering chikankari kurtis with off-white or pastel hued jackets. Complete with slender pants.
Cotton Silk Mix
Natural fabrics like cotton, silk and khadi make ideal canvases for elaborate chikankari. Designers are spinning these fabrics with chanderi or georgette to engineer modern fabrics with traditional roots. Kurtis crafted from these cotton-silk mixed cloths fall and drape better. They also hold the intrinsic chikankari designs exceptionally well through wash and wear.
Asymmetrical Allure
Asymmetrical hemlines and oddly shaped necklines lend modern garde flair to chikankari kurtas in 2022. Short button-down asymmetrical chikankari kurtas with denim shorts creates a fun, flirty look. Even straight kurtas and anarkalis flaunt graded hemlines. These experimental kurtis enhance ethnic wear standards with contemporary flair.
Chikankari embroidery remains timeless. While fashion trends come and go, chikankari continues to win hearts with every stitch it creates.So embrace this precious heritage while appreciating the designers’ contemporary twist to the kurti this summer. Here’s to keeping our traditions in vogue forever!