Lucknow Chikan – Elegance at its best...

Chikan as the word resonates takes us to to the ancient Mughal era. Chikan has a definite refinement and sophistication, that makes sure that it never, goes out of vogue. If you put on chikan you truly are flaunting a part of Indian chronicles rather Nawab chronicles. It is a type of embroidery that has been an ancient part of India for centuries. The fable suggests that chikan was inverted by Nurjahan, the mesmerizing wife of the famous Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. It has developed and accomplished its splendor and precision in Lucknow. Chikan embroidery has a name which basks the sheer demeanor of Lakhanwi culture “Chikankaari” in Urdu. Chikan embroidery with different patterns, designs is stitched using straight white cotton or silk threads on the exterior of the fabric. In chikan work, there is a pre-determined catalog of stitch ups and it is customary for different types of stitched to emerge on the same piece of embroidery. The diverse types of chikan work is done in present market are Taipchi, Bakhia, Murri, Phunda, Hath Kati, Jaali, Ghaas Patti, Pechni, Chaana Patti etc.
Chikan needle work is a very tedious and intense task. The chikan artists are taught for 15 to 20 years and often it takes 10 to 15 days to make apparel with hand stitches as they stuff in the designs with threads that are an intricate and elaborate work. Therefore, chikan is so pricey as compared to machine needle work. But it is worthy of high price as you truly feel like a royalty, after wearing it.
The chikan industry is wholly and solely functional in Lucknow, capital city of Uttar Pradesh. The industry has 5 main procedures specifically stitching cutting printing, embroidery, finishing and washing. Cutting is processed out in the group of 20 to 50 outfits. The designs are created to lessen the decrement of resources. Then comes the needle work and dying the materials in dyes like Neel and safeda (colloquial terms for fabric softener and whitener). After this the embroidery starts its course.

The most common motif used is that of a creeper. Individual floral motifs may embellish the entire garment or just one corner. Among the floral motifs embroidered, the jasmine, rose, flowering stems, lotus and the paisley motif are the most popular. Chikan is an exceptional art inclusive of delicate and intrinsic hand work on a platter of textile fabric like muslin, silk, chiffon, Georgette, organza, doriya and organdy. There are almost 36 kinds of thread work used in chikan embroidery. Chikan's light and delicate attribute makes it apt for the hot and climate. The feather light chikan sarees (saris), chikan kurti (tunic), chikan kurta (long tunics) and salwar suits are god send summer apparels. The super fine embroidered muslin can be identified with the Nawabi culture and has become an integral part of it. The Chikankari tradition slowly spread among the mass. The origin of most design motifs in Chikan work is inspired from Mughals.

There are different occasions and events on which chikan apparels puts on quite a show. Now chikan isn’t mere a casual wear, on contrary Chikan can be adorned on occasions like marriages, corporate party, fine dining and so on. Be it any sort of get together amongst the young or old, chikan is the most exquisite style which enhances your persona to a different level. Now that chikan has bagged a designer label, it is been a rage and is seen youth wearing in colleges and at work too. White on white is the most sought work among the buyers, but colors like sea greens, turquoise, and shades of pink, black, beige, lemon yellow, gray and pastel are gradually picking up the market. Chikan work is not at all confined to garments it is also displayed in item that beautifies your home furnishings. Items like napkins, tablecloths, bed sheets, bed covers and pillow covers look gorgeous with chikan work.

Apparel is a direct reflection of your personality and so your dressing style should be deeply perceived before incorporating into your life. Loaded with the mystic and charm of cosmopolitan and grace, chikan embroidery never shimmers out of the apparel industry. One who flaunts chikan embroidered outfit, then for definitely he or she is truly wearing a piece of Mughal history and culture, as this special thread work has been the part of garment industry since years. Therefore, I would recommend you to enrich your wardrobe with sheer mughal delicacy and fervor by acquiring exquisite Chikan apparel.