OUR STORY

Born from a love for Lucknow, its craft and the hands behind it.

THE CHICKANKARI STUDIO began with a simple love for Chikankari—the kind of work that does not need to be loud to be noticed.

The more we understood the craft, the more we realised that there is much more behind a finished Chikankari piece than the embroidery we see on the surface.

A Chikankari garment often passes through several skilled hands. The design is first transferred onto the fabric through chapai, traditionally using wooden blocks. Artisans then work carefully over the pattern, building the embroidery stitch by stitch. Once the embroidery is complete, the fabric goes through dhulai and finishing, where the temporary print is removed and the character of the handwork finally comes to life.

At THE CHICKANKARI STUDIO, we value every part of this journey—from the chapai karigars who prepare the design to the artisans who spend hours working on the embroidery, and the people involved in washing and finishing each piece.

For us, Chikankari is not only about offering a beautiful garment. It is also about recognising the patience, skill and human effort behind it.

Our aim is to bring this traditional craft into wardrobes today while preserving the character that makes it special.

OUR MISSION

To take Chikankari forward without leaving its people or its story behind.

Our mission is to offer Chikankari that feels beautiful, comfortable and relevant to the way women dress today while remaining connected to the roots of the craft.

We want our collections to feel easy to wear—whether for an ordinary day, work, a family gathering or an occasion that calls for something a little more special.

Styles, fabrics and silhouettes may continue to evolve, but we believe the value of handwork should never disappear.

Through THE CHICKANKARI STUDIO, we aim to present Chikankari in a way that encourages people not only to wear the craft, but also to understand and appreciate the skill behind it.

We believe traditional craft continues to live when it remains part of everyday life.

That is why we continue to explore colours, fabrics and silhouettes that feel contemporary while keeping the heart of Chikankari where it belongs—with the skilled hands that continue to carry the tradition forward.

THE ART & HERITAGE OF CHIKANKARI

A craft shaped by history, kept alive by hand.

Chikankari has been deeply connected with Lucknow for generations and remains one of the city's most recognisable craft traditions.

Its history is often associated with the Mughal period, with one of the most popular traditions linking the craft to Nur Jahan, the Mughal empress known for her refined interest in art, textiles and embroidery.

Over time, Chikankari found a lasting home in Lucknow, where it continued to develop under the influence of Awadhi culture. Its delicate stitches, floral motifs and fine detailing gradually became part of the city's artistic identity.

But the story of Chikankari is not only found in history.

It continues in the homes, workshops and hands of the people who still practise the craft today.

From chapai to embroidery, and from dhulai to finishing, many Chikankari pieces pass through several stages before they are ready to wear. What appears soft and effortless in the finished garment is often the result of patience, repetition and years of skill.

The subtle variations of hand embroidery are part of what gives each piece its individual character.

At THE CHICKANKARI STUDIO, we respect this heritage while presenting it in a way that feels relevant for a new generation.

For us, preserving Chikankari does not mean keeping it confined to the past. It means allowing the craft to continue evolving while respecting the people, techniques and traditions that give it meaning.

We want the person wearing a piece from THE CHICKANKARI STUDIO to see more than just a beautiful garment.