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Lucknow

In Lucknow, the most sophisticated embroidery is the one you have to hold up to the light to see.

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The Place

Where Nawabi refinement shaped every art form

Lucknow was the capital of Awadh — a princely state whose Nawabs were renowned for extreme cultural refinement. This tehzeeb (refined culture) shaped poetry, cuisine, dance, and textile craft equally. The restraint and delicacy of Chikankari is not incidental — it is the direct expression of a culture that valued the barely-visible over the conspicuous.

The Craft

36 stitches — three centuries of Nawabi embroidery

Chikankari comprises 36 named hand-embroidery stitches introduced to India by Nur Jahan in the 17th century. The most demanding — jaali — creates transparent windows in the fabric by pulling threads aside with a needle without cutting them. White thread on white mulmul. The pattern exists as shadow.

The Maker

The embroiderers of Chowk and Aminabad

Chikankari is practiced in Lucknow's old city — Chowk, Aminabad, Yahiyaganj. Each neighbourhood specialises in different stitches; knowledge is hyper-local. Most artisans are women working at home. Many have practiced the same two or three stitches their entire lives. The depth comes from that singular focus.

About Lucknow

Lucknow has long been known for its refined way of dressing, shaped by the courts of the Nawabs and by a craft that has become the city's signature: Chikankari. This collection brings our pieces from Lucknow together in one place.

Every piece here is hand-embroidered Chikankari. The collection includes long kurtas, short kurtis and co-ord sets, and together they form our Nawabi Summer collection. The fabrics are chosen for the warmth of a north Indian summer: soft cotton, Chanderi and Chanderi resham, dobby cotton, voile cotton and light muslin.

The palette is gentle and summery, with lavender, lemon, mauve, pink, purple and teal among the shades. The embroidery stays light and airy, keeping each piece cool and easy to wear through long days.

Wear a long kurta with straight pants for work, or a co-ord set for family lunches and summer evenings. Each product page lists the fabric and sizes of that piece.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lucknow known for in clothing?

Lucknow is best known for Chikankari, a delicate embroidery tradition that has been practised in the city for generations.

Are these pieces hand-embroidered?

Yes. Every Chikankari piece in this collection is hand-embroidered.

Which fabrics are used?

Our Lucknow pieces come in soft cotton, Chanderi, Chanderi resham, dobby cotton, voile cotton and muslin. The fabric is named on every product page.

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More from this region

Mauve Chikankari Long Kurta in Voile Cotton – Nawabi Summer
Pink Chikankari Long Kurta in Voile Cotton – Nawabi Summer
Lemon Chikankari Long Kurta – Nawabi Summer

Apparel

Kurtas, sarees, shawls and more

36 pieces Explore →