Ethereal Chikankari Collection Story
I had a passion rush when I discovered chikankari in Lucknow in 1976. My inquisitive mind wanted to learn how, just one shade of natural thread, could liven up, natural tone base of simple fabric! The simplicity of sustainable approach to embroidery was fascination in itself! No dyes, no colour, just intricate methods of embroidery.
Over time, I became a proud owner of exquisite pieces of chikankari, and its versatility and adaptability to rise to any occasion left me hungry for more!
Judi Dench of James Bond “Money Penny”… endorsed it to Oscars….. that inspired me to work on the silhouette of ensembles that wowed the craft! Only to discover that artisans, here, are women ,who worked on the embroidery at their leisure time after attending to their domestic chores, and that meant my sketch would come to life in four to six months! Respect for the craftsmen ! This cottage industry is enriched with determination, patience and focus.
I found my collaborator Ms Shahnaz , who rose to the challenge, harnessed and encouraged the women and began creating embroideries that would sustain my timeless elegant designs. My goal is to ensure her creations allow women to feel strong, feminine and glamorous. The key to this stunning collection, creating a result that is a delight to behold.
Covid came and yet another fight! Shahnaz adopted a whole village in UP, India, where all the talented women tirelessly worked to provide for their families. I joined hands ensuring to sustain the livelihood, confidence and the talent needed to be upheld through their art and my endeavour to create garments in pure and simple forms that could be sustained.
I salute the artisan who have made this happen and enabled me to present to you their extremely vivacious talent.
