The black chikankari kurta is a timeless Indian ethnic wear that exudes elegance and sophistication. With its intricate hand embroidery, flattering silhouette and versatile nature, this kurta makes for an essential addition to every Indian woman's wardrobe.
What is Chikankari Embroidery?
Chikankari is a delicate and artistic embroidery style that originated in Lucknow, India. It involves stitching beautiful and intricate patterns on fine fabrics like muslin, cotton or voile using white untwisted yarn.
Some key highlights of chikankari embroidery:
- Features flowy, floral motifs like leaves, vines, flowers, buds etc.
- Uses stitches like taipchi, pechni, jangira, murri and phanda
- Traditionally done on pastel fabrics, but black is a trendy modern choice
- A time-consuming process done manually by skilled artisans
- Adds an ornamental and luxurious finish to the fabric
Why Choose a Black Chikankari Kurta?
The black chikankari kurta has many advantages that make it a great choice:
- It has an elegant look - the white threadwork on jet black fabric lends a very sophisticated and polished aesthetic. The contrast looks absolutely stunning.
- The color black is slimming and gives an elongated silhouette, making the kurta figure flattering. The embroidered patterns accentuate subtly.
- A black kurta is extremely versatile. It can be styled in so many ways! Dress it up with palazzos and jewelry or wear it with jeans or skirts. Suitable for multiple occasions.
- The unconventional black color choice makes the kurta unique. It has a novelty factor that helps one stand out in a crowd.
- The intricate designs and patterns stand out beautifully against the black backdrop, highlighting the amazing skills of the craftspeople.
Style Tips and Outfit Ideas for the Black Chikankari Kurta
There are many ways to style the black chikankari kurta:
- For a dressy, formal look, team it with straight cut pants, palazzos or sharara. Complete the look with juttis, heels and statement earrings.
- Style it with a long skirt, cropped or ankle length for a fusion, Indo-western look.
- For an elegant evening or party look, pair with cigarette pants, lace leggings or dhoti pants on the bottom.
- To make it casual, everyday wear, match with jeans, leggings or harem pants.
- Layer with a contrast colored sleeveless jacket or long coatigan.
- Cinch at the waist with an embroidered or metallic belt.
- Keep jewelry, footwear and other accessories minimal to let the kurta be the highlight.
- Try out mojaris, jootis, kolhapuris or strappy flat sandals on the feet.
Where to Buy a Black Chikankari Kurta
There are several options to buy an authentic black chikankari kurta:
- Directly from the weavers and boutiques in Lucknow for the most authentic chikankari work.
- Online ethnic wear websites and e-commerce stores like Zibaa..
- Designer ethnic wear brands like Anita Dongre, Sabyasachi, Ritu Kumar etc.
- Local ethnic garment stores and street markets in most cities.
Caring for the Black Chikankari Kurta
To make the exquisite kurta last long, keep these care tips in mind:
- Always dry clean the kurta to preserve the embroidery and fabric properly. Avoid washing at home.
- If hand washing, use a mild detergent and wash very gently. Don't wring, twist or scrub the fabric.
- Dry flat in shade away from sunlight to prevent fading of color. Iron on the reverse side on a low heat setting.
- Avoid contact with oils, perfumes, cosmetics to prevent stubborn stains.
- Store folded in a breathable fabric bag. Don't hang for prolonged periods to prevent stretching of the fabric.
A black chikankari kurta crafted by skilled artisans using quality materials will become a treasured heirloom in your closet. Choose one to make a style statement at your next occasion!
FAQs
1. What different types of stitches are used in chikankari work?
Some common chikankari stitches are Bakhiya (dense filling), Hool (running stitch), Phanda (detached filling), Murri (hemstitch), Jaali (net-like pattern).
2. Why choose a black chikankari kurta?
A black chikankari kurta has an elegant, classy look as the white thread work pops against the black fabric. It can be styled easily from day to night.
3. How can you style a black chikankari kurta?
Style it with heavy dupatta and flats for festivals, soft net dupatta and heels for evenings, belt it over jeans for a boho look or layer it over a tee and leggings for fusion vibe.
4. Where to buy authentic black chikankari kurtas?
Lucknow is the best place to buy original chikankari kurtas. Government emporiums in Lucknow, online stores like Jaypore, local boutiques and designers also offer black chikankari kurtas.
5. How to ensure you choose a good quality chikankari piece?
Opt for handmade chikankari with fine, small and neat stitches. Check product images carefully when buying online.
6. How to take care of chikankari fabric?
Avoid machine washing as it can damage the delicate embroidery. Hand wash gently in cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid brushing and wringing the fabric.
