Handcrafted Chikankari Outfits by House of Chikankari

Chikankari embroidery has always fascinated us. Its roots go back to the Mughal era, and we are continually inspired by the intricate white threadwork, delicate motifs, and the stories they tell. As a mother-daughter team, we – Poonam and Aakriti Rawal – founded House of Chikankari in 2020 with a simple vision: to bring the beauty of this craft to the world while uplifting the artisan communities who make it possible. The Challenges We Witnessed When we first began working closely with artisans, we saw the real challenges they face: Economic Struggles: Many artisans, despite their incredible skill, were earning meager wages, especially as machine-made textiles flooded the market. Lack of Recognition: Their artistry often went unrecognized, and their stories unheard. Generational Skill Loss: We noticed a worrying trend: younger generations were moving away from traditional crafts, seeking financial stability elsewhere. These realities moved us deeply and strengthened our resolve to make a difference. How We Empower Our Artisan Family Our mission goes beyond selling beautiful clothing. Here’s how we work to create lasting change: Direct Employment Opportunities We directly employ over 10,000 artisans across rural areas like Kakori, Hardoi, and Sitapur. Skill Development Programs We have built a strong quality training team to help artisans adapt. We organize regular training sessions, helping artisans adapt their traditional skills to contemporary designs without losing authenticity. Expanding Market Reach Through our online platform and designer collaborations, we have introduced hand-made Chikankari outfits to global audiences, giving our artisans the recognition they deserve. Promoting Ethical Fashion We are committed to ethical, sustainable fashion. For us, slow fashion isn’t just a trend-it’s a responsibility to our artisans and the environment. Financial Empowerment Above all, we’ve seen firsthand how financial empowerment transforms lives. Artisans like Sabina Huda from Lucknow have shared with us how their earnings have enabled them to educate their children and continue their craft with pride. The Impact We’ve Made-Together We are proud to see the ripple effects of our work: Empowerment of Women: Women who once had limited opportunities are now contributing significantly to their families’ incomes. Preservation of Heritage: By keeping traditional techniques alive, we’re encouraging younger generations to embrace and take pride in their heritage. Global Recognition: Our collaborations have brought global recognition to the artistry of our community. Hear Directly from Our Artisans Their voices inspire us every day: “I feel proud knowing my work is appreciated worldwide,” says Meena Kumari from Hardoi. “The financial stability I’ve gained has allowed me to dream bigger for my children,” shares Sabina Huda from Lucknow. Why We Believe in Supporting Indian Craftsmanship For us, traditional crafts like Chikankari are more than just art-they are the soul of our cultural identity. By choosing authentic, handcrafted pieces, you help us: Preserve India’s artistic heritage. Empower rural communities. Promote sustainable practices in fashion. Every purchase from House of Chikankari is a step towards sustaining these crafts and uplifting the artisans behind them. The Art of Chikankari: Techniques and Traditions Chikankari is much more than just embroidery – it's a meticulous art form that requires patience, precision, and creativity. Our artisans use a variety of traditional stitches such as Bakhiya (shadow work), Phanda (knot stitch), and Murri (grain stitch) to create the delicate patterns that define our garments. Each stitch tells a story, and the process can take days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the design. Preserving Techniques for Future Generations We recognize the importance of passing down these traditional techniques. That’s why we document our processes and encourage experienced artisans to mentor younger members of their communities. This ensures that the intricate skills and unique styles of Chikankari remain alive and vibrant for generations to come. Our Commitment to Sustainability We are deeply committed to sustainability in every aspect of our business. Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices We prioritize the use of natural fabrics such as cotton, muslin, and silk, which are not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly. Our dyeing processes use non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes, and we strive to minimize waste at every stage of production. By choosing sustainable materials and methods, we aim to reduce our ecological footprint while delivering high-quality, timeless pieces to our customers. Slow Fashion: A Thoughtful Approach Our focus on slow fashion means we produce limited quantities, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves. This approach not only maintains the exclusivity and quality of our products but also helps combat the negative effects of mass production on both artisans and the environment. Celebrating Festivals and Special Occasions with Chikankari Chikankari has always been an integral part of Indian celebrations and traditions. From weddings and festivals to family gatherings, our handcrafted outfits add a touch of elegance and cultural pride to any occasion. Join Us in Our Mission At House of Chikankari, we believe in blending tradition with innovation and uplifting communities at the grassroots level. Our commitment to ethical fashion empowers thousands and ensures that India’s rich cultural legacy continues to thrive. If our story resonates with you, or if you want to own a piece of India’s heritage, we invite you to explore our Chikankari Collection and learn more about our journey on our official website. We are grateful for your support in reviving Indian craftsmanship – together, we can make a difference. FAQs How do we support our artisans? We directly employ over 10,000 artisans, ensure fair wages, and provide ongoing skill development opportunities. Why is traditional craftsmanship important to us? It preserves our cultural heritage and provides sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. What impact does supporting artisans have? It brings economic stability, empowers women, and keeps generational skills alive. How can you support Indian craftsmanship? By choosing authentic, handcrafted products from ethical brands like ours. What makes our hand-made Chikankari outfits unique? Each piece is crafted by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations, making every outfit truly one-of-a-kind.