Chikankari

One of the most popular forms of embroidery in India is chikankari, or chikan work. Chikankari is basically hand embroidery & considered as ethnic carfts. Different designs are stitched by using silk or white cotton. The surface of the fabric has different patterns. Chikankari represents styl and eleganece. Chikan work is of various types like, hathkati, taipchi, phunda, ghas patti, pechni, chaana patti, bakhia, murri etc. Lucknow is considered as the hub of chikan work. This stylish craft requires utmost patience and talent. It takes almost 10-15 days to make an outfit. A time consuming craft, chikankari is also expensive compared to other forms of embroidery.

The origin of chikankari cannot be substantiated. Different people have different notions of its beginning. Some say, queen Noorjahan introduced this embroidery and some other say it started in Bengal in 3rd century. If we seek literal meaning then chikan refers to floral prints on fine Muslim clothes. There are great numbers of patterns possible for designer kurtis on chikan work.

Design wise, basically three types of designs are commonly seen, embossed stitch, flat stitch and jail work. Embossed stitch gives you much in demand grainy look whereas flat stitch is quite subtle in nature. If you want completely delicate effect created by thread tension then go for jail work. Talking about basic process involved in chikankari, cutting, stitching, printing, embroidery, washing and finishing are the processes. Workers have to be very crafty to come up with beautiful pieces of embroidery.

Indian Fashion Scenario

India is renowned for its rich and assorted textile tradition. It is truly a wonder that each and every region of India has its own exclusive native attire and traditional apparel. Most of the rural population still wears traditional clothes, urban India is changing fast with new path breaking international brands reflected by the young and exciting, in the multi-ethnic major cities of India. Indian fashion industry is nothing but vivacious. Its still a emerging industry where many new models and designers are waiting in the wings to showcase their huge talents to the world.

In old India textile designing was all about weaver and his skills but in new India its all about creativity. More the creativity, better the chances of designer being famous and recognized. Indian fashion scenario is a colorful mix of best of Indian and western designs. Both these styles are equally popular amongst the youth and class depending upon the suitability of occasions. One can witness the fusion of Indian fashion with that of world in the urban parts of India. India is doing its part as well by giving its famous accessories to the western world. Whether, it is Bindi, Heena or mehendi or bangles and even sari, foreign celebrities can be seen to wear them with aplomb and pride. India is also hosting several fashion shows of world class standards.

Fashion Shopping- Conclusion

Previous article contained information about concept of fashion shopping in rising Indian economy. It has been concluded that fashion shopping is one hugely potential area where even sky is not the limits. That also explains every now and then few multinational companies settling themselves in the Indian Territory. Most of the tier one and two cities have famous global brand names which gives us an indication of growing buying capacities of Indian population.

Fashion wise, Delhi and Mumbai tops the list. Delhi has witnessed phenomenal establishment of expensive labels and boutiques because of its reputation of haute capital of India. Mumbai is more known for its haute couture as well as day to day shopping in various local streets.

Other important development seen in Indian fashion industry is culture of multiple products having put under the one roof. That’s what general public prefer; to shop for every required thing at one place. This is not only convenient for customers but also provides more chances to boutiques to sell more products. We can see its example in various shops which not only keep clothes but also numerous accessories. Few of them even have footwear. This arrangement proves very crucial in keeping loyal customers over a period of time. Fashion shopping also gets a boost with the advent of smiling customer service and detailed attention to every customer.