Here is how a Pune based designer looks at reviving the ancient Indian craft

In her first series to revive and sustain Indian art and craft through fashion, city-based fashion designer Nivedita Saboo has collaborated with Lucknow craftsmen to create a new collection which showcases a mix of traditional and contemporary Lucknowi garments. Nivedita has conceptualised this collection as an initiative to revive this rare ancient Indian craft. Right from the colour to surface ornamentation techniques, the designing and the entire concept is bespoke.

“Pune’s style file is becoming more contemporary and people of the city are now open to experimenting with different textures, styles, silhouettes and colours. My new collection infuses Pakistani elements in the form of Lucknowi chikankari shararas, long jackets, pallazo pants with western drapes and cuts in the form of cropped jackets, beautifully draped glamorous gowns and dresses for women. Men can experiment with chikankari dhoti pants and stoles instead of the run-of-the-mill kurta pyjamas,” says Nivedita.

The elegant and versatile chikankari is seen in beautiful brighter hues instead of the chalky pastels, making it as popular a choice for autumn winter as it is for spring summer.
As the wedding season is approaching, chikankari lehengas and sherwanis are what the soon-to-be brides and grooms in the city are opting for, as they don’t only look royal and elegant but are easy to carry. “The fusion of the subtle Lucknowi chikan-work with varied techniques such as zardosi, swarovski, gota work, resham on fabrics like brocades and kinkhwabs create a classic and never-seen-before piece which is what most brides and grooms look for these days,” she adds.