This is what dreams...rather Technicolour Dreams are made of!! An ethereal soft Mint pure Organza Silk saree, with Lilac Resham Chikankari & Mukaish embroidery. This saree is one piece only and Ready To Ship.The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
1. Skilled Hand Embroidery on absolutely novel motif art in Chikankari.
2. Hand carved motifs carved following all processes.
3. Chikankari work done on intricate, antique motifs, that might someday be housed in a museum of crafts, or a well researched coffee table book.
KHAYAL (Mood-board):
I dream of an Evening in the old city of Lucknow in 1970s-1980s! The trip to Ravindralaya for a much awaited play or cultural performance. A laidback, candlelight dinner afterwards at Clarks Awadh's Falaknuma. How lovely were those immersive evenings of ghazals, the best food, the view of the glittering old city from outside the window, and the company of the most beloved!! From there, a quick trip to a friend's house for a late night baithak, where drinks & coffee were exchanged with a catch up. Every lady flaunting her best saree, as laughter tinkled inside the walls of the kothi.
My Technicolour Dream, is a throwback to those beautiful, slow evenings of Lucknow, that rarely exist now. This was also a time when embroidered sarees worn had to be minimal, and not overwhelming the wearer. The work had to be fine quality, & the saree, a conversation starter.
POSHAAK (About the garment):
My Technicolour Dream saree retains the pastel play hue, that old Lucknow was way too fond of. Be it summers or winters; be it morning or evening, if it is Chikankari, it had to be pastel with neat and clutter feee embroidery & stars of mukaish, just about highlighting the embroidery.
This soft powder Mint green pure Organza Silk saree has an interplay of three beautiful Chikankari motifs all through the saree in a decluttered, neat pattern. The Chikankari is done in Lilac shade, and especially shadow stitch motifs have been used, so that the lilac lends its colour to the mint body to create a Technicolour Dream!
Silver Mukaish has been added on the saree to give it a dreamy fairytale look. The saree is perfection for so many outings, with mere accessory change.
A dreamy and fluid Coral Pink gold Mukaish saree, with Resham Chikankari palla detailing in a conceptual moodboard. This saree is one piece only and Ready To Ship.The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
1. Skilled Hand Embroidery on absolutely novel motif art in Chikankari.
2. Hand carved motifs carved following all processes.
3. Chikankari work done on intricate, antique motifs, that might someday be housed in a museum of crafts, or a well researched coffee table book.
4. Meiraas Exclusive Matsya Chikankari motif used in the palla
KHAYAL (Mood-board):
I dream of an Evening in the old city of Lucknow in 1970s-1980s! The trip to Ravindralaya for a much awaited play or cultural performance. A laidback, candlelight dinner afterwards at Clarks Awadh's Falaknuma. How lovely were those immersive evenings of ghazals, the best food, the view of the glittering old city from outside the window, and the company of the most beloved!! From there, a quick trip to a friend's house for a late night baithak, where drinks & coffee were exchanged with a catch up. Every lady flaunting her best saree, as laughter tinkled inside the walls of the kothi.
Matsya Ambi is a throwback to those beautiful, slow evenings of Lucknow, that rarely exist now. This was also a time when embroidered sarees worn had to be minimal, and not overwhelming the wearer. The work had to be fine quality, & the saree, a conversation starter.
POSHAAK (About the garment):
Matsya Ambi saree has two prominent motifs of Lucknow detailed on the palla in Resham Chikankari:
Matsya - The Fish emblem motif of Awadh which comes resting on the shoulders, when the palla is taken over the shoulder.
Ambi - a very rare & old motif of overlapping ambis of different sizes, that seems to be inspired from Tanchoi weave of Banaras. It is a unique motif layout that was never seen in Chikankari, despite Ambi or Paisley being a very prominent Chikankari motif. This forms the palla, which will look glorious when taken over the shoulder.
The rest of the gorgeous Coral Pink saree is hand embroidered with Gold stars of Mukaish, making this the perfect throwback saree of Vintage Chikankari.
FROM THE VAULT COLLECTIVE : A masterpiece of a rarity...a mobile piece of art..an allover stunning Heirloom Chikankari saree with all hand cutwork stitches in one saree!! It also includes many other rare stitches of the craft.
The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
A rare masterpiece that has taken over 1 year in making
All 4 Chikankari hand cutwork stitches in 1 saree - Jaali (trellis stitch), Hool (eyelet stitch), Hathkati (ladder pattern stitch), Bijli (eyelet with filling stitch).
2 Taar Taagha work in this Chikankari saree, to give it a fine look
Pure Georgette Silk fabric
Hand me down Heirloom Chikankari saree
Khayal (Moodboard):Â
"Chandani ke boote aur Dhoop ki Kaliyan" - The flowers carved by Moonlight, & the Buds that bloom under mellow sunshine.
This is a title in Lucknow's cultural historian, Padma Shri Late Dr Yogesh Praveen ji's book, Aapka Lucknow. The chapter is dedicated particularly to Crafts of Awadh - Zardozi, Mukaish & Chikankari, of which "Dhoop ki Kaliyan" is especially kept for the latter craft.
Chikankari is in fact one of those rarest of rare embroideries, that looks as though crafted out of mellow Sunshine. This saree and its very fine embroidery looks every inch as the delicate flower buds that are ready to bloom in soft glow of the Sun.
Poshaak (about the saree):Â
This is a saree fit for a Vault Collective.
The saree features 2 taar taagha embroidery in Chikankari, with all 4 hand cutwork stitches (a painstaking rarity), in one saree alone. The beautiful saree is a smorgasbord of many rich & intricate motifs from the palla to the last end. The full saree features many rare stitches like - Jaali, Hool, Hathkati, Bijli, Shadow, triple Kangan, Orma, Penchni, Murri, Phanda and many others.
It is a saree to pass on from mother to daughter and onwards as a family legacy.
Hand embroidered on Pure Georgette Silk, this Heirloom saree is dyeable in any shade one desires.
Such sarees are Collectibles for fine craftsmanship enthusiasts.
A stunning Coral Red Chikankari Kota Doria saree with very intricate embroidery on the border, palla & body of the saree. This saree is one piece only and Ready To Ship.The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
1. Skilled Hand Embroidery on absolutely novel motif art.
2. Hand carved motifs carved following all processes.
4. Chikankari work done on intricate, antique motifs, that might someday be housed in a museum of crafts, or a well researched coffee table book.
KHAYAL (Mood-board):
Moonga or colour of the Coral stone; this was one of the most favoured hue of the ladies of Lucknow. Not Red, but Moonga colour, a cross between Pink, Red & Orange. A shade that reflected the light of all three, and yet held its unique charm. Inspired by Moonga jewellery that many of them popularly wore back then, this was a hue that inspired the shade & delicate work of this saree.
POSHAAK (About the garment):
This Coral Red saree looks resplendently Pink in some lights, and in some lights it gives out a blazing Coral shade of Red.
The saree has lovely broad border made of three intricate borders on all 3 sides.
It features a stunning Sea Coral floral motif that runs all through the body of the saree. A rare work to see in Tepchi Chikankari.
A gorgeous Chikankari Kota Doria saree with our signature Floral motif of Patta Patta Boota Boota, in soft Ombre shades of Yellow to evoke fragrant Sandalwood memories of summer. This saree is one piece only and Ready To Ship.The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
1. Skilled Hand Embroidery on absolutely novel motif art.
2. Hand carved motifs carved following all processes.
4. Conceptual Chikankari work, that might someday be housed in a museum of crafts, or a well researched coffee table book.
KHAYAL (Mood-board):
Sandali or the one with Sandalwood Fragrance! Sandal is an evocative memory to the olfactory senses, as soon as summer arrives. Along with its spiritual value, the calming yellow hue of Sandal is known for its subtle yet wholesome beauty. No wonder, this hue brings a calm smile to any face. In Lucknow, Sandali was used colloquially to mean soft & beautiful like Sandal colour.
POSHAAK (About the garment):
This ombre Yellow saree, inspired by the lovely fragrance of Sandal, has a stunning palla full of Meiraas Exclusive Patta Patta Boota Boota motifs, giving it a grand look. The rest of the saree features a beautiful floral border, & an antique motif on the body.
The embroidery is Tepchi Chikankari in resham thread. The soft yellow ombre shade gives it a delightful look, which is perfect for summers. The saree is one to be cherished and worn lovingly as soon as summers come calling.
The saree palla has been finished with delicate crochet lace detailing.
White Cotton Silk Saree with Tepchi Chikankari in Turquoise colour with Stunning Embroidery of Meiraas Exclusive Falaknuma Motif of Rumi Darwaza & Fish Emblem of Awadh.
The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
1.) Original Motifs of Meiraas carved following all due processes.
2.) Ek Daana nuanced Tepchi Chikankari
3.) Tepchi with Kasab Jaali work in Rumi Darwaza
KHAYAL (moodboard):
The magnificent Rumi Darwaza is an imposing & inspiring presence on the city of Lucknow. The Macchli (Fish Symbol) is the identity of Awadh. Below this is the therapeutic flow of River Gomti. Rumi, Macchli, Gomti Nadi come together to create this classic piece of Meiraas.
POSHAAK (about the saree):
This Cotton Silk saree has woven bootas in the Palla. Amidst these bootas, you can see triangular waves inspired by Gomti River. On top of that is Rumi Darwaza & all along the border Macchli Boota. A true Luckhnavi saree!!
The white & blue combination (Moti aur Firoza), was a colour palette preferred by most of the royalty of India, whether in jewellery, homes or clothes.
Fabric: Cotton Silk
1 saree is Ready to Ship. After that is sold, the saree will be MADE ON ORDER only & will take 8-10 weeks approximately to get made & shipped. For colour customisation, please drop in a mail to namaste@meiraas.com
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
- First Brand to launch Chikankari on the most sustainable fabric: Linen
- LINEN WEAVE COMMISSIONED FOR MEIRAAS, THEREFORE FULL QUALITY CONTROL
- RESHAM CHIKANKARI (HAND EMBROIDERY PRACTISED SINCE ANCIENT AGE)
- HAND PICKED ANCIENT ARCHIVED MOTIFS/ NEW OWN CREATED MOTIFS.
KHAYAAL (moodboard):
Yakshi Nadi - The River Goddess
Yakshi is the Goddess of Love, Passion, Nurturing, Power. Yakshi is the Goddess of Feminine Power. Yakshi Nadi (yellow) is our ode to the River Goddesses, whom we consider as our Mothers since the start of time. River is much more than a water body for us, She is a celestial mother who takes care of us. Yakshi Nadi shows the amalgamation of flora & fauna that are life supported by the power of our River Goddesses. The photograph with the model holding the water vessel is a throwback to Mother Ganga and Mother Yamuna sculptures in ancient temples holding water vessels (signifying their contribution to nurture life).
Yakshi is a celestial nymph mentioned in Ancient Puranic texts and epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat. The khayal to name this collection, Yakshi came with the Temple Art of India, like Khajuraho group of temples; the celestial nymphs are set in stone in the most beautiful expressions in these temples. They have been made with such devotion and aesthetics that one can imagine them coming to life at night, and reliving the days of past glory!!
Linen as a fabric was extensively worn in almost all Ancient Civilisations. In fact some sources suggest the possibility of white on white embroidery being worn in Chandragupta Maurya's court; some ancient texts also talk of the legendary Maharaja Harshvardhan of Kashmir, only wearing White on White embroidered fabric.
POSHAAK (about the saree):
Nadi saree has the Meiraas exclusive Kabootarbaazi motif running on the palla; signifying life of flora and fauna due to the nurturing nectar that is provided by our rivers. The border is a stunning floral bel running through the saree, and the body has small floral bootis scattered all over.
Styling Tip: Like most Meiraas creations, this saree can be dressed up & down for multiple occasions, whether work wear or party wear. It has its own charm in both situations.
Please Note: Slight wrinkles are part of Pure Linen texture. Linen is the most low maintenance fabric. Ideally before draping this saree, take it out and spread it and hang somewhere at least a day before; its wrinkles will smoothen significantly. Mostly it should be worn with slight wrinkles, yet if you wish to iron the dhobi press will be fine, with a cloth on top.
1 saree is Ready to Ship. After that is sold, the saree will be MADE ON ORDER only & will take 13 weeks approximately to get made & shipped. For colour customisation, please drop in a mail to namaste@meiraas.com
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
- First Brand to launch Chikankari on the most sustainable fabric: Linen
- LINEN WEAVE COMMISSIONED FOR MEIRAAS, THEREFORE FULL QUALITY CONTROL
- RESHAM CHIKANKARI (HAND EMBROIDERY PRACTISED SINCE ANCIENT AGE)
- HAND PICKED ANCIENT ARCHIVED MOTIFS/ NEW OWN CREATED MOTIFS.
KHAYAAL (moodboard):
Yakshi Ra - The Sun Goddess
Yakshi is the Goddess of Love, Passion, Nurturing, Power. Yakshi is the Goddess of Feminine Power. Yakshi Ra (yellow) is our re-imagination of Feminine Power in the place of Sun God - Surya or Ra. Yakshi Ra is the manifestation of Woman as Sun or Sun Goddess, the one that gives life & nurtures with her divine presence. The saree shows Floral Motifs to signify the power of Nature's birth through the energy of Sun.
Yakshi is a celestial nymph mentioned in Ancient Puranic texts and epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat. The khayal to name this collection, Yakshi came with the Temple Art of India, like Khajuraho group of temples; the celestial nymphs are set in stone in the most beautiful expressions in these temples. They have been made with such devotion and aesthetics that one can imagine them coming to life at night, and reliving the days of past glory!!
Linen as a fabric was extensively worn in almost all Ancient Civilisations. In fact some sources suggest the possibility of white on white embroidery being worn in Chandragupta Maurya's court; some ancient texts also talk of the legendary Maharaja Harshvardhan of Kashmir, only wearing White on White embroidered fabric.
POSHAAK (about the saree):
Ra saree has the beautiful floral art motifs running on the palla; In light pastel yellow colour, this looks like resplendent glow of Sun that births life in the form of flowers. The border is a stunning floral bel running through the saree, and the body has small floral bootis scattered all over.
Styling Tip: Like most Meiraas creations, this saree can be dressed up & down for multiple occasions, whether work wear or party wear. It has its own charm in both situations.
Please Note: Slight wrinkles are part of Pure Linen texture. Linen is the most low maintenance fabric. Ideally before draping this saree, take it out and spread it and hang somewhere at least a day before; its wrinkles will smoothen significantly. Mostly it should be worn with slight wrinkles, yet if you wish to iron the dhobi press will be fine, with a cloth on top.
The first design of our signature Falaknuma motif are these sarees. Showcased in some premium shows like Red Earth Saree Festival, Dastkar, Sanatkada, Ficci Flo & SAARC event, this saree was the game changer in bringing back stories & concepts in Chikankari Craft as an ode to Lucknow. After the debut of this concept, designers in Chikankari started exploring motifs beyond floral art. The saree was first videographed on Isha Priya Singh (@desidrapes on IG) in June, 2018 at the gorgeous Lebua, Lucknow. Isha ji participated in the video purely as a goodwill gesture.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
HANDLOOM CHANDERI WITH DIFFERENT COMPOSITION IN THE LOOM - this composition & style of weaving has made this Chanderi weave gossamer in feel & absolutely fantastic, unlike the Chanderi that is generally woven. It is our specialized weave. Let us call this FALAKNUMA CHANDERI by MEIRAAS.
UNIQUE WEAVE COMMISSIONED BY MEIRAAS - explained above
UNIQUE MEIRAAS BLOCKS - Art created from scratch. Motif Blocks drawn & chiseled by hand in ancient style. This gives more challenging & creative work to Block Artisans, who were being eliminated by many designers in favour of digital tracing.
RESHAM CHIKANKARI (HAND EMBROIDERY PRACTISED SINCE ANCIENT AGE)
Khayal (moodboard):
NAWABI SHAUK - The Slow Hobbies of Nawab Royalty
Kite Flying & Rooster Matches were some of the prominent hobbies of Nawabi Royalty. Kite Flying is also a beautiful ritual that celebrated the different faiths presiding in one city of Lucknow, thus a harmonious & binding activity.
Celebrated Indian Filmmaker, Satyajit Ray, in his 1977 classic "Shatranj Ke Khiladi", romanced the By-lanes of Lucknow & these slow civil rituals.
POSHAAK (about the dress):
This 3 D art saree is feather light & has a powder blue base with gold pure tested zari detailing on either side of the width of the saree. The embroidery is done using 2-3 colours; in this the fighting roosters were the toughest to create. The artwork had to look realistic, yet something that could be created successfully in Chikankari. The colours used to make the Roosters are the actual colours of "desi murga" or indigenous roosters of India. Multiple brainstorming sessions with artisans made this art of Rooster Fighting & Kite Flying come alive on the saree.
The moment of reckoning was when the son of the lead artisan, who was indifferent to the craft, beamed on seeing the saree.
The embroidery is till the end of the saree.
Styling Tip: This is a saree you treasure & hand down generation to generation. Wear it for day wedding functions, small intimate gatherings, in office, or when you want to dress up & listen to old vintage songs!! The possibilities are endless with a classic.
The very first CONCEPT SAREE in Chikankari. This saree has Rumi Darwaza and sacred Fish Motifs of Awadh, all originally crafted by Meiraas.
UNIQUE MEIRAAS BLOCKS - Art created from scratch. Motif Blocks drawn & chiseled by hand in ancient style. This gives more challenging & creative work to Block Artisans, who were being eliminated by many designers in favour of digital tracing.
RESHAM CHIKANKARI (HAND EMBROIDERY PRACTISED SINCE ANCIENT AGE)
Khayal (moodboard):
Built by Nawab Asaf Ud Daulah, the Rumi Darwaza, is the architectural leitmotif of Lucknow city. While the Darwaza is based on Turkey's Sublime Porte, our Rumi is much more magnificent & imposing as a structure, due to the skilled Indian "shilpkaars" that have perfected the art of astonishing monuments & mega structures since India's millenia old history.
Today, Rumi Darwaza, stands like an old King on beautifully cobbled streets of Lucknow, welcoming & opening the gates to Old City of Lucknow. The Fish Emblem is part of the state seal of UP. Fish is a scared symbol for both Hindus (Matsya Avatar) & Shia community in Lucknow.
POSHAAK (about the dress):
This 3 D art saree is made on Amber Charkha spun & Handwoven soft Cotton, and dyed in Azo Free dyes in soft Lavendar shade.
Depicting the signature architectural brilliance of Lucknow, this saree has Chikankari motifs of Rumi Darwaza & Fish Emblem of Nawabs. A conversation starter & showstopper saree by Meiraas, this is a true collector's delight.
FROM THE VAULT COLLECTIVE : A masterpiece of a rarity...a mobile piece of art..an allover stunning Chikankari saree with 14 unique stitches in its folds!!
The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
A rare masterpiece that has taken over 1 year in making
14 unique Chikankari stitches in one saree -
Jaali
Bijli
Shadow
Phanda
Kaante
Rahet
Orma
Kauri
Keel
Kangan
Ghaspatti
Murri
Double Kangan
Pechni
2 Taar work in this Chikankari saree, to give it a fine look
Pure Georgette Silk fabric
Hand me down Heirloom Chikankari saree
Khayal (Moodboard):Â
The month of Chaitra (roughly March mid to April mid), is one with Pink summers setting in, where the air is still free of the upcoming scorching heat, and the coolness of the winter months gone by, make the mornings and evenings very pleasant. It is a month, where the Earth, especially in Northern plains of India, springs the most beautiful blossoms all around. The most prominent amongst them are tall Kaner bushes, with stunning Pink blossoms all over them, weighing the delicate boughs down in their sweet ambrosia. These Kaner flowers are also known as Chaitra Gulaab, as their appearance is similar to roses, and colour is a stunning Pink. When reflected against a cornflower blue sky, and with other blossoms filling up all garden spaces, they make a meadow in any city, town or village.
In Lucknow, they are a common sight, and one that fills the heart with joy. Coupled with these are the tiny mangoes on tree boughs, that promise to soon grow into large vats of heavenly nectar. Together, they make Chaitra Upvan an oasis to cherish. This is the Khayal that defines this saree the best.
Poshaak (about the saree):Â
This is a saree fit for a Vault Collective. The saree Pallu itself has 14 unique embroidery patterns; please note that this adds intricacy & complexity in the work & thus makes it more premium. Even the corner most areas of the saree has nuanced details
The body is all over painstakingly embroidered with unique embroidery patterns.
Such sarees are made in hair like 2-3 taar filament of super fine embroidery thread only, allowing deeper patterns to be made. Time taken to make such sarees is almost a year. Sarees of this kind are the finest and rarest quality of Chikankari, that classify as Heirloom pieces.
Such sarees are Collectibles for fine craftsmanship enthusiasts.
This saree is Ready To Ship.THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):-
Resham Chikankari (Hand Embroidery Practised Since Ancient Age).
Hand Picked Ancient Archived Motifs.
Conceptual and Exclusive Chikankari Artwork on Zari Silk fabric.
Handloom Zari Silk fabric.
Museum quality Chikankari sarees that can be handed down generation to generation as a treasure.
KHAYAAL (Mood-board):
The Khayal or Aatmamanthan behind keeping this collection under the name Dhanlakshmi was very clear. We wanted to make a repository of Heirloom Sarees, where we can create colours and palettes that signify the opulence of Sri Lakshmi.
After our series of metallic sarees of Swarna Lakshmi (Gold), Rajat Lakshmi (Silver), Krishna Lakshmi (Black Gold), we are now introducing, TaamraLakshmi, signifying the 3rd most important metal in our culture, Copper. The celebration of metal names is deeply spiritual, in accordance to the deity they are ascribed to, i.e., Sri Lakshmi.
We wish the radiance of Sri Lakshmi, who visits deserving households during Deepawali, to bring them prosperity and wholesome progress.
TaamraLakshami is a stunning Red Gold Zari Silk Chikankari saree, with Red Resham embroidery, a piece de resistance, and one that creates new Heirlooms and Textile Traditions.
POSHAAK (About the garmemt):
The stunning TaamraLakshami, is embroidered with extremely delicate and prized stitches of Conceptual Chikankari Art work.
The palla features a combination of two antique miniature floral motifs. Along with that a delicate and detailed circular floral motif is placed along the length of the palla and has stunning embroidery of Zari Taar Jaali (extremely difficult to do on this fabric), murri, keel, ghaaspatti, phanda, zanjeera, rahet etc.
It is extremely difficult to work on full Zari Silk sarees, because of many reasons:
The saree reflects light back, making it impossible to work in full light, hence it needs perfect light setting in a room and extremely skilled artisans to make it.
Such fabric requires enormous dexterity and a very fine level of craftsmanship, therefore the number of artisans working on it are just 1-2 only. This means it takes more time than other sarees
Zari Taar Jaali work is extremely difficult to do on this saree; Cutting jaali by hand is a difficult and time consuming process as it is (this is why its artisans are reducing, as they demand better wages for the time and skill, which popular market is unwilling to pay). Cutting a jaali using Zari Taar filament is the toughest level, as the Zari Taar is not visible to the naked eye easily. In this case Zari Taar has been used to cut Jaali on full Zari Silk saree, making it the toughest level. This obviously commands time and best wages for the artisans involved.
Words will fall short in the praise of this exquisite beauty of a saree!! Some of these motifs are centuries old, and some freshly carved looking at centuries old motifs. A rare piece of Art.
The unique Red Gold colour of the saree with Red embroidery makes it stunning, regal and a timeless heirloom that you would like to pass on generation after generation.
The drape of this saree is breathtaking; rich and very form fitting and supple, making it ideal for all body types.
We will also provide a 1 metre running Chikankari embroidered Tussar Silk blouse piece in Red colour as part of the saree.
P.S: If you are noticing dark patches anywhere in the pictures, then that is the Zari reflecting the light back to the camera, and this is not present on the saree.
Avoid moisture seeping into such sarees. Always store them in a dry place and in the Meiraas bag we deliver them in. Keep opening Silk Sarees in every 6 months and changing its folds.
The saree is 41.5 inches in width, in case you want increase in the width of the saree, please drop us a mail at namaste@meiraas.com . We will add a coloured fabric seamlessly on the tucking in area to give you your desired width.