Artisan Skill Enhancement: The dresses are embroidered by our Rajnigandha unit, who were used to working on what is termed as "chaalu kaam" or fast moving Chikankari goods. They had never worked on such a skilled piece that helped them invest more creative hours & therefore earn better piece with creative satisfaction
Paan Motif: Usage of the much less used Paan Motif in regular work also, so that this motif can be revived.
Handloom Chanderi fabric: Making this dress a Handwoven & Handcrafted delight
KHAYAL (Moodboard): "When I was going to design Kalidar Dresses for my portfolio, I started with seeing what was available in Chikankari Kalidar Dresses in general. I was quite disappointed then seeing the spangly and strictly One Time Wear Kalidars that lacked classic appeal and clearly could be worn in very loud gatherings. It is definitely not the style of Meiraas.
Here I would also like to divulge, that at the risk of losing business, I have put my foot down on making “gowns” (whatever that means) and One Time Wears as much as I could.
For my Kalidar Dresses, I revisited some films from 1960s, where Kalidar Frocks, both Knee Length and Calf Length were worn by vintage actresses. The ease, the charm, the subtlety and the flow - I wanted that. I will especially recall Sadhana’s short one in Mere Mehboob, and Padmini’s beautiful orange one in Mera Naam Joker, in a Qawali song. Smart, easy to dress up and down, laidback and classic.
Something you can wear anywhere, anytime.
Here’s presenting a series on one of my favourite themes - Dolce Far Niente aka The Sweetness of Doing Nothing”
- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Design, Meiraas
POSHAAK (About the Dress): Buttery Yellow Chikankari Flared Dress on Finest Quality Handloom Chanderi with gorgeous flare & very dear embroidery of Lucknow's unique Paan Boota both on front & back in absolutely same pattern. This classic piece of Old World Dress is created keeping the drama of yesteryears in mind. Wear, twirl & watch the elegance overpower everyone.
The dress comes with a soft cotton detachable slip to match.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Artisan Skill Enhancement: The dresses are embroidered by our Rajnigandha unit, who were used to working on what is termed as "chaalu kaam" or fast moving Chikankari goods. They had never worked on such a skilled piece that helped them invest more creative hours & therefore earn better piece with creative satisfaction
Paan Motif: Usage of the much less used Paan Motif in regular work also, so that this motif can be revived.
Handloom Chanderi fabric: Making this dress a Handwoven & Handcrafted delight
KHAYAL (Moodboard): "When I was going to design Kalidar Dresses for my portfolio, I started with seeing what was available in Chikankari Kalidar Dresses in general. I was quite disappointed then seeing the spangly and strictly One Time Wear Kalidars that lacked classic appeal and clearly could be worn in very loud gatherings. It is definitely not the style of Meiraas.
Here I would also like to divulge, that at the risk of losing business, I have put my foot down on making “gowns” (whatever that means) and One Time Wears as much as I could.
For my Kalidar Dresses, I revisited some films from 1960s, where Kalidar Frocks, both Knee Length and Calf Length were worn by vintage actresses. The ease, the charm, the subtlety and the flow - I wanted that. I will especially recall Sadhana’s short one in Mere Mehboob, and Padmini’s beautiful orange one in Mera Naam Joker, in a Qawali song. Smart, easy to dress up and down, laidback and classic.
Something you can wear anywhere, anytime.
Here’s presenting a series on one of my favourite themes - Dolce Far Niente aka The Sweetness of Doing Nothing”
- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Design, Meiraas
POSHAAK (About the Dress): Soft Rose Chikankari Flared Dress on Finest Quality Handloom Chanderi with gorgeous flare & very dear embroidery of Lucknow's unique Paan Boota both on front & back in absolutely same pattern. This classic piece of Old World Dress is created keeping the drama of yesteryears in mind. Wear, twirl & watch the elegance overpower everyone.
The dress comes with a soft cotton detachable slip.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Artisan Skill Enhancement: The dresses are embroidered by our Rajnigandha unit, who were used to working on what is termed as "chaalu kaam" or fast moving Chikankari goods. They had never worked on such a skilled piece that helped them invest more creative hours & therefore earn better piece with creative satisfaction
Paan Motif: Usage of the much less used Paan Motif in regular work also, so that this motif can be revived.
Handloom Chanderi fabric: Making this dress a Handwoven & Handcrafted delight
KHAYAL (Moodboard): "When I was going to design Kalidar Dresses for my portfolio, I started with seeing what was available in Chikankari Kalidar Dresses in general. I was quite disappointed then seeing the spangly and strictly One Time Wear Kalidars that lacked classic appeal and clearly could be worn in very loud gatherings. It is definitely not the style of Meiraas.
Here I would also like to divulge, that at the risk of losing business, I have put my foot down on making “gowns” (whatever that means) and One Time Wears as much as I could.
For my Kalidar Dresses, I revisited some films from 1960s, where Kalidar Frocks, both Knee Length and Calf Length were worn by vintage actresses. The ease, the charm, the subtlety and the flow - I wanted that. I will especially recall Sadhana’s short one in Mere Mehboob, and Padmini’s beautiful orange one in Mera Naam Joker, in a Qawali song. Smart, easy to dress up and down, laidback and classic.
Something you can wear anywhere, anytime.
Here’s presenting a series on one of my favourite themes - Dolce Far Niente aka The Sweetness of Doing Nothing”
- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Design, Meiraas
POSHAAK (About the Dress): Tiffany's Blue Chikankari Flared Dress on Finest Quality Handloom Chanderi with gorgeous flare & very dear embroidery of Lucknow's unique Paan Boota both on front & back in absolutely same pattern. This classic piece of Old World Dress is created keeping the drama of yesteryears in mind. Wear, twirl & watch the elegance overpower everyone.
The dress comes with a soft cotton detachable slip.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Please refer to Size Chart for dimensions.
You can pair this beautiful Murri work Chikankari kurta with Cotton Plain White Pants in a shade to match to make a Co-Ord set.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
Artisan Skill Enhancement : A rare stitch like Murri & Bijli done with the unit that is usually does bargain basement work
Azo Free Dye
Sufficient margins in ready to wear to enable alteration at any stage.
Handloom Cotton fabric
Handmade in India
KHAYAL (mood board):Dopehri is a summer song of Lucknow presented by Meiraas!! Through this Everyday Chikankari collection of ours, we want you to step into the oasis of slow summer living from yesteryears that we are all trying to bring back collectively!!
POSHAAK (about the product):
This beautiful Kurta spells Lucknow with every thread of its being! The neckline and sleeves have a beautiful Murri & Bijli motif detailing with very fine filament work. The shoulder has the classic shadow java (detailing) of the classical Chikankari era of kurtas.
The back has a symposium of Lotus flowers strung together in a statement motif, finished with fine shadow embroidery.
When you visit the Hazratganj market of Lucknow, you will see most buildings in the colour of a pretty soft yellow and pink, something very unique and very Lucknow. We wanted to use that kind of soft pastel pink for our Kurta.
This kurta spells Classic Lucknow like none can. You can shop plain pants to match with the same from Cotton Plain White Pants . Simply shop the pants and on customer note mention - please dye to match to make a Co-Ord set.
If you want any further assistance you can email us at namaste@meiraas.com . Our team will be happy to assist you.
Important:
Chikankari garments are translucent by nature as they are mostly made on lighter cottons & in natural white or pastel shades. To wear a slip underneath is subjective to the wearer's comfort
Only Kurta is available to shop from this post.
Styling Tip: Will work beautifully with Juhi dupatta as per embroidery match. Just select the same and in customer note mention it to be dyed to match.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Aasmaani Chikankari Pants are to be paired with Aasmaani Chikankari Kurta.
If you wish to purchase these pants in White, then email us at namaste@meiraas.com
Please refer to Size Chart for dimensions.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
Artisan Skill Enhancement : Work with rare stitches and finer filaments.
Azo Free Dye
Sufficient margins in ready to wear to enable alteration at any stage.
Handmade in India
KHAYAL (mood board):Dopehri is a summer song of Lucknow presented by Meiraas!! Through this Everyday Chikankari collection of ours, we want you to step into the oasis of slow summer living from yesteryears that we are all trying to bring back collectively!!
POSHAAK (about the product):
This contemporary style pants borrows a playful theme from Boyfriend jeans, with an upturned calf length hemline.
The Chikankari has been done in shadow pattern with miniature floral motifs in a neat and clutter free design layout.
Aasmaani is the soft and fresh blue colour of the summer sky of Lucknow, that has inspired the shade of this lovely pair of pants.
You can pair this dress with Aasmaani Chikankari Kurta, to make an eclectic Chikankari Co-Ord set.
If you want any further assistance you can email us at namaste@meiraas.com . Our team will be happy to assist you.
Important:
Chikankari garments are translucent by nature as they are mostly made on lighter cottons & in natural white or pastel shades. To wear a slip underneath is subjective to the wearer's comfort
Only Pant is available to shop from this post.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Aasmaani Chikankari Kurta is to be paired with Aasmaani Chikankari Pants.
If you wish to purchase this Kurta in White, then email us at namaste@meiraas.com
Please refer to Size Chart for dimensions.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
Artisan Skill Enhancement : Work with rare stitches and finer filaments.
Azo Free Dye
Sufficient margins in ready to wear to enable alteration at any stage.
Handloom Cotton fabric
Handmade in India
KHAYAL (mood board):Dopehri is a summer song of Lucknow presented by Meiraas!! Through this Everyday Chikankari collection of ours, we want you to step into the oasis of slow summer living from yesteryears that we are all trying to bring back collectively!!
POSHAAK (about the product):
This contemporary style kurta borrows a playful theme from Boyfriend kurtas, and has a U shape hemline with a shorter rolled & loop button sleeve.
The Chikankari also follows a contemporary pattern in unique design philosophy, with detailing on one shoulder and a statement motif of Sun, on the opposite side of the neckline. This sun motif in itself was fashioned using 2-3 different motifs, to create a unique design language.
Aasmaani is the soft and fresh blue colour of the summer sky of Lucknow, that we has inspired the shade of this lovely kurta. You can pair this dress with Aasmaani Boyfriend roll up pants, for a very fun spin on Classic Chikankari.
If you want any further assistance you can email us at namaste@meiraas.com . Our team will be happy to assist you.
Important:
Chikankari garments are translucent by nature as they are mostly made on lighter cottons & in natural white or pastel shades. To wear a slip underneath is subjective to the wearer's comfort
Only Kurta is available to shop from this post.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cheeku Shake Chikankari Pants are to be paired with Cheeku Shake Chikankari Kurta
Please note there will be slight difference in the shade of the Kurta & Pants, due to both being made from different pure cotton fabrics. Please bear this in mind, when making the Co-Ord set (see image 2)
If you wish to purchase these pants in White, then email us at namaste@meiraas.com
Please refer to Size Chart for dimensions.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
Artisan Skill Enhancement : Work with rare stitches and finer filaments.
Azo Free Dye
Sufficient margins in ready to wear to enable alteration at any stage.
Handmade in India
KHAYAL (mood board):Dopehri is a summer song of Lucknow presented by Meiraas!! Through this Everyday Chikankari collection of ours, we want you to step into the oasis of slow summer living from yesteryears that we are all trying to bring back collectively!!
POSHAAK (about the product):
This Culotte style pant is wide allover than usual pants, and ends at the mid calf, making it a smart pair of culottes with Chikankari detailing done in a unique motif Geometric Flora, the same which forms the statement back of Cheeku Shake Chikankari Kurta.
The Chikankari has been done in shadow and ghaspatti pattern.
Cheeku Shake is a refereshing summer drink that was made in the homes of Lucknow in the Dopehri of Summers, as a seasonal, refreshing and healthy treat for the entire family! The beautiful brown hue of the pants is inspired from this beverage.
You can pair this dress with Cheeku Shake Chikankari Kurta, to make an eclectic and effortlessly stylish Chikankari Co-Ord set.
If you want any further assistance you can email us at namaste@meiraas.com . Our team will be happy to assist you.
Important:
Chikankari garments are translucent by nature as they are mostly made on lighter cottons & in natural white or pastel shades. To wear a slip underneath is subjective to the wearer's comfort
Only Pant is available to shop from this post.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cheeku Shake Chikankari Kurta is to be paired with Cheeku Shake Chikankari Pants
Please note there will be slight difference in the shade of the Kurta & Pants, due to both being made from different pure cotton fabrics. Please bear this in mind, when making the Co-Ord set (check last image).
If you wish to purchase this Kurta in White, then email us at namaste@meiraas.com
Please refer to Size Chart for dimensions.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
Artisan Skill Enhancement : Very fine Murri work all through the Kurta in a contemporary pattern and rarely seen Chikankari design.
Work with rare stitches and finer filaments.
Azo Free Dye
Sufficient margins in ready to wear to enable alteration at any stage.
Handloom Cotton fabric
Handmade in India
KHAYAL (mood board):Dopehri is a summer song of Lucknow presented by Meiraas!! Through this Everyday Chikankari collection of ours, we want you to step into the oasis of slow summer living from yesteryears that we are all trying to bring back collectively!!
POSHAAK (about the product):
A kurta that has taken our breath away with the simplicity of its design and yet the skilled artisanal work with rare stitches and lesser filament of Chikankari embroidery threads.
The slightly rounded hemline Kurta in Handloom Cotton has a unique design layout of diagonal stripes of a very traditional wall art mandana block. This strip is then embroidered with Orma and Murri, along with Phanda in very fine thread work, extensively. This work has also been done on the sleeves.
The back features a geometric floral pattern that pairs well with the unique strip motif on the front, making it a truly rich kurta with fine embroidery.
Cheeku Shake is a refereshing summer drink that was made in the homes of Lucknow in the Dopehri of Summers, as a seasonal, refreshing and healthy treat for the entire family! The beautiful soft brown hue of the kurta is inspired from this beverage.
You can pair this dress with Cheeku Shake pants, to make a very unique Chikankari Co-Ord set.
If you want any further assistance you can email us at namaste@meiraas.com . Our team will be happy to assist you.
Important:
Chikankari garments are translucent by nature as they are mostly made on lighter cottons & in natural white or pastel shades. To wear a slip underneath is subjective to the wearer's comfort
Only Kurta is available to shop from this post.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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.
UNIQUE MEIRAAS BLOCKS - Depicting the favourite leisure activity of Awadhis, Kabootarbaazi or Flight of Pigeons is an ode to the slow life of Lucknow. 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)
Unique Conceptual Saree
Khayal (moodboard):The beautiful town of Maheshwar weaves the stunning Cotton Silk sarees that were introduced by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. These sarees are distinguished by their stunning border & palla weaving that is inspired by the city of Maheashwar (the fort mainly), and the Narmada river.When I had conceptualised making Chikankari on these sarees, the very thought of Maheshwari weaving paying an homage to their town was my central moodboard. Therefore, I wanted the unique inspiration of Lucknow & Awadh to be represented on these sarees. The Khayal of Awadh meeting the Song of Maheshwar!! - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Design, MeiraasPOSHAAK (about the dress):
This beautiful darker Pink saree has a stunning Blue striped Palla with typical Maheshwari borders. The palla has beautiful Blue wildflowers embroidered in resham thread, that makes the saree look stunning. Just above the palla we have our signature & exclusive Kabootarbaazi - A Flight of Pigeons & more scattered flowers on the rest of the saree!! A one of a kind collector's piece
Important: The saree has no tassles as visible in 1st image. The model image that has tassles on saree was the first such saree made. Rest of the saree is completely identical.
Styling Tip: This rare saree is perfect for wedding day functions, festive occasions & even formal office parties. They can also be worn as formal wear to important meetings.
Pink Green Maheshwari Saree with Woven Border details and Chikankari Embroidery done in Resham Taar. The Paisley Motif used here is almost 200 plus years old. A rich slice of history.
KHAYAL (moodboard): A Tale of two Dynasties
Maheshwar & Awadh come together to tell each other the stories of their glorious past & their surviving present!! The Maheshwari Sarees are woven taking inspiration from the city of Maheshwar and Narmada River. Each border & palla motifs are woven as an homage to this historic city!! Hoe beautiful would it be if Awadh also came on board to tell its stories by motifs inspired by its own essence. The Khayal is a marriage of two beautiful ideologies & their rich crafts.
POSHAAK (about the saree):
A beautiful woven Resham Border inspired by Maheshwar Fort adorns this cheerful Pink & Green beauty on which we have got Paisley Chikankari Motif embroidered that is 200 plus years old!! The embroidery is statement like with two motifs on either side of Palla width & then small floral motifs on the Palla. These small motifs get sparse as we enter the body of the saree. This ensures that either Art is not engulfing the other & both stand out symbiotically.
Imp:
1.)Please see model images for closest saree colour
2.)The saree has no tassles as visible in 1st image. The model image that has tassles on saree was the first such saree made. Rest of the saree is completely identical.
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.
We know you love to wait for Meiraas creations, but some situations require you to reach out to us for pieces that are Ready to be Shipped. For the ease of our patrons, we are compiling them in this section.