THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):

1. Artisan Skill Enhancement:
   • The motifs used in this saree are generally used for Pure Georgette sarees. In the local language of the artisans they called “Pure ka Boota” (meaning expensive motif). The motifs generally used for everyday Cotton Sarees are unskilled and are referred to as “chaalu kaam” (basic work) in their local parlance. The usage of this motif gave them an opportunity to work upon designs that they generally never get, thereby enhancing their skill set.
   • Jaali Stitch – fast vanishing from all artisans skill set, the Jaali stitch now remains a cynosure of premium Chikankari units only. The bargain basement embroidery market has completely devolved the artisan skill in Chikankari. We got them back to practising Jaali stitch by commissioning the same on Rajnigandha saree. (please refer to last image for reference, as initial photos did not have Jaali. The last image is taken indoors with mobile phone to show jaali).
2. Amber Charkha (non motorised) spun & Handwoven Cotton
3. Azo Free Dyes

Khayal (moodboard):

“Rajnigandha Collection was born out of my love of 70s effortless and relatable genre of Hindi Cinema, and the look of the heroines of such films, who felt closer to the women in my family & around me – my mother, my aunts, my teachers – all of whom were heroines in their own life, and were changing the societal mindset, to accept women who knew their mind, could go out & work, or homemakers who needed personal time, have a life and defined choices, while taking their family along in this journey. It was an interesting time!!
Rajnigandha was especially chosen for Chikankari sarees, because they were heavily worn by women of all age groups in Lucknow, light worked ones and heavier Tepchi ones in pretty sorbet & pastel shades.
The collection is also my heart collective, as it involves Artisan Skill Enhancement at each level, along with using good quality handwoven cotton fabric, all of which has completely disappeared from Chikankari everyday sarees.”- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas

Poshaak (about the saree): An oblong Cypress Boota, a rare find, anoints itself on this beautiful Chikankari saree, that we choose to call Black Currant. The motif is extremely rare, and has beautiful & very rare Jaali stitch done in cotton thread, a rarity now in everyday Chikankari sarees.

It is a beautiful Lavender hued saree, that needs very little to dress it up or down for various occasions.

Wear it for office with silver jewellery, or brunch with friends with well chosen Tribal Jewels.

This is Amber Charkha spun (non motorised) & Handwoven soft Cotton from West Bengal.  It is embroidered with intricate Cypress motif, a rare motif to be found in Lucknow, with intricate workmanship and most importantly Jaali embroidery (please refer to last image). Rest of the saree has small floral bootis all over.

It is a perfect light office/lunch/brunch/casual wear saree, yet one that will make heads turn. The drape is perfect for any weather.