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.
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.
Please refer to the Size Chart and not sizing guide to know your perfect fit.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
Unique motif work in Chikankari
Sufficient margins in ready to wear to enable alteration at any stage.
Sustaining heritage craft into more functional pieces.
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):
Reminiscent of the Falling Leaves of Basant, this old favourite Chikankari Top of Meiraas is back in stock on popular demand! The romantic shedding leaves reminds one of the season of Basant, that brings in the most romantic of Dopehri, along with it.
This tulip sleeved Chikankari essential Top has been designed with a motif that depicts falling leaves in Shadow and French Knot embroidery stitches. It is just the essential summer Top to pair with everything.
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
Artisan Skill Enhancement: Very fine quality motif work, that involves more skilled work quality done with lesser filaments. The design layout also facilitates more skilled workmanship.
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 is fast disappearing from Chikankari everyday sarees."- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, MeiraasPoshaak (about the saree): Dussehri is back! Our bestseller that launched in 2021 for the first time, and has been in constant production and demand since then.
Dussehri saree has lovely Bakhiya (shadow) Phanda (French knot) embroidery on brilliant Mango yellow of the inside of Dussehri mango. The saree has a very fine border display, and a palla with trellis patteren. Above that, stunning paisley motifs of Dussehri have been printed. This paisley motif is very intricately detailed and embroidered.
Extremely fine quality shadow embroidery on palla, enhances the look of this beautiful saree. The rest of body has floral bootis embroidered on its body, making it one of a kind saree.
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.
Note: Colours might show slight difference in different light. That is due to nature of colour, light under which it is viewed, and various factors. Please bear these factors in mind when making the selection.
Artisan Skill Enhancement: Very fine quality motif work, that involves more skilled work quality done with lesser filaments. The design layout also facilitates more skilled workmanship.
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 are fast disappearing from Chikankari everyday sarees." - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, MeiraasPoshaak (about the saree): Wine is a beautiful deep plum hued Chikankari saree, that needs very little to dress it up or down for various occasions.
It is embroidered with intricate Paan motif, an endearing iconography of Lucknow, that is reminiscent of the favourite mouth freshener Luckhnavis are addicted to. Rest of the saree has small floral bootis all over.
Wear it for office with silver jewellery, or brunch with friends with well chosen Tribal Jewels, while you order yourself a glass of Merlot.
Please Note: The saree is shot under studio light, colour will vary slightly when seen indoors & when seen outdoors in full sun. This is the nature of the colour.
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.
Artisan Skill Enhancement: Very fine quality motif work, that involves more skilled work quality done with lesser filaments. The design layout also facilitates more skilled workmanship.
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 are fast disappearing from Chikankari everyday sarees."- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, MeiraasPoshaak (about the saree):
The Paan saree has a very ornate motif work of Paan leaf & other floral jaal. This dense and beautiful motif has been embroidered to make a stunning Palla and one side heavier border that will come on the pleats, with shadow and phanda stitches.
The other side of the border is sleeker, thereby giving an illusion of balance and a flattering form, when the saree is draped.
Little scattered floral bootis carry through the saree.
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.
Note: Colours might show slight difference in different light. That is due to nature of colour, light under which it is viewed, and various factors. Please bear these factors in mind when making the selection.
This shawl is Ready To Ship.THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):-
Resham Chikankari (Hand Embroidery Practised Since Ancient Age).
2 Taar Resham Chikankari (very rare)
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):
Gold on Gold tone Chikankari was a dream drape, that we could only imagine a Goddess draping on herself. Our moodboard was a wrap that is rich like molten gold, embroidered like it is carved using finest craftsmanship on gold, malleable like it is a rich gold lava flowing...
This is what shaped the Shahi Paan Gold Wrap/Shawl. We wanted a drape so exceedingly rich & lustrous, and yet so incredibly detailed with antique quality Chikankari, that it makes hearts stop.
POSHAAK (About the garmemt):
The stunning Shahi Paan silk shawl, is embroidered with extremely delicate and prized stitches of Conceptual Chikankari Art work.
The either side of the shawl width has the grand Shahi Paan motif, that we re created basis an archival image of a 18th Century Chikankari motif.
The body is made of an intricate trellis jaal, where hand cut work stitches like hathkati have been used extensively, to bring out the beauty of this drape.
The shawl features some rarest stitches done in 2 Taar Resham Chikankari - hathkati, shadow, murri, phanda, orma, pechni, and many more.
It is a visual treat for any connoisseur of fine Chikankari craft.
It is extremely difficult to work on full Zari Silk Chikankari pieces, because of many reasons:
The fabric 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
Words will fall short in the praise of this exquisite beauty of a drape!! Some of these motifs are centuries old, and some freshly carved looking at centuries old motifs. A rare piece of Art.
This shawl is a timeless heirloom that you would like to pass on generation after generation.
This Shawl will pair fabulously with Swarna Kurta
If you purchase it along with Swarna Kurta, then a pair of glazed cotton pants to match will also be complimentary.
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 shawl.
Avoid moisture seeping into such pieces. Always store them in a dry place and in the Meiraas bag we deliver them in. Keep opening Silk Fabrics in every 6 months and changing its folds.
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.
We have 1 Kurta ready to ship. Please select your size from the given chart, and mention the same in Customer Note during checkout.Â
Beautiful Grey coloured Chikankari Kurta with a finely embroidered neckline, sleeve detailing & a statement antique boota. A Kurta to wear at any time or occasion.
The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
Old, classic motifs:Â The Kurta uses old classic motifs of Chikankari, away from the commercial market mores.
Sustainable fabric base - Handloom Linen Cotton
Bespoke stitching.
KHAYAL (moodboard): Surmai or Kohl like Grey is the inspiration behind this kurta. We wanted a less explored shade like Grey to represent overcast skies.
POSHAAK (about the dress): Surmai kurta is made in Classic Minimalist moodboard & has a fine neckline with rare Chikankari stitches. The neckline has a rare work of Kauri stitch embroidery with qasab taar Jaali stitch cut inside Kauri. This work is rarely seen.
The sleeves has a ghaspatti embroidery detailing. The back has a statement antique motif of Awadh Matsya or Fish under the Nawab Crown, making this the minimalist elegant kurta not only perfect to wear at any occasion, whether semi formal or formal, but also a conversation starter.
This is a good wear for various formal or semi formal celebrations/events.
The kurta is made on Handloom Linen Cotton.
For more queries, please mark a mail on namaste@meiraas.com ; we will be happy to guide you through the process.
We have 1 Kurta ready to ship. Please select your size from the given chart, and mention the same in Customer Note during checkout.Â
Brilliant Sky Blue coloured Chikankari Kurta with a finely embroidered neckline, sleeve detailing & a statement boota with floral boota. A Kurta to wear at any time or occasion.
The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
Old, classic motifs:Â The Kurta uses old classic motifs of Chikankari, away from the commercial market mores.
Sustainable fabric base - Handloom Linen
Bespoke stitching.
KHAYAL (moodboard): 'Neelam se Nabh' or Sky with is blue like Sapphire, this is the mood board behind this kurta. The hue of Sky Blue is a calming, uplifting, joyous, and a must have in the wardrobe.
POSHAAK (about the dress): Nabh kurta is made in Classic Minimalist moodboard & has a fine neckline with rare Chikankari stitches. This Kurta has a lovely neckline made in shadow, kauri, murri, keel, kangan stitches.
The sleeves has a phanda embroidery detailing. The back has a statement double motif of an antique floral form that is detailed with stitches like ghaspatti, bakhiya, phanda and orma, making this the minimalist elegant kurta that is perfect to wear at any occasion, whether semi formal or formal. This is a good wear for various formal or semi formal celebrations/events.
The kurta is made on Handloom Pure Linen.
For more queries, please mark a mail on namaste@meiraas.com ; we will be happy to guide you through the process.