Artisan Skill Enhancement: The artisan unit that has embroidered this Chikankri Saree had never worked on a saree before or done skilled stitch work. They had never even worked on any pure fabric & only did "shadow" "phanda" stitches for fast moving Chikan goods. Such nuanced work enhanced their skill and gives them better chance of earning more.
Slow Layout of Embroidery: The embroidery layout is in typical style of an Heirloom saree with more designs and even Shadow work. This breaks away from the allover simple Tepchi embroidery that is the norm of fast moving Chikan work.
Non Motorised Amber Charkha Spun Fabric yarn.
Handwoven high count Cotton Saree
Azo Free filtered dyeing
Khayal (moodboard): Rajnigandha collection is inspired by Everyday Effortless charm of saree draping from 1970s-80s, when the ladies of our homes used to drape sarees for everyday chores, & not just for occasions. There was a certain careless abandon in this style, that made the drapes very relatable and one with the wearer, which is an emotion missing now from saree draping. Since the collection finds its muse in 1970s middle cinema heroines, like Vidya Sinha, the names are kept reminiscent of the romance of those ages!! Badra (Monsoon Clouds) is a slice of life name, that is evocative of the simple yet soulful era!!
Poshaak (about the saree):
Beautiful & rare Peacock Motif along with a stunning floral shadow motif and Lotus creepers come together to celebrate this beautiful Chikankari saree. To create this one of a kind Tepchi with Shadow embroidery layout, we re-imagined this saree in the style of design layout that is usually reserved for pure georgette Chikankari sarees; only, we gave this a twist suited best for good quality Tepchi embroidery. Instead of an allover same embroidery pattern, that is normal with Tepchi, we broke the palla layout into interesting panels to include more nuanced motifs & even included a Shadow stitch motif. This makes the layout of the saree unique, and allows the artisans to enhance their skill in Tepchi embroidery. Please remember, that only constant practise and challenges makes crafts perfect.
We absolutely love Tepchi Chikankari. The delicate Tepchi is quite literally Summer embroidered on your saree.
However, off late the Tepchi we have started getting in markets is a travesty. You will be lucky to find a really good quality Tepchi for office or casual wear. We have worked very hard on this saree to create a fantastic Tepchi & some shadow work masterpiece, along with Handwoven fabric!! This is a true collector's delight.
The unconventional Indigo hue is stunning, all season fresh & outstanding , making it a perfect & must have Chikankari wear.
Creating a Chikankari saree on Handspun Handwoven Cotton weave was always our dream. We have been successful in finding the perfect sustainable drape for our delicately embroidered sarees.
This is a new design introduced this year. 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.
IMP: The model is 5ft 7.5 inches and is with 1.5 inches approx heels in the shoot.
Styling Tip: Wear with Rajnigandha Crop Top
This saree is 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):
- HANDSPUN, THIGH REELED, HANDWOVEN PURE TUSSAR SILK.
- WEAVE COMMISSIONED FOR MEIRAAS, THEREFORE FULL QUALITY CONTROL
- RESHAM CHIKANKARI (HAND EMBROIDERY PRACTISED SINCE ANCIENT AGE)
- MUKAISH EMBROIDERY (ANCIENT BEATEN METAL WIRE EMBROIDERY)
- HAND PICKED ANCIENT ARCHIVED MOTIFS/ NEW OWN CREATED MOTIFS.
KHAYAAL (moodboard):
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 & palettes that signify the opulence of Sri Lakshmi. After successfully venturing into Gold, Silver hues, and Pearl, Firoza, Precious stones like Tourmaline, Agate hues, we wanted to include Gemstone shades.
Even as we though about it, it was amply clear to us that this is only possible on Tussar Silk from Bhagalpur looms. Tussar Silk is one of the most perfect fabrics for antique quality Chikankari; it is appropriately supple, tenacious, luminous at the same time, & yet it's earthy texture provides a rich background for elegant stitches of Chikankari, and in gemstones colour we want.
Manikyam is Sanskrit word for Ruby. This beautiful deep Red saree is an Heirloom Piece for your wardrobe, that will create the wearer's own heritage till they wear it, that they can hand down to generations that will love to showcase it in a private viewing perhaps!!
POSHAAK (about the saree):
Manikyam is our first set of Dhanlakshami Chikankari saree on Handspun and Handwoven Tussar Silk, a dream that we had been working on for past 2 years.
The pallu has very old archived motifs, re created recently in our unit. All major motifs seen here are especially commissioned by Meiraas, taking reference from archival motifs. The stitched used are of 3 broad quality: Embossing, Surface Texture and Hand CutWork.
The palla has our boota, coupled artistically with another archival motif in a beautiful design symmetry.
The stars of Mukaish anoint this saree strategically. If the palla is viewed from the top, it gives the impression of a rich engraving on an ancient monument.
The luscious Ruby Red saree (an auspicious colour for all weddings and festivals), is finished with complimenting rust orange tussar silk selvedge.
Please Note: Shades like Green & Red appear different in different lights (indoor/outdoor), this is the nature of such colours and out of anyone's control. Please keep this factor in mind before ordering.
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.
Brilliant shades of Haldi Kumkum, i.e., Turmeric Yellow & Vermillion Red play on this stunning Cotton Saree!!
Absolutely Feather Light Bengal Handloom Cotton Saree with Vermillion Red Temple Border weaving. A perfect saree for gifting, lunch with friends, office & casual gatherings, working, Zoom sessions, or simply sipping tea & reading a book!!
It is an extremely comfortable saree to wear and lounge around!!
"When i had started wearing sarees, my first inhibition was that they are uncomfortable to drape, carry and not functional in day to day work. This myth was successfully busted by Bengal Handwoven Cottons. Fluid & dreamy and easy to drape, i started wearing them to my Corporate office (HBO). I was met with awed looks (after asking it the day was "special"). Gradually my office colleagues back then got used to seeing me in a saree, which was a refreshing change from the multitude of fast fashion mall tops & pants. The ladies in my office would tell me how much they admire the simple and impactful sarees that look romantic and comfortable, & how their sarees are only wedding trousseau sarees, all unwearable, and packed in their trunks. Bengal Cottons thus remains close to my heart. If any one has to start wearing sarees they must choose from Bengal first" - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Citrusy Lime & Lemony Cotton Saree!! Absolutely Feather Light Bengal Handloom Cotton Saree with Green Temple Border weaving. A perfect saree for gifting, lunch with friends, office & casual gatherings, working, Zoom sessions, or simply sipping tea & reading a book!!
It is an extremely comfortable saree to wear and lounge around!!
" What is the equivalent to the classic white button down shirt with context to Sarees? My answer will always be the Indigo Bagru Block Print Cotton Saree. The essential saree for all saree wardrobes. You just cannot go wrong with it. I wore mine to temples, office, lunch with extended family, in fact in June month i even dressed it up with heavy silver jewellery for my in laws' 50th anniversary in a temple to astounding compliments from all ladies sweating in heavy brocade silks. I breezed in and out with ease." - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Indigo Hand Block Print Bagru saree on softest Kota Doria with Zari border. A Must Have in every saree wardrobe. Perfect for office, perfect for casual lunch/brunch with girlfriends. The safest choice when confused which saree to wear is an Indigo Bagru Print saree.
Note: This is actual Indigo dye & not the chemical variety popularly available. This dye will bleed a little bit, which is normal. Simply wash in cold water with mild detergent & gentle hands.
"One of my favourite things to do when on vacation is to walk on rustly leaves that have fallen from the trees. Yellow & Orange leaves forming a soft carpet to lightly tread upon with silence all around, broken only by the mellow sighting of a singing thrush or gurgling of a water body. Kota Silk is dear to me as unlike Doria it rustles more due to Silk yarn. While the sarees are soft and light to drape, they feel distinctly different from Kota Doria. I have dressed my own Kota Silks with polki jewellery always. While i receive compliments on how easily i carry weaves that normally one does not wear to family gatherings, I smile thinking of my walk on the carpet of the freshly fallen foliage. As they carpet our walk, they also remind us that new life is germinating on the bare branches above" - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Shibori tie & dye Kota Silk saree with Zari Border details. Lightweight beautiful saree perfect for summer wear & office wear.
Note: All Meiraas products are made on Ethically sourced fabrics. This saree is made in AZO free dye that is environment sensitive.
"My trip to Gujarat was a road journey via our car. We were three people driving from Delhi to Kutch and back in 4 days flat!!! The topography that we saw on the way indescribably beautiful. Gujarat & especially Kutch still has that connect with the ancient India that seems lost everywhere else. This feeling was more propounded in Dholavira, the Harappan site. What i hold especially dear in my travel to Kutch is the art they do on the Bhungas (mud huts). While a bhunga art is traditionally done with mirrors, i like the tribal art that is native to the region. A Bhujodi saree captures that essence of Kutchi art beautifully. The Pink here is not a regular pink, but a pink with warmth & earthiness, much like Gujarat and its natives. When you wrap a Bujodi on you, you are being enveloped in the culture of Kutch" - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Handwoven 280 count very fine woven Bhujodi Cotton Saree from National Award Winner Kutch Artisans. This saree is extremely soft cotton and breathable.
This saree has a running blouse piece.
It is said very light colours do not work in Shibori!! Where is a pastel Dusty Lilac!! How is this working so well? To understand, read the Poshaak section below:
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
- 120 Count Linen x Line Handloom saree: The Linen is finest quality and Handwoven for Meiraas on order
- Linen weave commissioned for Meiraas, therefore full quality control
- Thrice filtered Azo Free Dye for best & most sustainable results.
POSHAAK (detailed process about the garment)
We will go into detail in explaining our Nui Shibori process. While there are many Nui Shibori sarees available everywhere, most lack the intensity & design aesthetics; possibly this is why, despite being a beautiful art that attracts many, Nui Shibori has also seen a clutter of unfinished or less finished products that render the buyer confused about the quality.
Our Nui Shibori designs are first designed on paper, and the traced on fabric. The fabric is given more folds while creating resist pattern to increase the intensity of the design. To create resist on so many folds, a thicker needle, than usual, is used to do embroidery on the traced pattern (embroidery is done via sewing machine). Please note that these 2 steps - more folds & thicker needle that penetrates the folds - are critical to create the intense design pattern of Nui Shibori.
If the needle does not penetrate all layers, then you cannot see the clear holes on the fabric that are the mark & beauty of Nui (Embroidery) Resist.
Post embroidery, the embroidery threads are meticulously pulled to create resist (since we use very premium fabrics, this process takes time as a careless pulling can damage the fabric).
The dye is filtered thrice; this step is another important step, as Shibori is about colour textures on resist tie & dye. The smoother the pigment, the more beautiful will be the end result.
After dying, the threads of resist are meticulously pulled out, another laborious process, as one wrong pull will render the whole saree damaged. The saree is then washed in salted water to fix the colour & dried.
Our Shibori sarees win hearts wherever they go. They are stunning and intense in their design palette. The colour used in this saree is Dusty Lilac, a lovely dusty English Lilac with tones of Pink colour!! It is due to our methodical steps that Nui Shibori pattern has come out so beautifully in this ethereal colour. A truly remarkable saree!!
Please note that the saree might appear Shell Pink in yellow light & Dusty Lilac in regular white light. It is the nature of colour & fabric both. In the images it is looking more Shell Pink, and indoors will look clear Dusty Lilac. Please factor this in when making the purchase. The colour is absolutely unique in any light.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 SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
- 120 Count Linen x Line Handloom saree: The Linen is finest quality and Handwoven for Meiraas on order
- Linen weave commissioned for Meiraas, therefore full quality control
- Thrice filtered Azo Free Dye for best & most sustainable results.
POSHAAK (detailed process about the garment)
We will go into detail in explaining our Nui Shibori process. While there are many Nui Shibori sarees available everywhere, most lack the intensity & design aesthetics; possibly this is why, despite being a beautiful art that attracts many, Nui Shibori has also seen a clutter of unfinished or less finished products that render the buyer confused about the quality.
Our Nui Shibori designs are first designed on paper, and the traced on fabric. The fabric is given more folds while creating resist pattern to increase the intensity of the design. To create resist on so many folds, a thicker needle, than usual, is used to do embroidery on the traced pattern (embroidery is done via sewing machine). Please note that these 2 steps - more folds & thicker needle that penetrates the folds - are critical to create the intense design pattern of Nui Shibori.
If the needle does not penetrate all layers, then you cannot see the clear holes on the fabric that are the mark & beauty of Nui (Embroidery) Resist.
Post embroidery, the embroidery threads are meticulously pulled to create resist (since we use very premium fabrics, this process takes time as a careless pulling can damage the fabric).
The dye is filtered thrice; this step is another important step, as Shibori is about colour textures on resist tie & dye. The smoother the pigment, the more beautiful will be the end result.
After dying, the threads of resist are meticulously pulled out, another laborious process, as one wrong pull will render the whole saree damaged. The saree is then washed in salted water to fix the colour & dried.
Our Shibori sarees win hearts wherever they go. They are stunning and intense in their design palette. The colour used in this saree is Indigo pigment mixed with Purple pigment which makes the saree give a mix of both colours in different lights!! A truly remarkable saree.
Please Note that Linen is a thermostatic fabric & absorbs & reflects back colour according to its nature. In white light the colour will carry deep Indigo Hue, & in Yellow light, its Purples will come out. This is the nature of both the colour & fabric and its beauty. Please factor this in when making the purchase.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 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 saree is 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 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):
Shwet saree has the stunning Mayur motif running on the palla; this motif in itself was one of the first 250 year old motif we had introduced. 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.
" This saree was love at first sight for me! Two sweet Rajkot Patola weavers met me sometime back and opened their treasure box full of most supple soft silk sarees. That was my first introduction to Patola weave. Later I found that Patola sarees are woven in two towns in Gujarat - Rajkot & Patan. The Patan Patola is hands down the most premium version with its double Ikat starting in lakhs. The Rajkot Patola is its cousin, that though not as regal as its rich counterpart, is still one of most supple and graceful weaves. This is a Single Ikat Rajkot Patola with lovely highlights of Gold and Burnt Orange on glistening black pure silk body. The saree is incredibly soft and its pleats form & fall like a poem. It is perfect to drape on festive, wedding or puja occasions" - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
The saree is Black with Gold chakra Ikat weaving and gorgeous border of Gold and Burnt Orange Ikat pattern. The saree is a must have!
"Panchtantra was a collection of Chanderi sarees I conceptualised & designed in 2018, & executed somewhere in 2019. I wanted to introduce the iconography of the tales of Panchtantra I had grown up reading & whose learning I always imbibed in me. Sutradhaar was a saree added to the Panchtantra collection, and depicts a Golden Tree of Wisdom with small birds that often in Panchtantra tales, act as story narrators of Sutradhaar. " - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Gorgeous White (natural Chanderi colour) Handwoven Chanderi saree with Pure Zari Gold motifs of Tree and further meenakari motifs of colourful birds perched in the tree running all through the saree!! A truly spectacular saree!!
"Panchtantra was a collection of Chanderi sarees I conceptualised & designed in 2018, & executed somewhere in 2019. I wanted to introduce the iconography of the tales of Panchtantra I had grown up reading & whose learning I always imbibed in me. Sutradhaar was a saree added to the Panchtantra collection, and depicts a Golden Tree of Wisdom with small birds that often in Panchtantra tales, act as story narrators of Sutradhaar. " - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Gorgeous Black Handwoven Chanderi saree with Pure Zari Gold motifs of Tree and further meenakari motifs of colourful birds perched in the tree running all through the saree!! A truly spectacular saree!!
"Panchtantra was a collection of Chanderi sarees I conceptualised & designed in 2018, & executed somewhere in 2019. I wanted to introduce the iconography of the tales of Panchtantra I had grown up reading & whose learning I always imbibed in me. The Kachua Khargosh (The Hare & The Tortoise) story is relevant even today & especially poignant for Sustainable Ventures. Even today, so many start ups want to take the leap of the Hare, & yet the Sustainable businesses should always be slow & steady like the Tortoise " - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
Aqua Blue saree depicting Rabbit & Tortoise motifs. The saree has allover motifs of Rabbit & Tortoise, with an especially crafted Palla. The saree is Handwoven & has EXCLUSIVE (first time done) motifs of Rabbit & Tortoise. Motifs are developed by Meiraas from art work to weaving stage.
"Panchtantra was a collection of Chanderi sarees I conceptualised & designed in 2018, & executed somewhere in 2019. I wanted to introduce the iconography of the tales of Panchtantra I had grown up reading & whose learning I always imbibed in me. For Kaaga Kaaga (Crow & the Pitcher), i used the circular design style of Ancient Japanese art form, that I find a very impressive and an impactful design philosophy of conveying the whole story in a circle." - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
A bright Yellow Handloom Chanderi saree with shock of Purple motifs of Crow & the Pitcher story all over the Pallu only; which is a long 2 metre palla. The saree has Pure Zari borders and detailing & has EXCLUSIVE (first time done) motifs of Crow & Pitcher. Motifs are developed by Meiraas from art work to weaving stage.
Pastel powder grey Handloom Linen saree with Pastel Lemon Yellow colour Chikankari embroidery of Meiraas Exclusive motif - Amer. The fabulous part about colour on colour Chikankari is that the embroidered colour lends its own character to the base colour. Please read more details about the saree below.
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 Amer
The Rajasthani Floral art of Amer motif has mesmerised us, since we first laid eyes on it, during our travel in 2010. It is simple, yet an attractive motif of a flower vase encased inside an aala. The original motif is made using molten glass as paint. We always wanted to showcase this motif in both Chikankari as well as Mukaish.
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):
Amer has Meiraas Exclusive motif of a flower vase encased inside an aala, as seen in Amer Fort. The saree has this grand and exclusive motif on the Palla. The motif showcases masterclass Jaali (hand cutwork) embroidery of 2 kinds - Katori (squares like jaali) and Siddhaul (regular Jaali), both made in Kasab Gold Taar, making the process more skilled and time consuming. The vase has an outline of another cutwork - Double Hathkati.
It is a rare example of masterclass Chikankari. Rest of the palla has small floral motif in shadow embroidery. The same motif is scattered far apart in the body of the saree saree till the end.
The colour scheme is soft pastel on pastel play of - pastel grey & light lime. One of a kind!
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.
Imp: Some threads of the fabric shift at times due to round frame of Chikankari embroidery & nature of fabric. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
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.
Artisan Skill Enhancement: The artisan unit that has embroidered this Chikankri Saree had never worked on a saree before or done skilled stitch work. They had never even worked on any pure fabric & only did "shadow" "phanda" stitches for fast moving Chikan goods. Such nuanced work enhanced their skill and gives them better chance of earning more.
Slow Layout of Embroidery: The embroidery layout is in typical style of an Heirloom saree with more designs and even Shadow work. This breaks away from the allover simple Tepchi embroidery that is the norm of fast moving Chikan work.
Non Motorised Amber Charkha Spun Fabric yarn.
Handwoven high count Cotton Saree
Azo Free filtered dyeing
Khayal (moodboard): Rajnigandha collection is inspired by Everyday Effortless charm of saree draping from 1970s-80s, when the ladies of our homes used to drape sarees for everyday chores, & not just for occasions. There was a certain careless abandon in this style, that made the drapes very relatable and one with the wearer, which is an emotion missing now from saree draping. Since the collection finds its muse in 1970s middle cinema heroines, like Vidya Sinha, the names are kept reminiscent of the romance of those ages!! Purwaai (Cool Easterly Breeze) is a slice of life name, that is evocative of the simple yet soulful era!!
Poshaak (about the saree):
Beautiful & rare Peacock Motif along with a stunning floral shadow motif and Lotus creepers come together to celebrate this beautiful Chikankari saree. To create this one of a kind Tepchi with Shadow embroidery layout, we re-imagined this saree in the style of design layout that is usually reserved for pure georgette Chikankari sarees; only, we gave this a twist suited best for good quality Tepchi embroidery. Instead of an allover same embroidery pattern, that is normal with Tepchi, we broke the palla layout into interesting panels to include more nuanced motifs & even included a Shadow stitch motif. This makes the layout of the saree unique, and allows the artisans to enhance their skill in Tepchi embroidery. Please remember, that only constant practise and challenges makes crafts perfect.
We absolutely love Tepchi Chikankari. The delicate Tepchi is quite literally Summer embroidered on your saree.
However, off late the Tepchi we have started getting in markets is a travesty. You will be lucky to find a really good quality Tepchi for office or casual wear. We have worked very hard on this saree to create a fantastic Tepchi & some shadow work masterpiece, along with Handwoven fabric!! This is a true collector's delight.
The Vibrant Lime Green hue is uplifting & outstanding , making it a perfect & must have Chikankari wear.
Creating a Chikankari saree on Handspun Handwoven Cotton weave was always our dream. We have been successful in finding the perfect sustainable drape for our delicately embroidered sarees.
This is a new design introduced this year. 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.
IMP: The model is 5ft 7.5 inches and is with 1.5 inches approx heels in the shoot.
Styling Tip: Wear with Rajnigandha Crop Top