House of Chikankari
Chikankari is an embroidery style that started in Lucknow and has now spread to its surrounding districts, too. This traditional form is intricately handmade by local artisans. Chikan means embroidery thread or wire. The artful creation of a chikan work, on various fabrics, is called chikankari Learn more about chikankari here.
Though I’ve heard of chikankari and have a couple of kurtas with this style, I found that this website (HOC) is aiming to not only sell but also provide employment to many. The mother-daughter duo (founders) finally got their big break on Shark Tank India Season 2 and together they have done a great job by bringing the wonderful work of local Indian artisans forward. By starting this website they have managed to give employment to 5000+ women craftsmen.
They have a pretty good collection of India’s heritage of hand-embroidered clothing as well as accessories in beautiful colours. I also loved the gorgeous pearl potli they have in their inventory.
After I browsed through the various kurtas, palazzos and kaftans on the House of Chikankari website, I wanted the Gulnar Chikankari Modal Anarkali Set which was out of stock. Therefore, I then decided to try a new style for myself and got the Jafna Chikankari Mulmul Angrakha instead. The ordering process was quite simple and quick.
The item took around a week to arrive. It came in a soft cover with an additional palazzo and sunscreen lotion. Don’t we just love freebies?
I have worn this angrakha style for the first time and found it to be quite a loose fit. The white palazzos that came along with the product went well with my pink and blue angrakha. You can pair this with heels or ballerina shoes. I’m short, so heels work better for me.
There are a whole lot of other clothing options for women like co-ord sets, gowns, dresses, unstitched suit sets, etc. You can shop by categories, occasion, fabric or colour! They also have a few kurtas and bottomwear for men.
I wasn’t too impressed with the look and feel of the material. Maybe a darker or solid colour would have interested me more. I definitely want to get the anarkali set and check out the rich-looking material of that, too.
This website is great if you want to own a chikankari outfit. As mentioned, they have plenty of options and more. I suggest that you have a look at this website to see if anything interests you. You will be indirectly helping numerous artisans around the country. Also, currently, there is a RAKHI SALE going on with attractive discounts. So, are you tempted enough yet?
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
34 Comments
Chikankari is indeed beautiful. Thanks for sharing details of the website!
I found the post to be excellent, and I greatly appreciate the shared information.
Thanks, Sherin. And appreciate you stopping by!
House of Chikankari is one of my favourite brands. Love how soft their materials are.
Chikankari styles have always been a part of my wardrobe. Firstly because I loved it and secondly because my husband did his MBBS from Lucknow, which is the land of chikankari. I am really glad that Indian brands like leaning towards Indian embroidery and designs.
I love Chikkankari work but mostly the products are exorbitant and the artisans are paid less. Here they are empowering the artisans. This in itself is the USP. I mean isn’t awesome to embrace fashion while we support others. Such a satisfaction it is. I also loved the dress that you are wearing.
I love chikankari designed kurtas but never ordered from them, will check them out!
Chikankari work is very lovely but need to know how to take care of such clothes so that the fine details don’t get spoilt. One of the skillful work of the workers. Seen the collection in House of Chikankari and it is amazing.
Chikankari work is something that is eternal suits everyone from any age group and looks graceful as well. I love to explore options that have chikankari work I like your outfit with the duo color, will surely check out this brand – Hourse of Chikankari.
I am not fond of Chikankari kurtas but I love those people who carry it well. Gonna share the website with my friends. At the same time, It is special because of its embroidery work and worth buying it. Great blogpost for all the online shoppers.
Hey Radhika. Thanks, do share it across with people who enjoy wearing chikankari.
Indian costumes with traditional work always get people’s attention the way every part of the online purchase looked so different but great to read Cindy.
I heard about house of chickankari. I love chickenkari. In fact I still have 2, 3 kurta. I checked out the website too. Thank you for sharing this post Cindy. I wanted to have Anarkali . They have so many options. Lovely . They are preserving our art.
Will you believe it if I tell you that I was browsing this site for long and was waiting that someone should post a review so that I can try. I have had some bad experiences before with other similar sites. So, when I saw your post, I was sooooo happy. And the frrebies are so thoughtful.
I’m glad to be of help, Janaki. Do let me know if you love their products too in case you buy them.
I love that ruby one too. Loved the way you styled the other one too. I grew up wearing a lot of chikankari. I checked out HOC and they do have quite a collection. Maybe I can pick something for Diwali.
Awesome, Ritu, do let me know your review once you buy.
Yes I have seen that episode of this. Very inspiring story of mother-daughter. I so wanted to have one chikankari set. I would sure will have a look at their site . thanks for the review
My husband used to go for his courses in Lucknow and I had a collection of Chikankari sarees. They are timeless. I will check out the website. Thank you for sharing about it.
Oh Cindy I too had a great experience shopping with House of Chikankari. I picked a blue kurti with chikankari work and it was so fabulous. The fabric is too good, soft and comfortable. Just you said the packaging was fantastic and i read the details it was made of recycled material and I loved it. Apart from the packaging quality the freebie that i received was a medium sized chikankari cloth bag and its so beautiful. Indeed the store is having a wonderful range of products and too in various price range making it feasible for buyers of different budget to get something or the other for their wardrobe collection.
I love the work, I agree darker color would be better.
Embroidery works reflect the cultural diversity and artisanal skills of our country. They worked so hard and kept the craft alive for generations. I truly hope they get their due respect.
I love chikankari work. At one time, I used to have 8-10 such outfits. I browsed through the site of House of Chikankari. And I loved their stuff, so many new designs and colours. It’s definitely worth checking out.
I love chikankari but authentic and good ones are quite expensive. Thank you for this info Cindy… I didn’t know there is a whole site for it. Will surely check it out. And btw, I feel chikan kari kurtas look best when worn loose fitting but yours is not a kurta but some other variant right?
Angrakha. It’s mentioned in the blog.
I’m not Indian and am not familiar with kurtas. I’m not a fan of embroidery as well but totally respect the hard work and efforts of everyone who make them. Thinking back on those embroidery projects when I was still in school and all I need to make is a tiny flower, I know how hard to make them is. So hats off to make them.
Yup, Jeannine, can understand but yeah truly a lot of effort is put in.
You look fantastic in that new chikan suit and styling with belt! I’m from Lucknow, and every time I go back, there are always new designs to pick from. It’s nice to know you can find good Chikankari suits online. If you get a chance, try Chikankari Sahara. They so in these days.
Just googled this but it’s showing only sharara… is that what you meant? They look nice.
That’s a lovely tribute to Chikankari, Cindy. I have been to the weaving colony and it was an unforgettable experience, Watching them craft piece after beautiful piece. I even wrote a blog about it. I picked up a couple of extraordinary kurtas for my daughter and I am still wearing them although bought them in 2018,
Thanks, Harjeet, would love to check it out someday!
I have heard a lot about lucknowi materials. Always wanted to own one. I will surely try House of Chikankari
I have been wearing Chikankari kurtas from since I was a child as I had an uncle who lived in Lucknow and he always got us these lovely chikankari kurtas from there. I drifted away as I was not getting the same quality at affordable prices. A good fit is important for me and you said yours wasn’t a good fit, but I would certainly like to check out the House of Chikankari, taking your advice and maybe land a freebie!
I’ve always been fascinated by chikankari embroidery, and it’s heartwarming to see how House of Chikankari is not only promoting this traditional art form but also empowering local artisans. I appreciate the honest feedback about the product’s material. It’s crucial for online shoppers to know about these details.