A SHOWCASE OF CHIKANKARI BY ADA
After our successful showcase in South Africa, Dubai, and Delhi, we are back in Mumbai to give our patrons a glimpse of our exclusive chikankari creations. Ada is the proud custodian of chikankari, an illustrious legacy passed down from centuries ago and we are proud to be showcasing our latest collection of authentic lucknow handcrafted chikankari embroidered Sarees, Suits, kurtis, tops, lehengas, lowers and duppattas at Abitare Art Gallery, Juhu from 25th to 27th May, 2019. Chikankari is an ancient embroidery art that continues to evolve into new forms, with new fabrics and styles. Derived from the Persian word Chakeen or Chakin, which means delicate patterns on fabric, Chikankari as an art form finds mention in history as early as the 3rd Century BC. The roots of Chikankari in India has been historically linked to Lucknow city and legend has it that it was passed on by a traveller who taught it to a peasant as gratitude for the hospitality he received so that he would never have to go hungry in life. Chikankari has always been a very rare and specialised art form. Pairs of artisans usually handle different stitches and embroidery among themselves. Once one side is complete, it is passed from one group to the other. So it is a time consuming process and the reason why it is so coveted. But today, with the emergence of technology, machine made varieties are also available in the market. Ada, the leading name in Lucknow chikankari continues to uphold the ancient traditions with its exquisite handmade creations. Ada has brought together the finest artisans who were otherwise getting drawn to other professions, to craft breathtaking chikankari designs on finest fabrics, which draw appreciation from the cognoscente worldwide. Ada’s chikankari designs bear the hallmark of authenticity. Intricate in their design, each masterpiece is created by master craftsmen who have acquired the skills from their forefathers. Initially, embroidery was done with white thread on white fabric on muslin or mulmul, but today as chikankari artisans have spread out all across India, new influences and fabrics are used. Lucknow continues to be the nerve centre of chikankari and Ada the custodian of this precious art form. The various stitches available at Ada are Tepchi, which is a long running or darning stitch work that uses six strands on the right side of the fabric which is taken over four threads after picking up one; Bakhiya shadow work, which gets its name from the embroidery done on the wrong side; Hool, a fine detached eyelet stitch, Zanzeera, Jali, Pechani etc. At Ada, the art form now finds expression in various apparel for men and women alike: Lucknow chikan sarees, kurtis, chikan jackets, chikan unstitched kurtas, lowers etc. It has also diversified to now also offer home furnishings and bags etc. Ada’s client list reads like a veritable whos who from the world of glamour, arts and fashion and includes Jhanvi Kapoor, Pooja Bhatt, Monica Kohli, Raj Babbar, Md. Azharuddin, kanika Kapoor etc.
