The Indian kurta is one of the most versatile and elegant ethnic wear garments for both men and women. Over the years, kurtas have evolved from simple straight cut designs to a variety of silhouettes, fabrics, embroidery styles and embellishments. One such graceful kurta design that has gained immense popularity is the Chikankari kurta. Chikankari embroidery done on pastel colored kurtas exude a beauty like no other. And a light blue Chikankari kurta is sure to make heads turn wherever you go.
All About Chikankari
Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style that originated in Lucknow, India. The word 'Chikankari' literally means embroidery done on cloth. This delicate and intricate embroidery work is done mostly on fabrics like cotton, muslin, silk, chiffon etc.
There are mainly two types of stitches used in Chikankari - teardrop-shaped bangdi and straight stitches called bakhiya. Fine untwisted white thread is used to create beautiful and intricate designs on the fabric. Common motifs used are flowers, leaves, ferns, buds, animals and birds.
The embroidery is done on the cut pieces of the garment before stitching them together. The fineness and evenness of the embroidered motifs on both sides of the fabric are a hallmark of skilled Chikankari work. This artwork is labor intensive and requires great skill and patience.
Originally, natural dyes were used to color the Chikankari threads. Today, a wide range of synthetic colors are used to create colorful Chikankaris. However, white on white embroidery continues to be the most popular.
Elegance of Light Blue Chikankari Kurta
While Chikankari kurtas are made in a myriad of colors, the light blue colored Chikankari has a charm of its own. The soft pastel blue fabric with intricate white thread embroidery looks fresh and elegant.
A crisp cotton or muslin fabric is commonly used for the light blue kurta. While the base fabric is dyed blue, the Chikankari is done in white thread. This creates a beautiful contrast and makes the threadwork stand out prominently.
The serene light blue color has a soothing and calming effect to the eyes. It is neither too bright, nor too dull. The color is just right to make a style statement in an understated and graceful way.
Light blue is a versatile color that suits all skin tones. It brings out the natural glow of the skin. The cool undertones of light blue also make it ideal for Indian summers.
Choosing motifs like flowers, leaves and creepers for adorning a light blue Chikankari kurta adds a touch of femininity. Intricate jaal work on the neckline, borders and hemline of the kurta further enhances its beauty.
Style Tips for Light Blue Chikankari Kurta
- Opt for a straight fit Anarkali or A-line kurta in light blue Chikankari to flaunt the embroidery work. Avoid very flared or voluminous designs.
- Pay attention to the neckline, cuffs and hemline for beautiful Chikankari embroidery borders. Boat neck, round neck and V-necklines look graceful.
- Choose small earrings like studs or drops to complement the simple and elegant kurta. Avoid heavy jewelry.
- For bottom wear, go for plain white salwar, churidar or leggings. Palazzos also make a good choice. This balances the intricate embroidery work on the kurta.
- Wear minimal makeup with nude lips or pink gloss. Define eyes lightly with eyeliner and mascara. Avoid too much blush-on.
- For footwear, kolhapuris or mojaris in tan, white or blue look chic. You can also opt for matching or contrasting pumps.
Caring for Your Chikankari Kurta
Chikankari kurtas require gentle care to preserve the delicate embroidery and fabric. Here are some tips for caring for your light blue Chikankari kurta:
- Always handwash the kurta in cold water using a mild detergent or soap. Avoid machine washing or dry cleaning.
- Roll the kurta in a towel to soak excess water and then spread it on a flat surface to air dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight.
- To iron, turn the kurta inside out and use a medium-hot iron. Iron the embroidery very gently to avoid crushing the motifs.
- Use a soft brush to remove any dust from the embroidery. This prevents the threads from snagging.
- Store the kurta folded in a breathable fabric. You can also hang it to maintain the shape.
The Bottom Line
A light blue Chikankari Kurta makes for an ideal ethnic wear for women in India. The delicate embroidery coupled with the soothing blue color elevates a simple kurta into a glamorous outfit. Pay attention to the fitting, embroidery placement and styling to bring out the grace of this timeless garment. From brunch to weddings, a Chikankari light blue kurta can be your go-to outfit this season.
