Chikankari kurtis are a classic Indian ethnic wear staple loved by women across the country. The delicate white on white embroidery style originating from Lucknow has an ethereal charm to it. While white chikankari kurtis make for effortlessly elegant everyday and festive wear, black chikankari kurtis add a modern twist to this traditional embroidery.
An Introduction to Chikankari
Chikankari is a delicate embroidery style that originated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It involves embroidering white thread on fine white fabric like muslin or cotton. It is one of the most famous embroidery styles in India and an integral part of Lucknow's heritage and culture.
Some key features of chikankari embroidery:
- Floral, leafy and geometric motifs
- Delicate and intricate hand embroidery using white thread
- Traditionally done on white or off-white fabric
- Popular motifs include flowers like jasmine, roses, fruits like mangoes, leaves, jaalis, etc.
While traditional chikankari is white on white, modern variations involve the use of color. Black chikankari has become one of the most popular modern renditions of this traditional embroidery.
Why Choose Black Chikankari Kurtis?
Black chikankari kurtis offer a fresh take on traditional chikankari. Here are some reasons why black chikankari kurtis make a great addition to your ethnic wardrobes:
- Elegant and Stylish
The beautiful white embroidery pops against the black background, creating an eye-catching contrast. Black chikankari kurtis have an elegant and modern look perfect for stylish women.
- Versatile
Black chikankari kurtis can be dressed up for evening functions or worn casually for daytime outings. They work well for women of all ages.
- Great for Workwear
For working women, black chikankari kurtis make for comfortable yet stylish workwear when paired with pants or even jeans. The black base means you don't have to worry about visible sweat stains!
- Festive and Wedding Wear
Black chikankari kurtis make for gorgeous Indian festive and wedding wear. Pair them with statement jewelry and heels for a glamorous celebratory look.
- All Season Wear
Black kurtis are perfect for both summer and winter. The black fabric does not show sweat like white. Layer them with a contrasting dupatta or jacket for winter.
- Flattering for Most Body Types
Black is a universally flattering color. Combined with the figure skimming silhouette of kurtis, black chikankari kurtis look graceful on most body types.
Types of Black Chikankari Kurtis
Black chikankari kurtis are available in diverse styles, fabrics and silhouettes. Here are some of the most popular types to choose from:
- Anarkali Kurtis
The Anarkali style kurti features a flowy, flared silhouette with intricate chikankari covering the yoke and sleeves. Opt for cotton, georgette or chanderi silk Anarkalis.
- Straight Cut Kurtis
Straight cut short, knee-length or calf-length black kurtis paired with churidars or leggings make for smart casual options. Cotton and khadi straight kurtis are ideal for daily wear.
- A-Line Kurtis
A-line kurtis have a flattering fit that gently flares out towards the hem. Short A-line kurtis can be worn over jeans. Longer ones work well with churidars.
- Angarkha Kurtis
Angarkha kurtis feature an overlapping front like a tunic. Pair these regal black chikankari angarkhas with palazzos or harem pants.
- Floor-length Ankle Length Kurtis
For a grand ethnic look, opt for black chikankari kurtis in floor-skimming ankle-length styles. Flowy fabrics like georgette and chiffon help the kurti gracefully drape around your frame.
Style Tips for Black Chikankari Kurtis
- For daywear, pair short black kurtis with jeans, leggings or harem pants
- Style ankle length kurtis with slim fit churidars or leggings for an elegant look
- Layer a pretty contrasting dupatta with bold borders along with your kurti
- Add some bling with a embroidered or sequenced dupatta
- Short kurtis look chic tucked into cigarette pants or palazzos
- Complete the look with kolhapuri wedges, mojaris or juttis
- Statement earrings, chandbalis and jhumkis add ethnic flair
- For festive occasions, wear your kurti with a lehenga skirt and embroidered dupatta
- Create a unique look by teaming your kurti with a contrasting jacket
Conclusion
Black chikankari kurtis are the modern woman's answer to wearing ethnic fashion in a contemporary stylish way. The versatile black kurtis offer both everyday functionality along with festive glamour. For ethnic ensembles that are an ode to tradition yet have a uniquely modern sensibility, invest in these black beauties.
