Once in a while there comes those days where I like touching base with my Indian roots. It has been ages since I last decked up in Indian wear, although I have a gusto for saving countless number of desi outfits as I scroll through my Instagram feed. To bypass the recurring glares by the locals when they see you in a riot of colorful traditional Indian clothes, Into-Western, or fusion as they call it, is the way to go.
As much as I love our glamorous, extra AF Indian fashion, it just isn’t practical for day-to-day. But what is practical is incorporating certain elements of it to my daily looks. Over the years, a trend that I have seen major mass market brands as well as local Japanese brands become receptive to is the cutwork embroidery / chikankari trend. There is an outpour of the cotton basics with chikankari work on them especially when summer is around the corner.
I have grown up seeing this trend on numerous summer trips to India and from my mother who is still equally fond of it as she was before. I recently came across this white cutwork tunic with a scalloped neckline that instantly caught my eye. The lightweight, airy and breathable cotton material makes it a summer essential in my wardrobe for the year. I’m a sucker for embroidered tops, especially in white. Mass market brands as well as high street retailers have heavily churned out chikankari work, making it not only globally accessible but also value for money.
Chikankari is referred to as the technique, a traditional embroidery style originated from Lucknow, India. What began as a type of white-on-white embroidery style, has be evolved and reinterpreted in all colors now. Similar to chikan work is cutwork which was first conceived in Italy during the Renaissance period. Cutwork is a needlework technique where portions of the textile are cutaway, thus resulting to “holes” but then filled with embroidery or needle lace.
A simple white tunic like this can be easily dressed up for a more put together look or dressed down with denims for a casual, laid back style. Either way, I’m sure I’ll be experimenting further with both the styles this summer and simultaneously growing my fusion pieces in my wardrobe.
Happy Sunday!
These dresses are really good for summer here. Simple and pretty. You look great in it..
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Thanks Monidipa!
You look beautiful in that dress and I really love the embroidery style. Sadly the fashion industry does a lot of different things nowadays, but I don’t see a real strong movement in any fashion style right now…
You look beautiful in that dress and I really love the embroidery style. Sadly the fashion industry does a lot of different things nowadays, but I don’t see a real strong movement in any fashion style right now…
Author
I agree. It’s going through quite a silent phase at the moment. Hopefully with New York Fashion Week starting in a week we see new style movements emerging.
You look gorgeous in this dress.. I don’t think I could ever pull it off – so I will leave it to you! 🙂
Author
That’s very sweet of you but trust me this dress is very versatile for all! 🙂
Chikankari is lovely. I never knew the name of this pattern until I read your post, and I didn’t know it originated in India.
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I am glad you took away something new with my post. Thanks, Nancie.
I love this white dress. It is very feminine and modest!
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Thanks Kristy!
This dress is gorgeous!! It is so hard for me to find a white summery dress that fits. Maybe you should get into imports lol
Author
Haha thank you! I have faced a similar problem before but this one just happened to fit me perfectly.
Such a gorgeous piece for summer! It looks light and airy and super stylish!
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Thank you Danielle! 🙂
My wife really likes the dress. This is right up her alley. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Scott!
In summers just give me a white chikankari top/kurta and I love to team it up in endless styles. I loved your post. It’s so me. PS: you look stunning ❤️
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Aww, thank you! 🙂
Such a refreshing summer fusion this is! I love whites. They are the go-to colour this summer 🙂 . Cheers!!
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Thank you Aditi! I’m a sucker for white pieces too.
I was looking around for the same type of dress for a long time now, This dress looks regal.
I like that it can be dressed up or down. It’s nice and cool looking for warm weather too.
That dress looks really beautiful and looks so pretty in you and looks really comfortable to wear.
I like that dress it so beautiful and looks so good on you. I love the designs and it look so comfortable to wear.
Eyelet is one of my favorite fabric types! It is so light and crisp, yet refined. This is a lovely dress, and has a such a classy style, while still being light and summery.
You look great. The white summer dress is gorgeous and looks amazing on you. I adore the way you styled it also.
That’s really a nice OOTD there! I have a soft spot for traditional outfit too! White dress is very classy on you.. 🙂
I love this dress! It giving me boho vibes. 🙂
I love the style and color of this dress it so beautiful and look so comfortable to wear.
You look gorgeous in this outfit. Loving the beautiful flowers too.