Chikankari Studio
Every piece of clothing that evolves out of our Chikankari studio finds its source and inspiration in Bibi-Jaan, the family matriarch who continues to be a force of nature. Bibi (women of distinction) and Jaan (love of life), is a tribute to generations of artisan women who’ve nurtured this ancient craft for decades.
For Bibi-Jaan, it’s not the art of creating that wakes her up every morning, but the gathering of fellow women in her courtyard, armed with needles and raw threads, which fuels her passion and purpose, and a fierce commitment to ensure this dying art finds a way to flourish. Handmade isn’t simply a box that is checked off for the connoisseurs of these works of art, it is a way of life for furious, artistic hands with a resolve to find independence as women - to have a voice, a respectable livelihood and deserved acceptance in society for their contribution.
Every piece of clothing that graces your wardrobe comes with a certain pride and self-confidence that makes technology wait at the doorstep of the worn stones of their courtyard. The songs of Bollywood will continue to play on transistor radios, while the joyous gaggle of laughter of artisan women gets fused into every thread and every stitch of these masterpieces that are worthy to be labeled a Bibi-Jaan.
Lucknow is a beautiful ancient city with a rich pedigree of architecture, culture, and a deep love for good living. So, it isn’t surprising Chikankari had its roots of fine taste and artistry emerge from this city. This 400-year-old art form has many stories, legends and myths of its origins. History adds a more royal dimension - Queen Noor Jahan, the wife of the celebrated Mughal emperor Jehangir, introduced this Persian art in India in the 17th century. Their collective love for art, fostered and nurtured this distinct creation of embroidery on gossamer cotton, and encouraged artisans to pass it down to their generations. This art industry has been a victim of modernization and has dwindled with time, as families of craftsman have moved on to more lucrative forms of trade. Only a handful of artisans, mostly women, have taken on the uphill task of reviving this disappearing tradition.
Bibi-Jaan is on a mission to restore this ancient art and raise the women-folk to higher standards of living and respectability. When you wear an original Bibi-Jaan, know this: it empowers both the women who wear it and the women who create them to find dignity and purpose in this magical land.
We are all about celebrating our roots and culture. We are socially responsible, honest, original and authentic. We take pride in keeping our tradition/history alive and make it relevant by creating it in formats that fit any theme, place, date - from kacha dhaga Chikankari to Zardozi, our brand celebrates all of them in their truest form.
As a company, we believe in bringing back the tradition of ‘bespoke hand-embroidered clothing. We want to re-introduce our clients to the joy of creating a garment that is exclusive to them – in the finest of traditions and like family jewels, worthy of being handed down to the next generation.