1 week ago
Amit Aggarwal Reimagines Traditional Chikankari Through Contemporary Couture
Chikankari is a delicate type of embroidery that began in Lucknow, India.
It is known for detailed patterns, open spaces and careful handwork.
Amit Aggarwal wanted to give this old craft a new look.
He started with a Chikankari saree that was made about 20 years ago.
The new designs use materials such as rubber cord, recycled glass and handmade beads.
They also use lace and ideas inspired by nature and mathematical shapes.
The first design from this exploration was made for Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The collection shows how traditional craft can change while keeping its original spirit.
Amit Aggarwal’s EMERIS | COUTURE ’26 collection reinterprets Chikankari for a contemporary setting.
The design process began with a two-decade-old Chikankari saree made on chiffon with a single silk thread.
Traditional jaal patterns were transformed using rubber cord, recycled glass, hand-formed beads and lacework.
Biomimicry and parametric thinking were used to express Chikankari’s geometry through light, texture and form.
The collection’s first expression was created for Priyanka Chopra Jonas before becoming part of EMERIS.
- Who
- Fashion designer Amit Aggarwal and the artisans who create Chikankari; the first expression was made for Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
- What
- A reinterpretation of Chikankari embroidery for Amit Aggarwal’s EMERIS | COUTURE ’26 collection.
- Where
- Chikankari originated in Lucknow; no specific presentation location is given.
- When
- For the EMERIS | COUTURE ’26 collection; the source does not specify a presentation date.
- Why
- To carry Chikankari’s inherited knowledge into a new material and visual language without losing its essence.
Key facts
- Collection
- EMERIS | COUTURE ’26
- Designer
- Amit Aggarwal
- Craft
- Chikankari, a hand-embroidered tradition rooted in Lucknow
- Starting point
- A two-decade-old Chikankari saree embroidered on delicate chiffon
- Original technique
- The saree was embroidered by artisans using a single silk thread
- New materials
- Rubber cord, recycled glass, hand-formed beads and lacework
- First expression
- Created for Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Sources
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