THE STORY
Chikankari - delicate, intricate and storied, has traditionally been made by women artisans who have also traditionally been at the short end of the stick. Recognizing the need to keep this beautiful craft alive and helping them achieve their full potential in life through their skills, Sangraha and Qilasaaz are helping these women artisans by educating them on design and entrepreneurship. And that is why, these two collections by Sangraha and Qilasaz are not only exquisite in design and treatment, but are also a symbol of resilience and economic independence of the women artisans who have put their heart and souls into them.
Sangraha is an initiative by designer Jaspal Kalra to provide design education to Chikankari artisans based in Lucknow and help them create products and designs suited to the contemporary context.
Qilasaaz, a women's collective, run by Vijaya Khan, the Maharani of Mahmudabad, was started in 1992 and works with women artisans who were once associated with the 'Qila' of Mahmudabad.
Sangraha is an initiative by designer Jaspal Kalra to provide design education to Chikankari artisans based in Lucknow and help them create products and designs suited to the contemporary context.
Qilasaaz, a women's collective, run by Vijaya Khan, the Maharani of Mahmudabad, was started in 1992 and works with women artisans who were once associated with the 'Qila' of Mahmudabad.
