Indian ethnic fashion industry is on a boom these days. With new trends evolving every day, we’re witnessing an era of ethnic fashion revival. Bollywood since ages, has been influencing and inspiring Indian fashion. From red carpet events to festive wear, celebrities often set trends. One such timeless trend is the chikankari lehenga. An age old embroidery, chikankari holds a special place in Indian ethnic fashion industry. It’s a one-of-a-kind stunner which works its magic on sarees, lehengas, suits and dresses alike yet it gets a little bold and glamorus with lehengas. Dreamy, glorious and stunningly stylish Chikankari lehengas are a celeb favourite. Let’s explore the most beautiful Bollywood chikankari lehenga looks that are both dreamy and fashionable.
What is Chikankari?
Chikankari is an intricate traditional embroidery style that hails from Lucknow. It involves beautiful and detailed hand embroidery using white thread on fabrics like cotton, georgette, silk, or chiffon. It’s basically a white on white embroidery but with time other colours too have been introduced. Chikankari work stunningly sits on the flared skirt, blouse and dupatta of the lehenga adding oomph and glamour to the outfit.The detailed patterns and motifs are mostly floral and nature-inspired. Traditionally white thread was used for Chikankari embroidery but nowadays, designers also use pastel shades to cater to modern and contemporary aesthetics.
Bollywood Divas Slaying Chikankari Lehengas
Chikankari embroidery looks subtle, graceful and extremely royal. Since it’s handmade, each design is unique, luxurious and a statement piece. Also, the embroidery adds depth to the outfit without feeling heavy. Bollywood has always shown love for Indian ethnic fashion, Chikankari being the most loved and frequently flaunted artwork. Take a look at the most stunning Bollywood style Chikankari work lehengas.
Deepika Padukone in White Chikankari Lehenga
Deepika Padukone wore a white lehenga with chikankari work at a fashion event, and she looked drop dead gorgeous. Simple yet royal she slayed her Chikankari look. The lehenga had floral hand embroidery, and the blouse was sleeveless with a deep neckline.
She paired it with a sheer dupatta and minimal jewelry. In contrast to bold bridal wear, this look was subtle and elegant. But she created a bold fashion statement proving that less can be more, especially when chikankari work is involved.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Pastel Pink Chikankari Lehenga
Janhvi Kapoor is known for her modern ethnic looks. She wore a pastel pink chikankari embroidered lehenga recently, and it was all over the internet. The lehenga was full of delicate white thread embroidery.
Her bralette blouse and the sheer dupatta added a fairy-tale vibe. Soft, subtle and dreamy, her look was perfect for day weddings. Uber stylish, she perfectly blended tradition and contemporary fashion.
Sara Ali Khan in a Stunning Pink Chikankari Lehenga
Often spotted in chikankari kurtas, Sara Ali Khan wowed everyone in a Stunning Manish Malhotra chikankari embroidery lehenga. She wore it for Eid Party. Sleeveless off strap blouse, a sheer dupatta and her stunning sparkling skirt channelled the Pataudi Princess vibes.
The best part? No jewellery and a simple ponytail, she let her outfit do the talking. Despite its simplicity, the look turned heads. Stunner as always, she pulled off her looks with grace.
Ananya Panday’s Chikankari Lehenga with a Modern Twist
Ananya Panday added her Gen-Z touch to the chikankari trend. She wore an ivory chikankari work lehenga with a crop top-style blouse. In order to make the look more fun, she added a belt to the dupatta.
The design was perfect for younger audiences. Her lehenga with detailed embroidery, mukaish work but modern cuts appealed to both classic and modern fashion lovers.
Kriti Sanon’s Elegant White Chikankari Lehenga
Kriti Sanon wore a full white chikankari lehenga for a friend’s wedding. Her lehenga was heavily embroidered still was quite light and flowy. The blouse had blouson sleeves and a plunging neckline.
She styled it with a bold necklace and subtle makeup. Keeping the focus on the lehenga. In contrast to shimmer outfits, this one stood out for its simplicity and beauty.
Alia Bhatt’s Bridal Chikankari Lehenga
Alia Bhatt redefined bridesmaid fashion with her yellow chikankari embroidered lehenga. She chose this outfit as a wedding guest. It had traditional chikankari embroidery but was styled in a modern silhouette.
The look was dreamy and very ‘Alia’. Also, the delicate work made it a perfect pick for wedding guests. Not just the guests this look also works for pre-wedding festivities.
How to Style a Chikankari Lehenga Like Bollywood Stars
1. Keep Jewelry Minimal:
Since chikankari is detailed, avoid heavy jewelry. Opt for silver or pearl accessories. They enhance the look without overdoing it.
2. Choose Pastel Shades:
Bollywood stars often choose soft hues like ivory, blush pink, peach, and lavender. These shades highlight the embroidery better.
3. Experiment with Blouse Styles:
Despite being traditional, a chikankari work lehenga can be styled with off-shoulder, sleeveless, or crop-style blouses.
4. Play with Dupatta Draping:
Try different drapes. A belt on the dupatta or a cape-style drape can add a modern twist.
5. Go Light on Makeup:
To get the full Bollywood effect, go for nude makeup and soft curls. It keeps the look fresh and youthful.
Where to Buy Bollywood-Inspired Chikankari Lehengas
If you want to recreate these looks, many designers now offer chikankari embroidered lehengas. Stores like Anjul Bhandari, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Manish Malhotra have the most stunning Bollywood-style designs.
Low on budget? Many online platforms do have budget-friendly options. But before making your purchase always check if the embroidery is hand-done. Machine chikankari looks flawless. If there are flaws and loose threads your piece is more likely to be hand-embroidered.
If you’re travelling to Lucknow, explore the Chowk and Aminabad markets for the most stunning and affordable Chikankari Lehengas.
Chikankari Lehenga Trends to Watch in 2025
1. Multi-coloured Thread Work:
Instead of only white, designers are now using soft pinks, greens, and blues for embroidery.
2. Layered Lehengas:
Some lehengas now have layers of organza or tulle over chikankari fabric. It adds volume but keeps the look light.
3. Fusion Styles:
In contrast to full traditional looks, fusion lehengas are trending. These include chikankari skirts with shirts or jackets.
4. Mirror and Pearl Add-ons:
Designers are mixing chikankari with mirror or pearl details. This adds sparkle without losing the handwork’s charm.
Final Thoughts
Bollywood continues to celebrate the beauty of the chikankari lehenga. Whether it’s for weddings, festivals, or events, these lehengas have become a favourite among stars. Despite changing trends, chikankari stays strong because of its hand-crafted elegance.
Let Bollywood be your guide to this beautiful heritage trend. Get inspired and flaunt this traditional yet a bold beauty. It definitely deserves a special place in your ethnic wardrobe. Stay stylish!
