Fashion Designer Anjul Bhandari Redefines The New Phase Of Couture

A purveyor of chikankari and hand embroideries with an unmatched taste in creating classics, this designer redefines the new phase of couture.

- Chitman Kanwar Ahuja

It all started 33 years ago when fashion designer Anjul Bhandari got married into a family of exporters and shifted to Lucknow. Little did she know, that soon she would be known as the master of creating heirlooms that would be passed down generations. A stalwart in her own right, her new experiments with mixing together different regional embroideries have created a unique new aesthetic. Her creations are everything that define timeless and ageless elegance.

“My mother in-law was a very prominent social worker who used to work with female artisans and hold camps for them. And that was the first time when I had the touch feel of the beautiful craft of chikankari. I noticed young girls putting in so much of handwork into their fabric and creating masterpieces, that I had my heart set on it,” shares Anjul.

A celebrity favourite, her label is about chikankari and kamdani, the two of the oldest arts that our country has. And when it comes to embroidery done by hand, it gives her a blank canvas to express herself. She feels that fashion trends may come and go but, traditional crafts never shy away from shining out time and again.

Her creations are synonymous with the royal touch in fashion designing. She takes us through her inspirational board that creates such regal finesse. “My creations are always very traditional and synonymous to our beautiful women. One who speaks her mind, and carries her ensemble with grace. I keep in mind the oldest craft, block prints and the master craftsman while designing a piece. I want it to be focused on longevity, so much so that, even when a man takes a kurta out of his cupboard 20 years down the line, he doesn’t feel as if it’s lost its charm,” said Anjul.