Some journeys take you farther from home only to bring you closer to its soul.

I grew up in Lucknow, a city where Chikankari is more than an embroidery—it is part of the city’s heritage. As a child, I had always seen its beauty. The delicate stitches, the bustling bazaars selling chikankari outfits, and the artisans who had devoted their lives to this craft were simply part of everyday life. Like many who grow up with something extraordinary, I never truly paused to appreciate it.

It wasn’t until I moved to the West, that I began to see Chikankari through new eyes.

Whenever I wore a Chikankari outfit, people would stop me to ask about it. Friends—and often complete strangers, many with roots in India—would admire the embroidery with genuine curiosity. They would trace the intricate stitches with their fingers, amazed that every motif had been embroidered entirely by hand. What had always felt so familiar to me felt rare and extraordinary to them.

Every visit back to Lucknow came with a growing list of requests to bring Chikankari back. Those requests soon became conversations—about the artisans, the heritage, and why something so beautiful wasn’t more widely available here. More than once, someone said, “You should bring this craft here, try and make it accessible, ready to wear…’

Living away from home had already made me appreciate my roots in ways I never had before. Seeing others fall in love with the craftsmanship I had grown up around made me realise that Chikankari deserved to be celebrated—not simply as beautiful clothing, but as a living tradition shaped by generations of skilled hands.

That is how The Awadhi Ensemble came to life.

This brand is my small way of giving back to the city that shaped me. It is my tribute to the artisans of Lucknow, whose patience, skill, and dedication continue to preserve one of India’s most treasured crafts. Every collection is a celebration of their artistry and a reminder that true luxury begins with human hands.

It is also something deeply personal.

The Awadhi Ensemble keeps me connected to home. Every collection carries with it the grace, culture, and craftsmanship of Lucknow, allowing me to share a piece of the city I love with women across the world. In many ways, this brand has become my bridge between two homes—honouring where I come from while embracing where I am today.

Every garment is handcrafted in Lucknow using authentic Chikankari on carefully chosen luxury fabrics. No two pieces are ever exactly alike, because every stitch carries the signature of the artisan who created it.

When you choose The Awadhi Ensemble, you become part of a story that is larger than fashion. You help celebrate a centuries-old craft, support the hands that keep it alive, and carry forward a legacy that deserves to be cherished for generations to come.

Thank you for allowing us to share a piece of Lucknow with you.

With warmth,

Anjum Saeed
Founder, The Awadhi Ensemble