Indian wear is a canvas of culture — vibrant, bold, intricate — and nothing elevates it more than embroidery. From the opulence of zardozi to the playful threads of phulkari, Indian embroidery tells tales of tradition, identity, and creative expression. At Nautanky, we pay homage to these age-old crafts while reinterpreting them for the modern, bold, and unapologetic generation.
Our design philosophy lies at the intersection of heritage and rebellion, and embroidery is our signature language. Whether hand-stitched or digitally enhanced, our pieces reflect India’s rich craft culture reimagined with a dash of drama and a whole lot of soul.
The Rich Tapestry of Indian Embroidery
India is home to a vast range of embroidery styles, each with its own personality, purpose, and history. Here's a closer look at some of the key techniques that inspire and shape Nautanky’s collections:
Zardozi: Royal Glamour, Reborn
Traditionally done with gold and silver threads, Zardozi was once the reserve of royalty. At Nautanky, we’ve taken this regal embroidery and given it a playful twist. Expect shimmering threads intertwined with quirky motifs and unexpected color palettes. Our zardozi isn’t about fitting in — it’s about standing out.
Thread Embroidery: Fine Lines, Bold Statements
Sometimes simplicity is the loudest form of expression. Thread embroidery, using colorful silk or cotton threads, forms the base of many of our pieces. Be it delicate florals or strong abstract lines, this technique offers endless versatility and adds a tactile richness to flowy fabrics like georgette, organza, and crepe.
Sequin and Beadwork: Sparkle with Intention
Sequins, mirrors, and beads are often thought of as party elements but in Nautanky’s world, they become everyday drama. We use these embellishments with control and contrast creating glamour with grit, sparkle with substance. A little shine, a lot of attitude.
Aari and Resham: Precision Meets Poetry
Often used for bridalwear, Aari work uses a hooked needle to create fine, continuous patterns that look like flowing poetry. At Nautanky, we tone down the bridal and turn up the edge adding contemporary flair to these intricate patterns using vibrant resham threads and rebellious silhouettes.
The Nautanky Signature Fusion of Tradition and Bold Expression
At www.nautanky.com, every piece is designed to feel like a conversation between the past and the future. The embroidery you see in the image above is a perfect example of this fusion.
In the showcased piece, floral threads bloom across the garment in layered textures, creating movement and drama with every step. The muted palette is intentionally contrasted with vivid pops of color in the stitching a visual metaphor for subtle rebellion. This is not your grandmother’s embroidery this is heritage gone wild, made for today’s unapologetic woman.
We don’t just replicate embroidery styles we reinterpret them, combining handwork with digital precision, layering traditional elements with fashion-forward silhouettes.
Why Embroidery Still Matters in Modern Fashion
In an era where fast fashion dominates, embroidery brings back intention. Every embroidered detail takes time, skill, and love which is exactly what slow fashion should be about. It also connects us to something bigger: stories, histories, and emotions that are quite literally woven into the fabric.
At Nautanky, embroidery isn’t an embellishment. It’s a medium of self-expression just like our community of bold dressers who aren't afraid to take up space, make a statement, or turn tradition on its head.
Made by Hands, Worn with Heart
We work closely with artisans and embroidery experts who help bring our wildest designs to life. While some of our collections feature digitally enhanced embroidery for precision and performance, our love for hand embroidery remains central. Each Nautanky piece passes through many hands and many hearts before it reaches yours.
It’s more than just a garment. It’s wearable art with a soul.
