ABOUT US
Pakeeza means "Pure".
For us, purity stands for capturing the true essence of authentic, hand embroidered Chikankari, while inducing a timeless touch to every collection that celebrates the beauty of hand crafted apparels.
Originating from the lanes of old Lucknow, our hand embroidered collections have found their way to distant ends of the world, engendering appreciation for the immaculate craftsmanship embedded in Indian traditions. Our collections resonate with our principles and values, thereby gathering appreciation for our makers.
Our designs are available through a wide variety of apparels for all tastes ranging from stitched to unstitched pieces. We are driven with the purpose of ensuring that our artisans get a fair price for their work, which is not only their right but also the way forward to sustain the art which is increasingly seeing a dwindling number of trained artisans now.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Neelu Punn Kale, the founder of Pakeeza, was born and brought up in the cultural heart of Lucknow, home to the centuries-old craft of "Chikankari embroidery".
Surrounded by the delicate beauty of this art form from an early age, Neelu developed a deep-rooted love for fabric, tradition, and storytelling, values she inherited from her father, a dedicated textile engineer who has spent his life working for the betterment of silk weavers across India. His unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and artisan welfare left a lasting impression on Neelu, shaping her own vision for a world where traditional crafts are respected, preserved, and celebrated.
After moving to Pune, she found herself longing for the comfort of home and the elegance of the Chikankari she grew up with. In 2015, what began as a deeply personal journey of nostalgia and purpose gave birth to Pakeeza, a humble studio dedicated to authentic, affordable, and sustainable Lucknowi Chikankari.
Today, Pakeeza is more than a clothing label. It’s a space where heritage meets heart, where each garment carries the soul of its maker. Neelu works closely with artisans, mostly women, from Lucknow and surrounding regions, ensuring they receive sustainable livelihoods, dignity, and recognition for their timeless skill. For her, Chikankari is not just embroidery, it's a legacy, a conversation between generations, and a form of empowerment.
In an era dominated by fast fashion, Neelu remains committed to her founding values: keeping Chikankari authentic, accessible, and rooted in slow, meaningful craftsmanship. Her dream is to take this legacy to wardrobes across the globe, so that the gentle hands behind the needle and thread are known, celebrated, and supported far beyond borders.
What makes Pakeeza truly special is the heartfelt connection Neelu builds with every patron. Customers often say they don’t just shop at Pakeeza, they feel seen, styled, and cherished. It’s this personal touch, paired with her passion for the craft, that has turned Pakeeza into a home for those, who appreciate quiet elegance and handcrafted love.
HAND MADE
From design selection to engraving of wooden blocks, to block printing of cloth, to embroidery, to washing and finishing, each process of this art form is done manually.
ARTISANAL
Our apparels pass through the hands of one artisan to the other, carrying forward the age old tradition of the hand made and creating pieces that have a unique story to share. We constantly strive to make each process more sustainable and gentle towards the environment. These multi layered processes generate employment, thereby creating a better future and fair wages for the artisans.
MADE IN INDIA
Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, India.Translated, the word means embroidery (thread or wire) and it is one of Lucknow's best known textile decoration styles. Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) and Geographical Indication (GI) status for chikankari was accorded in December 2008, which recognized Lucknow as an exclusive hub of chikankari.
