For Renu Dadlani, her brainchild Prateeksha is the epitome of unique styles and good value for money. It is both her brand (label) as well as the name of the boutique located in the basement of her D-282, Sarvodaya Enclave home, in New Delhi.

"I have no experience in designing but I have been genuinely fond of chikankaari because it forms the mainstay of attire during the long summers of Delhi. I felt confident that with unique styling, conceptualization and unmatched quality, I could usher in a revolution in chikankaari", she elaborates. The hallmarks of her clothing are fine workmanship and attention to minutest details, the right styles and cuts besides a harmonious blend of fashion with traditions.

She experiments with georgettes, chiffons and crepes instead of traditional cottons. Plans are on the anvil to introduce chikankaari in tusser silks in order to churn out designer clothes for the winters. This in accordance to the demands of her customers who desire to wear chikan in all seasons. The recently concluded 'Brides & Grooms' fashion show followed by an exhibition -cum-sale gave her adequate exposure. For the occasion she experimented with bright colours especially red (and also black) whereas her works are by and large confined to pastel shades. Of late she has introduced coloured silk threads for embroidery, instead of the usual white cotton ones. She makes ample use of various stitches dhaniapatta, ghaspatta, kangan, jaali, shadow works etc. she also extensively use muquaish and sequins in the dresses that she turns out. At present Prateeksha employs 150 expert artisans based in Lucknow.

The designing is done by herself. Her dresses include sarees, lehngas, suits and kurtas for both sexes. The designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are her sources of inspiration. She reiterates that quality must never be compromised on. And she ensures the maintenance and improvement of quality through paying attention to the subtle nuances, upgrading manual skill and personal involvement with the workers. "Prateeksha, signifies the end of a long wait (on the part of the customers) for acquiring exquisite chikankaari garments", She affirms.

-Ruchira Ghosh