About Us

Know the Designer: Raghav

Born and raised in Lucknow, Raghav’s fascination with Chikankari began at a young age as he witnessed his mother starting the family business. He has been a part of his family’s clothing business for the last 15 years. It was started by his mother in the early 1980s, since then it has been a long journey being a part of the clothing and fashion industry. He embarked on a journey to revive and modernize this ancient art form, combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics to create elegant designs.

Highly talented and renowned fashion designer, Raghav Manocha is known for his exquisite creations in the world of Chikankari, a traditional Indian embroidery technique. With a passion for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow, Raghav has carved a niche for himself in the fashion industry with his unique and contemporary interpretations of this age-old craft.

Raghav’s designs reflect a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. His keen eye for detail and impeccable craftsmanship is evident in every piece he creates. From delicate floral motifs to intricate geometric patterns, his designs showcase the beauty and intricacy of Chikankari.
His creations have garnered immense appreciation both nationally and internationally. Raghav’s dedication to preserving the heritage of Chikankari while infusing it with a contemporary twist has made him a sought-after name in the fashion industry.

Our Story

Anai is a handcrafted clothing brand rooted in the art of Chikankari, shaped by memory, meaning, and the quiet confidence of deliberate craft. It was born from founder Raghav’s early experiences of watching his mother work with care and conviction, and of hearing stories that stayed. One story in particular left a mark: that of Nur Jahan, the Mughal empress whose love for beauty brought Chikankari to India. Her influence, and his mother’s presence, became the foundation of Anai.

Each piece takes its time — crafted by hand, with attention in every movement and meaning in every stitch. The silhouettes are modern, but never rushed. The details are subtle, but full of feeling. At its core, Anai is about honouring the process, valuing the people behind it, and creating pieces that carry both heritage and relevance. What we make isn’t designed for attention — it’s made to stay.

At the heart of Anai lies Chikankari – a craft that speaks of legacy. Our work is rooted in the artistry of hand embroidery, but shaped by a modern eye. Every piece begins in the hands of our karigars, who bring precision to fabric, translating age-old techniques into something intentional, personal, and lasting. These aren’t just garments, they’re conversations between past and present, between the wearer and the maker.

Our silhouettes are contemporary, but they hold space for heritage. Our palettes are thoughtful, balanced, and never overpowering. The details are there for those who take a moment to notice. There is boldness in subtlety. And beauty, we believe, is best revealed slowly.

Anai is not fast fashion. It is not surface-level opulence. It is a return to the essence of dressing, where the process is sacred, the product is personal, and the wearer is part of the narrative.

We believe in craftsmanship that is slow and honest, where each piece is shaped with care and without compromise. Our design philosophy lets old techniques breathe within modern forms.

In a world that moves fast and forgets faster, Anai offers a counter rhythm – one that values what is made with heart, what is worn with pride, and what is remembered not for being loud, but for being lasting.