Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about Essence by Monika textiles, craft, process, and pieces. Answered directly.

What is Chanderi silk?

Chanderi is a handloom textile woven in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, a town with over 600 years of weaving history. It is a silk-cotton blend. The warp is silk, the weft is cotton. This gives Chanderi a natural translucence and a soft sheen that photographs well in any light. It is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable across seasons. At Essence by Monika, all Chanderi is 100% pure handloom, not mill-made imitation.

What is Banarasi Munga silk?

Banarasi Munga is a textile where Munga silk thread (sourced from Assam, where it is the only place in the world it is produced) is woven in Varanasi using Banarasi techniques. The result combines Assam's naturally golden Antheraea assamensis silk with the density and lustre of Banarasi weaving. Essence by Monika uses Banarasi Munga in the Aurumora collection.

What is Kora Munga silk?

Kora Munga is raw, undyed Munga silk in its natural state. Textured, dimpled, and golden. The Munga thread is harvested from the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam from Antheraea assamensis silkworms feeding on Som and Sualu plants. Essence by Monika uses Kora Munga as the base textile in the Aurumora collection, often combined with Banarasi Munga borders or accents.

What is Habotai silk?

Habotai (sometimes written Habutai) is a lightweight, plain-weave silk. Smooth, fluid, and breathable year-round. Essence by Monika uses 100% pure Habotai silk for the Tarasaaz zodiac dupattas and the three Tarasaaz kurta sets. It drapes exceptionally well, photographs cleanly, and layers easily over or under other garments.

What is Tussar silk and where does it come from?

Tussar (also written Tussah) is a wild silk woven primarily in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where about 30,000 weavers work on 25,000 handlooms. It has a rougher, earthier texture than mulberry silk and a natural beige-gold tone. Essence by Monika uses pure tussar in the Tussar Edit, including coat sets with dabka lotus embroidery and the natural Kora tussar archway-print 3-piece.

What is the difference between Banarasi and Tussar silk?

Banarasi silk is woven in Varanasi using mulberry silk thread, known for intricate zari (metallic) weaving and a rich finish. Tussar is wild silk from Bhagalpur, with a rougher texture and natural beige-gold tone. Banarasi is heavier and more formal. Tussar is more relaxed and textural. Essence by Monika uses both, Banarasi in the Aurumora and Wedding Edit, tussar in the Tussar Edit.

What is a Gudda-Guddi motif?

Gudda-Guddi is a folk embroidery motif from central India, depicting a stylised male (gudda) and female (guddi) figure. In the Essence by Monika Mitti Ki Lakeerein collection, it is embroidered by hand in raw jute thread on Chanderi, a contemporary rendering of a traditional craft vocabulary. The motif is also used as a framing device on kurta yokes, set within a rectangular outline.

What is Kiran lace?

Kiran lace (also kiran edging) is a fine metallic trim applied along the borders of a garment or dupatta. In Essence by Monika pieces, it is used as a finishing detail on sleeve edges, dupatta borders, kurta hemlines, and lehenga borders. It adds definition without heaviness.

What is dabka embroidery?

Dabka is a form of embroidery that uses a thick thread or wire coiled over a design, creating a raised, sculptural line. In Essence by Monika's tussar silk coat pieces, dabka work is used alongside cut dana (small reflective beads) to create floral embroidery at the collar and a lotus motif at the back centre.

What is made-to-order at Essence by Monika?

Made-to-order means Essence by Monika cuts and stitches your piece after you place your order, in your size, to the specifications shown on the product page. Essence by Monika does not carry ready stock of most pieces. This maintains quality at every step and avoids overproduction. It also means lead times apply: most pieces take 4 to 6 weeks, Wedding and Festive Edit pieces take 5 to 8 weeks.

How long does a made-to-order piece take?

Cotton and linen co-ord sets: 3 to 5 weeks. Chanderi kurta sets and Habotai silk pieces: 4 to 6 weeks. Aurumora and Elyria pieces: 4 to 6 weeks. Wedding and Festive Edit suits, sarees, and tussar coat sets: 5 to 7 weeks. The peach tissue lehenga: 6 to 8 weeks. Essence by Monika recommends ordering at least 6 weeks before your event. Contact us on WhatsApp before ordering for occasion-specific advice.

How do I care for Chanderi silk?

Dry clean only for all Chanderi pieces. Do not machine wash or hand wash. Chanderi's silk-cotton weave is sensitive to water and agitation. Store in a muslin or cotton pouch, never in plastic. Keep away from direct sunlight when stored. For light odours between dry cleans, air the garment for a few hours in shade.

How do I style a zodiac dupatta?

Zodiac dupattas from the Tarasaaz collection are intentionally versatile. Layer over any of the three Tarasaaz Habotai silk kurta sets, designed for each other. Drape over a plain saree to add personality. Knot loosely over a slip dress as a stole. Tie at the handle of a tote bag. Gift with a handwritten note. The dupatta is personal. There is no wrong way to wear it.

What occasions is a Chanderi kurta set appropriate for?

Chanderi kurta sets from the Mitti Ki Lakeerein collection are appropriate for: festive day events (Diwali, Karwa Chauth, Dussehra), daytime wedding functions (mehendi, haldi, engagement lunch), intimate celebrations, cultural and art events, and elevated daywear. Chanderi's weight makes it comfortable for 6 to 8 hours of wear. The hand jute embroidery reads as festive without being heavy.

What is the Tarasaaz collection?

Tarasaaz is Essence by Monika's zodiac-inspired silk edit. The name means 'one who fashions the stars' in Urdu. The collection includes twelve zodiac dupattas, each crafted from 100% pure Habotai silk in champagne, with the glyph and constellation of the sign printed directly onto the fabric and the sign's name inscribed on the border. It also includes three Habotai silk kurta sets designed to layer with the dupattas. It is the Essence by Monika gifting collection and one of the most personal edits.

Do you ship across India?

Yes. Essence by Monika ships pan-India via tracked courier. Shipping timelines depend on your location and are separate from the made-to-order lead time. The physical store is at Suraj Kund Road, Meerut, for in-person appointments and fittings. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange a visit.