Top 10 Art and Fashion Destinations in Chennai

 

Chennai is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a growing art and fashion scene. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a fashionista, or simply looking for something unique, the city offers a variety of destinations that blend traditional and modern styles. Here’s a guide to the top 10 art and fashion destinations in Chennai.

1. DakshinaChitra

Location: ECR (East Coast Road) DakshinaChitra is a cultural center that showcases traditional South Indian art, crafts, and heritage. It’s not only an art lover’s haven but also a place where you can explore handcrafted fashion items like sarees, jewelry, and textiles from different regions of India. The village has a blend of folk performances, workshops, and exhibitions that make it a top destination for those seeking authentic traditional art and fashion.

2. Art Houz

Location: Mylapore Art Houz is an art gallery that focuses on contemporary Indian art. It hosts numerous exhibitions, and its art collection includes paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. In addition to its art displays, it offers curated fashion items designed by local artisans and designers that blend the artistic expression of the region with modern fashion sensibilities.

3. Sowcarpet Market

Location: George Town Sowcarpet is one of the oldest markets in Chennai, renowned for its variety of textiles, including silk sarees, jewelry, and ready-to-wear fashion. This market is the go-to place for purchasing ethnic wear such as sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas, as well as a wide array of accessories and fabrics.

4. Kumbakonam Art Gallery

Location: Mylapore A treasure trove of traditional South Indian art, the Kumbakonam Art Gallery offers an array of exquisite paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that showcase the region’s history and culture. The gallery also features unique handicraft fashion items such as hand-painted dupattas, handwoven scarves, and intricate jewelry pieces.

5. Sundari Silks

Location: T. Nagar Famous for its exceptional collection of sarees, Sundari Silks is a place where you can shop for high-quality traditional silks. The shop has a stunning array of Kanjivaram sarees, bridal sarees, and fashion accessories. If you’re looking for an elegant and fashionable way to wear traditional South Indian silk, this is the place to visit.

6. Vistaar Gallery

Location: T. Nagar Vistaar Gallery is an art gallery and fashion hub that combines contemporary fashion with unique works of art. The gallery hosts exhibitions that feature both budding and established designers and artists, including the latest in sustainable fashion and artistic clothing lines that reflect Indian culture.

7. The Chennai Silks

Location: Multiple Locations (Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar) Known for its vast collection of sarees, ready-to-wear ethnic attire, and accessories, The Chennai Silks is a haven for fashion enthusiasts. This multi-story showroom offers a wide range of stylish fashion options, from wedding wear to casual day wear, blending traditional Indian fabrics with modern designs.

8. Rasi Silks

Location: T. Nagar If you're searching for an elegant fusion of tradition and fashion, Rasi Silks is the perfect destination. Known for its luxurious silks, especially their bridal collections, Rasi Silks also offers designer ethnic wear, accessories, and fashion-forward items. Their silk sarees are known for vibrant colors and intricate designs, making them a popular choice for festive occasions.

9. Chennai Art Gallery

Location: Chetpet Chennai Art Gallery offers an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art. It is home to a wide variety of exhibits from different art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Along with its exhibitions, the gallery curates fashion collections inspired by the artwork on display, with exclusive designer wear featuring artistic prints and patterns.

10. Nalli Silks

Location: T. Nagar A Chennai institution known for its high-end silk sarees, Nalli Silks is the go-to destination for luxurious fabrics and fashionable ethnic wear. Nalli is synonymous with quality silk and timeless fashion. The store features classic sarees, contemporary ethnic clothing, and accessories like jewelry, bags, and footwear.

Top 10 Art and Fashion Shops in Chennai

Chennai offers a variety of art and fashion shops that provide unique items for both art lovers and fashion aficionados. From high-end boutiques to local craft shops, here are the top 10 art and fashion shops in Chennai that offer a mix of art, fashion, and culture.

1. Amethyst

Location: Whites Road, Royapettah Amethyst is a chic lifestyle store that brings together art, fashion, and food in one space. Known for its curated collection of clothing, accessories, and unique art pieces, it is the perfect place to shop for contemporary yet eclectic styles that blend urban trends with a touch of traditional.

2. The Linen Club

Location: Multiple Locations If you’re looking for premium fabric and stylish fashion, The Linen Club is a great stop. Specializing in linen clothing and accessories, it blends the fine art of textile with fashion, offering smart, comfortable, and trendy outfits for both men and women.

3. Kalki Fashion

Location: T. Nagar Kalki is a well-known name in the Chennai fashion scene, offering high-end ethnic wear. The store is known for its designer lehengas, sarees, and gowns. It combines modern fashion with traditional designs, and also offers fusion wear and ready-to-wear collections.

4. Oasis

Location: Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam Oasis is a boutique that merges art with fashion. Known for its curated collection of contemporary and ethnic wear, the store offers a unique blend of Indian and Western styles. It also houses a variety of accessories like jewelry and footwear that complement their clothing line.

5. Craftsvilla

Location: Online Store with Retail Options in Chennai Craftsvilla blends fashion with traditional Indian craft, offering unique ethnic wear, jewelry, and accessories. From handwoven sarees to embroidered kurtis and dresses, it’s a great place to shop for fashionable items that also reflect Indian art and craftsmanship.

6. Pothys

Location: T. Nagar One of the oldest and most popular textile stores in Chennai, Pothys is famous for its extensive collection of sarees, including Kanjivarams, handlooms, and embroidered silk. With fashion-forward collections, it’s also a great destination for purchasing ethnic accessories.

7. Anokhi

Location: Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam Anokhi is a fashion store that blends Indian traditional motifs with contemporary cuts. It’s known for its handcrafted clothing, including handblock-printed garments, that feature a combination of Indian art forms and modern designs.

8. Rangacharlu & Co.

Location: Mylapore This boutique specializes in traditional South Indian wear, such as handloom sarees, dupattas, and ethnic jewelry. The shop brings together the best of traditional textile arts and fashion-forward designs, offering pieces that reflect South India’s rich cultural heritage.

9. Studio C

Location: Nungambakkam Studio C is a high-end fashion boutique in Chennai, known for its stylish contemporary clothing. The shop’s collections often feature Indian elements and fabrics, such as raw silk, cotton, and wool. It’s perfect for those looking for something modern, unique, and chic.

10. Bharani Silks

Location: T. Nagar A Chennai favorite, Bharani Silks is known for its exquisite collection of silk sarees and fashion accessories. The store also offers unique handcrafted jewelry, making it a one-stop shop for all things traditional and fashionable.

Best Art and Fashion Showroom in Chennai

Among the numerous art and fashion stores, The Chennai Silks and Sundari Silks stand out as the best showrooms. Both have earned a reputation for quality, variety, and luxury in fashion.

• The Chennai Silks provides a luxurious shopping experience with its vast collection of sarees, bridal wear, and ethnic clothing. It combines a rich history of silk weaving with modern fashion sensibilities, offering everything from traditional Kanjivaram sarees to contemporary designs in an opulent showroom setting.

• Sundari Silks stands out for its expertise in silk sarees, especially for weddings. Their showrooms offer a premium experience, with collections that blend tradition with modernity, making it a favorite among those looking for luxurious silks and exquisite wedding collections.

Art and Fashion Shops in Chennai

• Amethyst
• Kalki Fashion
• The Linen Club
• Pothys
• Craftsvilla

These shops offer a mix of traditional and contemporary fashion, making Chennai a hotspot for art and fashion lovers alike. Whether you are looking for high-end fashion, ethnic wear, or unique artwork, Chennai’s art and fashion stores will not disappoint.