Ikat Totes To Artsy Nosepins: Chennai Indie Fashion Brands We Love

A niche jewellery label, Roia features collections of nose pins, pendants, handcuffs and earrings. Marketed as 'wearable luxury,' the pieces take inspiration from nature and architectural forms and are made using materials like copper, brass, silver sheets and tubes, wire, patinas, resin, fused glass or semi-precious stones. The resulting jewellery has an edgy rustic-chic boho vibe with minimal geometric forms, pops of colour and contemporary design aesthetic. The best part is that you can be certain you’re wearing a unique piece of art as each item is one-of-a-kind and rarely repeated or reproduced unless specifically requested.  

Price: INR 920 upwards

Chennai, we know, is synonymous with leather. Combining minimalist design with fine craftsmanship, Hydes Studio makes use of the city’s resources by creating artisanal leather bags. Hydes has a very modern design sensibility – simple lines and form combined with functionality. With a collection of totes and slings handcrafted by skilled local artisans, the brand makes for a pleasant change from mass-produced goods. Most importantly, its business ethic is rooted in sustainability with their raw material and hide sourced responsibly and with as little damage to the environment as possible. Customers can pick from a range of colours and finishes. 

Price: INR 4,250 upwards

Think Chennai and big, bold traditional gold jewellery can’t be far behind. Tvameva, with its range of intricately designed jewellery, has fast become a popular destination for all bling-lovers, including brides seeking affordable options. By celebrating traditional and antique design ideas — from the Hyderabadi Guttapusalu and the Tamil Kaasumalai to temple jewellery, imitation Kundan and the Kerala Pichimottu – Tvameva offers heirloom pieces. The brand particularly embraces the royal vintage aesthetic and going by its massive Instagram following, customers love it!

Price: INR 450 onwards

Initially a city-based art and lifestyle platform, The Postbox has expanded in scope in the three years of its existence, and now designs its own range of products. We love how this brand takes inspiration from various cultures and regional and indigenous crafts of India. Whether it’s through their painstakingly created Travel Essentials line, or their much sought-after leather and ikat laptop sleeves and bags, the brand will make you fall in love with handicraft and handloom all over again. They work directly with artisans and weavers from all over the country and this shows in the craftsmanship of the product. 

Price: INR 500 upwards

If you’re a fan of handcrafted leather footwear, VAPH is a must-visit. Founded upon a leather legacy of several generations, the brand uses modern design techniques, resulting in shoes that meet global fashion standards. The brand is particularly loved for the comfort the shoes they offer and the fine attention to detail. Choose from brogues, loafers, mules, moccasins, and even boots for men and women. They also have a collection of tasteful travel bags. 

Price: INR 1950 upwards 

How can a list about Chennai brands be complete without sarees? And no, this is not your conventional silk or cotton sarees. Mixing contemporary with simple aesthetics, Marghazi Designs offers a curated mix of timeless sarees for all occasions. Take your pick from plain Mangalagiri cotton with cheerful printed blouses (block prints like bagh, dabu), light and pastel florals, and plain tussars with rich, motif-filled raw silk blouses, Chinnalapattus in dark, velvety tones and more. Do check out their IG account for styling ideas - it's rather captivating!

Price: INR 4000 onwards.