Looking for the best fashion designers in Chennai? Whether you’re planning a wedding, styling for an event, or simply upgrading your wardrobe, Chennai is home to some of India’s most talented fashion designers who specialize in everything from couture to contemporary wear. In this guide, I’ve curated my top recommended picks—designers who blend tradition with trend, and deliver personalized outfits that truly stand out.
Contents
- 1 How Fashion Designers in Chennai Are Preserving Cultural Roots
- 2 Tailored Fashion in Chennai: A Personalized Experience Worth Trying
- 3 Top 10 Fashion Designers in Chennai
- 3.1 1. Chaitanya Rao
- 3.2 2. Sidney Sladen
- 3.3 3. Rehane Yavar Dhala
- 3.4 4. Studio 149 by Swathi Purushothaman
- 3.5 5. Vivek Karunakaran
- 3.6 6. Shravan Kumar
- 3.7 7. Anushree Reddy (Chennai Studio)
- 3.8 8. Manoviraj Khosla (Chennai Presence)
- 3.9 9. Kay – The Label by Kalyani (Kay)
- 3.10 10. Padmasita by Sharmila and Padmini
- 4 Why These Designers Stand Out
- 5 A Personal Experience That Stuck With Me as a fashion designer in Chennai
- 6 What Sways Chennaites These Days
- 7 Local Fashion: Raising Awareness
- 8 Some FAQS for fashion designers in Chennai
- 9 Conclusion
How Fashion Designers in Chennai Are Preserving Cultural Roots
While global trends may influence the design scene, fashion designers in Chennai have maintained a deep connection with South Indian textile heritage. Many incorporate age-old techniques like handloom weaving, Zari embroidery, and Kalamkari prints into modern silhouettes.
This thoughtful blend not only results in visually stunning pieces but also supports rural artisans and keeps Chennai’s cultural identity alive. When you wear a designer outfit crafted here, you’re wearing a piece of the city’s history — repackaged with a modern edge.
Tailored Fashion in Chennai: A Personalized Experience Worth Trying
One of the defining traits of fashion designers in Chennai is their emphasis on customisation. Unlike fast fashion brands, these designers offer a deeply personal styling journey — from fabric consultations to fitting trials, every piece is tailored to reflect your unique personality.
Whether it’s a silk saree with hand embroidery or a sharply tailored sherwani, the attention to detail sets Chennai’s fashion scene apart. It’s this client-first approach that keeps people coming back — not just for clothes, but for confidence stitched with care.
Top 10 Fashion Designers in Chennai
Chennai is certainly loaded with talented people and this is proven by the amount of designers I met while going to shows and fashion studios.
1. Chaitanya Rao

A favorite among South Indian celebrities, Chaitanya Rao is known for his minimal yet striking designs. His work often features elegant cuts, sophisticated drapes, and an understated glam. Whether it’s bridal wear or red-carpet gowns, his creations are timeless with a touch of contemporary charm.
2. Sidney Sladen
Sidney is celebrated for his edgy, vibrant, and daring fashion pieces. His boutique in Chennai feels like a fashion-forward fantasy with theatrical silhouettes and bold color palettes. He effortlessly fuses drama with elegance, making his work a standout for events and high-end fashion.
3. Rehane Yavar Dhala

Known for her Indo-western aesthetics, Rehane’s creations exude class, detailing, and femininity. Her fashion label is chic, modern, and deeply influenced by global fashion trends while still remaining rooted in Indian traditions. She caters to fashion-conscious women who want something elegant yet unique.
4. Studio 149 by Swathi Purushothaman

Studio 149 has redefined bridal couture in Chennai. From intricately embroidered lehengas to custom-designed sarees and reception gowns, their collections are known for their luxury craftsmanship and made-to-measure finesse. Ideal for brides looking for personalized, high-impact fashion.
5. Vivek Karunakaran
As one of the fashion designers in Chennai Vivek brings a balance of luxury wearability in menswear and womenswear. His label is known for sleek tailoring and fusion fashion—perfect for modern professionals and style-conscious individuals. His designs often make their way to major fashion weeks and luxury events.
6. Shravan Kumar
A revivalist of handloom and eco-conscious fashion, Shravan Kumar celebrates Indian textiles like khadi, tussar silk, and ikat. He often works with artisans from rural Tamil Nadu and brings sustainable luxury to the fore. His outfits are rich in heritage, yet trendy and wearable.
7. Anushree Reddy (Chennai Studio)
Though based in Hyderabad, Anushree Reddy’s Chennai studio is popular among elite brides. Her signature pastel shades, floral embroidery, and romantic silhouettes are a go-to for engagement and wedding wear. She brings Bollywood flair to traditional fashion.
8. Manoviraj Khosla (Chennai Presence)
Focusing on men’s fashion, Manoviraj Khosla’s Chennai clientele admire his structured jackets, bandhgala suits, and contemporary tuxedos. His pieces blend street style with luxury tailoring, perfect for fashion-forward grooms and party wear.
9. Kay – The Label by Kalyani (Kay)
A rising fashion designer in Chennai, Kay’s label focuses on edgy Indo-Western designs and contemporary ethnicwear. Her flair for experimental drapes and color play has won attention among young influencers and modern brides.
10. Padmasita by Sharmila and Padmini
He is the one of the best fashion designers in Chennai. Focused on sustainable and handwoven fashion, Padmasita blends heritage techniques with modern cuts. Their brand stands for slow fashion, conscious design, and reviving Indian weaving techniques. Perfect for customers seeking meaningful luxury.
Why These Designers Stand Out
It’s more than the price or the designer label. Here is the reason on why these fashion designers in Chennai does it best:
- They consider your body type, not your size.
- The blend of contemporary and vintage inspiration.
- Fabrics are selected for comfort as well as for wearing and washing.
- The fit? Perfect. Always.
- And you, more than anything else, feels like you.
A Personal Experience That Stuck With Me as a fashion designer in Chennai
Last year, my cousin had a wedding to attend and she wanted something different, not the usual store-bought wedding look. So, we went to check out this boutique in Alwarpet. To be honest, I thought I was just going to wear a dress. But the experience was completely different.
We had conversations about themes, went through several fittings, gabstract browsed for fabrics, tried draped mock, and so much more! It wasn’t only a dress at the end of the ordeal, it was a memory we crafted together.
That is when it hit me, fashion designers in Chennai are NOT just creatives, they are remarkable storytellers.
What Sways Chennaites These Days
Fashion in Chennai is all about blurring the line between cultures and playing around with shapes. What caught my attention here is:
- Silk sarees embellished with designer blouses (embroidered)
- Lehangas worn with jackets (layered lehanga)
- Crop top styled dhoti pants
- Indo-western men’s wear is sharp tuxedos and festive fusion at the same time.
- Indian embellished fusion gowns.
More people began adopting organic, hand-painted, or upcycled cloths, so it looks like sustainability is being embraced as well.
Local Fashion: Raising Awareness
Sure, shopping from a world-known brand is the written definition of convenient, but supporting local? Now that’s a statement.
Purchasing from a local fashion designers in Chennai allows you to support an entire circle that includes dressmakers, artisans, craft dyers, and even some rural weavers from Kanchipuram or Erode. There is so much more care put into a single piece, right from perfect fitting to unique designs.
But lets be honest. That uniqueness? There’s no way that could be found in nailed down stores.The Marked Stats Showed:
- By 2025, India’s fashion industry will be worth an unprecedented 7.5 lakh crore rupees
- Chennai is among the Top 5 Indian cities searching for brides and bridal fashion
- Autographs and designers have seen a tremendous rise in self-made outfits where almost 40% of conscious buyers prefer personalized outfits over ready-made ones.
Some FAQS for fashion designers in Chennai
Moreover, the below are the most asked FAQs.
Q1. Can you name one of the most notable fashion designers in Chennai or around Chennai?
It really depends on what kind of style you like. Chaitanya Rao and Sidney Sladen are top picks, although the city has many more hidden gems.
Q2. Is it pricey when it comes to hiring a fashion designer in Chennai?
Not at all. Many designers offer flexible packages depending on your needs. Exploring your options is highly recommended.
Q3. How can one of these fashion designers be reached?
Most designers have active Instagram pages and websites. Walk-ins to their studios also work if you’re in Chennai.
Q4. Can you tell me if Chennai designers also design menswear?
Yes, many designers offer stylish menswear including ethnic wear, tuxedos, bandhgalas, and fusion styles.
Q5. Ready-made outfits vs custom-made — which is better?
Custom-made outfits always win in terms of fit, personalization, and exclusivity. They make you feel seen and styled for your body type.
Q6. Are designers meant only for celebrities?
Not at all. A large number of clients are everyday people looking for unique, well-fitted designs for special occasions or everyday wear.
Q7. Where can I find studios- fashion designers in Chennai?
Popular fashion hubs include T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, Besant Nagar, and Adyar.
Q8. Is it possible to study fashion design in Chennai?
Absolutely! NIFT Chennai and several private institutions offer reputed fashion design programs.
Q9. What are the latest trends in men’s fashion in Chennai?
Pastel kurtas, embroidered bandhgalas, Nehru jackets, and Indo-Western blazers are trending among men right now.
Q10. Which fabrics do fashion designers in Chennai commonly use?
Handloom silk, organza, cotton, linen blends, and eco-friendly fabrics are popular choices among Chennai-based designers.
Conclusion
If you are looking to try out a new style or want to get something special designed for an upcoming event, hiring a fashion designers in Chennai can do wonders. Chennai has a lot of soul in its fashion industry and once you experience it for the first time, you will never want to be “averagely” dressed again.
Because wearing something tailored just for you – that’s confidence stitched into every seam.
This blog is written by Nistha R
If you are interested in best fashion designers in Chennai check through this page https://rnistha.com/about/