Introduction

Chennai, the cultural capital of South India, is not just known for its classical music, dance, and temple architecture — it’s also a thriving hub for artistic expression and fashion-forward thinking. The city beautifully merges tradition with contemporary aesthetics, offering a vibrant landscape of art galleries, handcrafted design studios, and stylish fashion boutiques. Whether you're a local looking for unique additions to your wardrobe or home, or a visitor eager to take back a piece of Chennai's soul, the city’s eclectic art and fashion shops provide something truly special. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Art and Fashion Shops in Chennai, each offering a distinct blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural essence.

Amethyst

Amethyst is one of Chennai's most iconic lifestyle destinations that brings together fashion, art, and café culture under one elegant colonial-style roof. Located in Royapettah, Amethyst features curated designer collections from leading Indian labels such as Raw Mango, Pero, and Anavila. The art space within the complex often showcases installations and works by contemporary Indian artists, creating a haven for art lovers. The ambient lighting, lush gardens, and high-end design pieces make Amethyst a go-to for the elite and style-conscious crowd of Chennai.

Kalpa Druma

Situated in Mylapore, Kalpa Druma is a treasure trove for lovers of traditional Indian textiles and artisanal products. With a focus on sustainability and natural fabrics, this store celebrates Indian handloom in its purest form. Their collection ranges from handwoven sarees, ethnic wear, and accessories to art objects, paintings, and eco-friendly home décor items. Every product at Kalpa Druma reflects a commitment to Indian heritage and is often handmade by rural artisans, giving customers a chance to directly support traditional craftsmanship.

Collage

Collage in Gopalapuram is a high-end fashion store that curates India’s most exclusive designer labels. It serves as a platform for names like Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, and Sabyasachi. Collage is a space that blurs the line between fashion and art, with its clothing often displayed alongside artistic installations and décor items. The store is known for its minimalistic design, aesthetic visual merchandising, and impeccable customer service. It’s the perfect place for the fashion-conscious to find statement pieces that blend art with wearability.

Studio Palasa

Located in Kottivakkam, Studio Palasa is a floral and botanical styling studio that doubles as an artistic retreat. While not a fashion boutique in the traditional sense, Palasa has carved a niche for itself in artistic living. They offer artisanal planters, décor items, and handcrafted accessories that blend plant aesthetics with design sensibility. Their handcrafted pottery, bohemian décor items, and wearable botanical jewelry add a fresh, earthy touch to Chennai’s art and fashion landscape.

MaalGaadi

A quirky and vibrant space in Besant Nagar, MaalGaadi is known for pushing the boundaries of fashion and design. This boutique showcases contemporary Indian designers who experiment with structure, silhouette, and surface textures. The store layout itself is like an art gallery, with installations and displays that change with every new collection. From avant-garde dresses to handmade bags, statement jewelry, and décor objects, MaalGaadi is where Chennai’s urban youth turn for bold, experimental fashion and lifestyle goods.

Naturally Auroville

Bringing the soul of Auroville to Chennai, Naturally Auroville is a store that houses products made by Aurovillian designers and artists. With branches in Alwarpet and Besant Nagar, this store offers a serene shopping experience. Their offerings include sustainable fashion, organic cotton apparel, hand-painted scarves, handmade journals, natural cosmetics, and art items. The minimalist design ethos and eco-conscious philosophy of Naturally Auroville appeal to both the aesthetically inclined and environmentally aware consumer.

Fabindia (Cathedral Road Branch)

Though a national brand, Fabindia's Cathedral Road branch deserves special mention due to its expansive collection and elegant layout. It houses not only traditional wear for men, women, and children but also an extensive home décor section that features hand-embroidered linens, artisanal furniture, and folk art pieces. Fabindia has always been a flagbearer of the handloom revival movement in India, and their stores are perfect for those seeking to blend traditional Indian art with everyday fashion.

Poompuhar

Operated by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, Poompuhar is a government-run showroom dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Tamil crafts. From bronze statues and Tanjore paintings to intricately carved wooden art and stone sculptures, Poompuhar is a living museum and shop rolled into one. Their collection of traditional silk garments, especially Kanchipuram sarees, also reflects the fashion sensibilities of Tamil Nadu. Ideal for tourists and locals who wish to take a piece of Tamil heritage back home, Poompuhar is a landmark for art lovers.

Sundari Silks

Located in T. Nagar, Sundari Silks is a luxurious saree and ethnic wear boutique that brings traditional Indian craftsmanship into the fashion limelight. Each saree in their collection is a work of art, showcasing techniques such as zari weaving, hand-painting, Kalamkari, and embroidery. Besides clothing, Sundari Silks also houses handwoven home textiles and brass artifacts, offering a complete artistic shopping experience. Their in-house design team works closely with weavers, ensuring authenticity and exclusivity in every piece.

DakshinaChitra Craft Shop

Part of the DakshinaChitra Museum complex in Muttukadu, this craft shop showcases the finest handicrafts and folk art from across South India. From palm leaf manuscripts and terracotta figurines to hand-painted saris and tribal jewelry, every item tells a story of regional craftsmanship. While the museum is a visual feast of South Indian architecture and lifestyle, the craft shop allows visitors to carry a piece of that culture with them. Their rotating inventory often features products made by rural artisans and tribal communities, making it both a culturally enriching and socially responsible shopping choice.

Conclusion

Chennai’s art and fashion scene is a dynamic blend of heritage and innovation. The city offers more than just a shopping experience — it provides an immersion into stories, traditions, and aesthetics that have evolved over centuries. Whether you’re drawn to handcrafted silks, avant-garde couture, tribal art, or botanical-inspired jewelry,  top art and fashion shops in Chennai have something that will resonate with your personal style and artistic soul. These spaces are not only about buying things but about appreciating the passion, labor, and creativity behind each product. If you ever find yourself in the city, make sure to explore these hidden gems and mainstream marvels — they are the beating heart of Chennai’s artistic and fashionable identity.