Ashwin Thiyagarajan opens first flagship store in Chennai

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Jul 3, 2018

The menswear and bridalwear designer Ashwin Thiyagarajan has opened his first ever flagship store in Chennai’s Adyar area.

Ashwin Thiyagarajan chose Chennai, where his eponymous fashion brand is based, to open his first flagship store. The shop, located in the city’s quaint Adyar district, houses both his men’s and women’s collections which comprise everything from western wear to traditional bridalwear.

Thiyagarajan told The Hindu about his design aesthetic: “I take something regular, and add some unconventional elements like drapes, sheer panels and pleats on top.” For Thiyagarajan’s latest menswear collection, he has created his own take on formal wear with decorative pleated elements and frayed hems. A notable piece from the collection is a black Bandhgala with a pleated cloth detail over one shoulder.

Thiyagarajan describes the Chennai fashion consumer as “conservative” and explains that his more outlandish designs both show his design voice and catch shoppers’ attention but that they usually purchase one of his more traditional designs. Thiyagarajan’s bridalwear comprises sarees and gowns and these also have their own section in his store. Inspired by flowers and their shapes, many of Thiyagarajan’s womenswear designs also incorporate natural looking embroidery and leaf motifs.