When it comes to designer-wear, people of Chennai unfortunately don't have an awful lot of choice. Nevertheless, a discerning few anxiously wait for the SEWA and Shefali annual exhibition sales that are popularly hosted at the Vimonisha gallery at Nungambakkam.

But, the winds of change seems to be blowing, with the advent of M'Zuri Sana, a popular, mid-level store selling garments, handicrafts and furniture designed by Jodhpur-based Aneeta Mathur who recently opened this outlet in Teynampet.



This boutique is known for its signature sequins, bead work, block-printed styles such as flower-printed cotton khadis, sequined chunnis, ubiquitous Patiala salwars and churidhars to name a few. Looking for something that is ethnic, yet contemporary? Then look no further, for this boutique, too, has a multitude of skirts and tops that are suitable for any given occasion.

Apart from clothes, the boutique is also known for its hand-painted and lacquered handicrafts as well as wooden furniture amongst others, which makes for a perfect gift option.

Kilol is yet another place that one can check out for more Rajasthani wear. Tucked away on the first floor of a building at Nungambakkam Road, this store has lovely thin cotton kurtas with paisley prints or block-printed unstitched salwar suits that are perfect for the city's searing summers.

Light cotton sarees that come in a combination of ethnic prints and designs can be found here as well. Other ethnic items include home furnishings, wooden artefacts, silver jewellery and sequined mojiris.

Being designer-wear, their prices do leave a substantial dent in one's wallet, so do be fair-warned.