Think up-market, and Khader Nawaz Khan Road, undoubtedly, the city's high-end fashion street, comes to mind.

For the fashion-conscious brigade, there is the line of Tarun Tahiliani or Rohit Bal, or city-based high-profile designers like Rehane and Erum Ali. However, if it's difficult to afford one of these, don't lose heart as numerous boutiques with equally-good ensemble are slowly sprouting all across the city.

A fairly new-kid-on-the-block is Brass Tacks Madras stocking contemporary western wear designed by Anaka Narayanan, whose mother, incidentally, is a partner of the renowned Shilpi.

Made from breathable, natural, handmade fabric with emphasis on designer cuts, Brass Tacks Madras ' designs are unfussy, and easy on the eye. What makes this boutique a class-apart is that the garments are made from an unusual mix of fabrics like woven cotton twill bordered with tussar silk for instance.

Other fabrics include crepe silk, mill cotton, khadi, satin and matka silk, or a combination of cotton and silk, in block prints or ikat. A simple enhancement of a top is achieved with the use of pleats, pin-tucks, cowl necks or mandarin collars.

Poonam Dewan, an NIFT Madras graduate, opened her boutique called Fabric Conexxion at Anna Nagar. This store stocks a wide range of fabrics like crepe, ikat, rajasthani fabric, brocade decorated with sequins, embroidery, mirror work, and Patiala phulkari amongst others. Ready-to-wear kurtis, and designer jute bags can be found here as well. And going the extra mile, she even provides design and tailoring services to clients.

Yet another designer-wear outlet is Seams Natural (Greenways Road) by Binu Jha, a well-known name in Chennai's fashion circle. Specialising in different kinds of Indo-western styles, her designs are uncomplicated, emphasising on the cut and the richness of the fabric. Her signature styles are her kurtis and skirts that are enhanced with exquisite embroidery and sequin work.

As is evident, designer-wear doesn't come cheap, so do ensure that your wallets are suitably loaded.

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