STYLE CHECK

Why Madras checks are a rage pan-India

- SRUTHI HEMACHANDRAN

FEW patterns embody both heritage and modernity like Madras checks. Reimagined in contemporary cuts, the fabric, handwoven in Madras, carries the warmth of its tropical origins and the subtle charm of hues that softly bleed into one another. The pattern has caught the attention of modern style icons such as Diana Penty, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Bhumi Pednekar, reflecting its effortless versatility and grounding its relevance in craftsmanship, character, and timeless appeal.

Madras checks have an adaptability that keeps them relevant across generations. Designer Rini Phalgunan observes that the colours shift effortlessly with different moods and eras, balancing nostalgia with contemporary style. Stylist Ambarish Sonari describes the checks as an "heirloom and an attitude in one, nostalgic in texture, modern in rhythm", carrying a charm that feels fresh in contemporary silhouettes while rooted in tradition.