Studio 149 Launches Its Second Store in Cenotaph Road, Chennai
A Journey Rooted in Love, Now Expanding Its Presence
Studio 149 began as the quiet dream of a young girl obsessed with clothes not just as garments, but as transformative tools of self-expression. As a child who battled weight and body-image issues, Swathi Purushothaman found empowerment through clothing that fit well, flattered her body, and made her feel confident. This sensitivity to cut, fit, and detail became the foundation of her design journey, first for herself, and later for a growing community of women.
What started as a seed of love and a few custom outfits grew organically into a full-fledged label and now, a brand that celebrates women from all walks of life on their most important days. For 13 years, Studio 149’s first home in Anna Nagar has been the heart of its growth story. But with an expanding team and design vision, it was time to take the next step.
The new store in Teynampet, on the other side of the city, marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s journey, bringing Studio 149 closer to more women, while presenting a curated, evolved experience.
Not Just a Brand—A Living, Breathing Extension of Its Creator
Studio 149 was never “built” as a brand. It blossomed organically, shaped by years of work done with love and intention. Swathi doesn’t see it as an entity; she sees it as a part of herself, a first child, nurtured over years with dedication. Moving to the UK eight years ago was the moment Studio 149 transitioned from being about a single designer to becoming a brand with a distinct identity. It became a collective voice, housing diverse ideas, silhouettes, and interpretations of beauty and womanhood.
What the Teynampet Store Represents
While the Anna Nagar store will always remain Studio 149’s first home, it will now primarily focus on the classic styles the brand is known for, especially the Kanjeevarams, half-saris, and Muhurtham silks. The new Teynampet store, in contrast, showcases:
- Lighter, size-inclusive silhouettes
- Newer cuts and contemporary styles
- Outfits for various milestones beyond weddings, from graduations and book launches to product unveilings and personal celebrations
Studio 149 is not limited to a silhouette or a season. Just like a woman is never one thing, Studio 149 strives to design for her many moods and moments allowing her to feel like the best version of herself.
The Space & Design Philosophy
The store has been thoughtfully designed by Swathi’s longtime friend and architect Shivani Joshi of Pink Coyote, who also created the Anna Nagar store. Having witnessed Studio 149’s evolution from its juvenile beginnings to a thriving brand, Shivani was given no formal brief, just trust. The result is a warm, open canvas that allows the creations to shine.
Shivani also designed the monogram-style logo and the space to mirror Studio 149’s vision: elegant yet bold, minimal yet opulent, rooted yet ever-evolving.
Swathi shares, “This isn’t just a store launch—it’s a personal milestone. I’m grateful to my parents, my grandparents, and my brother who always stood by me, especially my grandmother, who isn’t with us today but whose strength lives through me. A special thank you to my husband, who has always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. And to my son, who reminds me every day what truly matters and gives me perspective. I often say Studio 149 is my first baby, but he makes room for both—sometimes reluctantly, but always with pride.”
We’re excited to welcome you to our second home and share this beautiful space that represents 13 years of love, learning, and creativity. Only a small fraction of our work is on display today, many more creations will soon fill these racks.
New Store Address:
📍 No. 16, Wescare Towers, Cenotaph Road, Chennai – 600018
🕙 Store Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM, Monday to Saturday
