How Kolkata-based pop-up platform Pilitaxi is bringing artisanal fashion labels from across India to Chennai

To curate Pilitaxi’s first-ever pop-up in Chennai, its founder Bijaya Dutta, who describes the travelling exhibition platform as a stage for homegrown, artisanal and independent brands rooted in heritage techniques, kept the coastal city’s climate in mind. The idea, she says, was to rope in brands featuring breathable fabrics, handcrafted cottons, artisanal jewellery and handcrafted footwear. “Chennai has a strong appreciation for textiles, craftsmanship, and conscious fashion, making it a meaningful market for us,” she says.

Designs by Beige
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

With a total of 22 brands in tow, the pop-up aims to introduce the city to labels like Beige, O Layla, Winglore, Slomotion, Atouri, Woolknitters and Bahi. On their maiden outing at The Folly, Amethyst, on May 16 and 17, these brands offer not just exclusivity but also distinct craft narratives through their textiles and motifs.

A collection by Atouri
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Bijaya explains: “For instance, each Atouri garment is created at a slow pace by weavers in Bengal. Designs range from checks and handblock prints to hand embroidery. The textiles include handspun and handwoven cotton mul and linen sourced from different regions in India. Similarly, Beige uses pure fabrics and reinterprets different art forms through hand-drawn patterns that are eventually translated into ensembles using in-house prints and embroideries. Also, Woolknitters, from Himachal, celebrates traditional Kullu craftsmanship through woven wool shawls inspired by mountain life, alongside charming hand-crocheted creations like the Jhujhurana bird.”

Winglore’s quirky designs will be on display at Pilitaxi
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Born in Kolkata in 2000, Pilitaxi has hosted 63 retrospectives across nine cities, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Pune, Delhi, Gurugram and Ahmedabad. “Chennai will be our 10th stop and 64th chapter,” Bijaya informs, adding that the venue too was handpicked because its “vibe” matched with Pilitaxi.

A co-ord set by Atouri
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Bijaya maintains that the pop-up has done quite well, referencing its recent outing in Hyderabad where some brands clocked sales worth ₹2 lakh to ₹6 lakh.

Of Pilitaxi’s financial model, she says, “We do not work on a profit-sharing basis; instead, we charge a very nominal participation fee that includes marketing, promotions, furniture setup, and overall event support. Beyond sales, brands benefit from visibility, customer interaction, and being part of a thoughtfully curated community-driven platform.”

Baala Jewels
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Of the many offerings at the pop-up, Bijaya highlights two sari brands — Bunavat and Threads Per Inch. “We have occasion-wear brands like Tatwa, Gulabik, Beige and an artisanal leather footwear brand Slomotion, which will certainly appeal to the cityfolk,” Bijaya signs off.

Pop-up by Pilitaxi will be hosted at The Folly, Amethyst, on May 16 and 17. Products start at ₹500.