145 East arrives in Chennai, reimagining Bengal’s gamcha into contemporary, summer-ready silhouettes

A textile once confined to everyday utility finds renewed purpose on Chennai’s fashion map this weekend. The Kolkata-based label, 145 East, founded by mother-son duo Shoma Badoni and Rishabh Badoni, has steadily built a following for transforming the humble gamcha towels into elevated, design-led fashion. At Studio Samasta, the collection features a summer-ready edit of ankle-length dresses, palazzo pants, and saris — all inspired by the traditional gamcha textile of Bengal. 

While gamcha is often associated with the familiar red-and-white check, the collection reveals a border palette. “There are also multicoloured versions like purple with red checks, and blue palettes. We haven’t redesigned the fabric, these colours already exist. What we try to do is make them feel contemporary through our modern silhouettes,” says Revathi Lakshman, designer, 145 East.  

Sari from 145 East collection
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The inception of the brand can be traced to a personal memory and purpose. Shoma grew up in Chandannagar, West Bengal, where her father, a doctor, treated gamcha weavers who were struggling as demand for the textile declined. “Gamcha had become just a towel in people’s minds. The textile was dying, and no one was giving the weavers work,” says Revathi. 

What began as a small fundraiser in 2015 — experimenting with upholstery, accessories and notebooks — gradually evolved into a full-fledged fashion label. The name itself carries nostalgia: inspired by the family home address in Kolkata, 145 Jodhpur Park, paired with ‘East’ an ode to Bengal. 

“The biggest challenge is the narrow yardage of the fabric. We end up using much more yardage than usual,” says Revathi. “We also make sure that we pick the gamcha with the highest thread count to get the best fabrics for our designs,” she further adds.

From 145 East collection
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The Chennai edit is created keeping the city’s hot climate in mind. “The brand is known for its long, flowy dresses, so we made sure to include those. You can expect poppy colours that feel right for the season,” says Revathi. 

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Ultimately, the brand hopes customers walk away with more than a garment. “You’ll only start loving it more with time. It’s lightweight, breathable and perfect for the Indian climate,” adds Revathi. 

Priced ₹2,500 onwards, the 145 East edit is on display from February 25 to March 3, at Studio Samasta, Alwarpet from 11am to 7pm.