Madras Check Cotton Maxi Dress — Chiara
- Project Runway designer · Trained at Alexander McQueen
- Low stock - 1 item left
- Inventory on the way
Sandhya's note
Chiara is built from Amalfi coast inspired Madras checks — the handwoven cotton check that takes its name from Madras, now Chennai, where it has been woven for generations. Coral, red, navy and green run through it on a white ground, and I cut it into asymmetric panels so the checks change direction across the skirt rather than running straight down. The neckline and the diagonal seam are finished with artisanal micro tassel fringe, knotted by hand.
It is a floor-length maxi on fine straps, sleeveless, with a loose bohemian fit that skims rather than grips. One of a kind — this is not a print I have repeated.
The details
- 100% cotton, lightweight and breathable
- Sleeveless, fine shoulder straps, square neckline
- Asymmetric panelled skirt in contrasting Madras checks
- Hand-knotted micro tassel fringe at the neckline and seam
- Loose bohemian fit — this style fits true to size
- Model is 5 foot 9 and wearing a size Small
- Sizes XS to XXL · $328
Where to wear it
This is a hot-weather dress first. Beach holidays, resort days, cruise mornings, long lunches by the water. Cotton and a loose cut are the two things that actually matter at thirty degrees, and this has both. With flat sandals and a straw hat it is daytime; with gold earrings and a heel it moves to a beach wedding or a dinner on a terrace. The checks photograph well against sand and sea, which is where it was shot.
Fabric and care
Pure cotton, which breathes and softens with every wash instead of wearing thin. Machine or hand wash inside out on cold, delicate cycle, and hang dry — tumble drying is what shrinks cotton and dulls a check. Press on the reverse. Be gentle with the tassel fringe; it is the slowest part of the dress to make and the first thing that will show rough handling.
Fit and sizing
True to size, and the loose cut gives room through the body. If you fall between two sizes, take the smaller one — there is no fitted waist to accommodate. Check the size chart before ordering, and note that the model is 5 foot 9: on a shorter frame this will pool slightly at the floor, which many people like but is worth knowing. Any style can be made to your measurements for $50 to $100 above retail, including hem length.
Returns and more
- Non-custom and unaltered dresses are returnable within 10 days
- Free US shipping on orders over $250 · Afterpay available
- Ships from Scottsdale, Arizona within 1 to 3 business days
- Questions? Contact labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madras check?
Madras is a lightweight handwoven cotton check that originated in Madras, now Chennai, in southern India. It is traditionally woven in bright, slightly irregular plaids and it is one of the coolest cottons you can wear in heat, which is why it has been a resort and summer fabric for over a century. The small irregularities in the check are the mark of a handwoven cloth, not a flaw.
Is this dress good for a beach wedding?
Yes, as a guest. It is floor length, it moves in wind, and cotton will not stick to you in humidity the way a synthetic will. Pair it with flat or block-heeled sandals rather than a stiletto, since beach and garden ceremonies mean soft ground. Avoid it if the dress code is formal or black tie — this is a relaxed, bohemian shape.
Does it run true to size?
Yes. The fit is loose and bohemian with no fitted waist, so it is forgiving across a range of bodies. If you are between two sizes, take the smaller one. Measure your bust and compare it to the size chart rather than going by the letter, since sizing varies between brands.
What shoes and accessories work with it?
Flat leather sandals and a straw hat for daytime, which is how it is styled in the photographs. For evening, a block heel, gold hoops and a small clutch. Keep jewellery simple — the tassel fringe and the check are already doing the work, and layered necklaces will fight the neckline.
Can I wash it at home?
Yes. Machine or hand wash inside out in cold water on a delicate cycle, then hang dry. Do not tumble dry, which shrinks cotton and flattens the colour in the check. Washing inside out protects the tassel fringe, and pressing on the reverse keeps the cotton crisp without glazing it.
Free USPS or UPS SHIPPING on all USA DOMESTIC orders above $250 (Includes Hawaii and Alaska)
All orders below $250, pay $10 Flat shipping fee.
1. What are your sizes like?
Answer- You can find our size chart here, for custom size or any question about sizes please email us on Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com
2. What is your email if I have any questions or concerns?
Answer- Email us at Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com, we are reachable 24-7. We usually respond within 5-7 hours if not before.
3. How do I care for my dress that I bought from you?
Answer- For scuba fabrics (Soft Stretchy material) you can hand/machine wash the dress inside out in cold water using mild detergent, gentle setting and hang dry. Scuba dresses usually don't need ironing but if needed you can iron them on medium setting.
-For silk fabrics gentle hand wash or dry cleaning is recommended.
-For embroidered dresses dry cleaning is recommended.
-For hand woven dresses gentle hand wash or dry cleaning is recommended.
4. What is your shipping policy?
Answer- All domestic US orders over $250 ship free automatically — no code needed. Orders ship from Scottsdale, Arizona within 1-3 days and typically arrive within 2-5 days. We use UPS or USPS trackable shipping for all US domestic orders and DHL for all internationally shipped orders.
5. What is your return policy?
Answer- We charge $20 on exchanges on sizes of the same dress. For example you bought size XS in Minara dress and you would like to exchange it for size S of Minara dress, You can do that within 14 days of receiving your order.
- Our refund policy on Custom made or altered dresses is Non-refundable.
- Refund policy on regular size (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) orders is that you can return unused, unworn garment in perfect original condition and original packaging within 10 days of receiving the order. Incase you return the garment, once we inspect the garment and approve the return you will be charged shipping fee of $20 (Domestic US) and rest of the amount will be returned to you through Sandhya Garg Gift Card. Please allow 7-14 business days for the gift card to arrive in your email.
6. Do you offer custom, made to order, bespoke services?
Answer- Yes, we offer all of the above just email us on Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com and we will discuss the possibilities with you.
7. Do you offer alterations?
Answer- Yes, we offer alterations on our regular sized dresses. Email us on Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com and we will let you know how much it would cost. We usually charge $30-$60 for any alterations.
8. Can I return altered Clothing?
Answer- Sorry, we don't accept altered dresses, trousers, jackets or tops because the garment has been already altered from its regular sizing to fit your needs.
9. Where can I come see the dresses physically and try them on?
Answer- Our studio is in Scottsdale, Arizona, and you are welcome to email us at Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com a few days in advance to book an appointment and come try things on. We also announce pop-ups, trunk shows and fashion shows on our website — signing up for our newsletter is the best way to hear about them first.
10. Can I bring my friends along to shop at your studio?
Answer- We love to throw parties at our studio. If you and your friends would like to come and shop, just email us on Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com and we will have some treats and the studio ready for you to party.
11. How do I know my dress is exclusive?
Answer- The print of the dress is exclusively designed by Sandhya herself. She draws inspiration from her travels and takes many days to research and design the print from scratch by drawing, sketching, painting, CAD and more before arriving at the final print. Every piece is designed in Los Angeles, then printed and made in India by skilled artisans, which makes sure our clothing is exclusive and top quality.
12.What is the Fabric and quality of your garments?
Answer- All of our fabrics are printed and embroidered in India. We work to ensure the finest quality of construction and never employ the use of child labor or unfair trade practices. Embellishments are meticulously hand-applied. This skill is very specialized and only performed by the greatest of heritage craftsman who have perfected their trade. We pride ourselves in supporting the Indian people (Sandhya herself comes from India and grew up around craft) at this very unique craft. The beauty of our fabrics and embellishments lie in their uniqueness and there may be slight variations in color and design. Because these pieces are 100 percent made by hand, slight variations in the placement of the patterns are to be expected (and, we think, part of the charm!)
13. Can I find your dresses at cheaper prices or do you go on sale?
Answer- We print a limited quantity of fabric and make a select number dresses with it so we rarely go on sale as we are already sold out and don't need to reduce prices. No one except us sells our clothing and you will get the best pricing on our website. We have offers for new and returning customers if you are signed up to our newsletter.
14. How should I style my dress?
Answer- We would love to send you styling tips, just email us on Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com with your dress name and occasion and we will send you amazing tips and tricks!
15. I want a dress for my daughter, can you make it?
Answer- We can definitely make a dress for your daughter, just tell us her measurements for bust, waist, hips and height. Order details with time frame and price will be sent, once all works out we make the dress and ship it to you. You can email us on Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com
