At Malka London, every crown we create is more than an accessory — it’s a story. Our upcoming Madras collection is more than just a celebration of beautiful patterns and vibrant colors. It's a tribute to a remarkable journey – the fascinating story of a fabric that traveled across oceans, intertwined with cultures, and became a powerful symbol of heritage and identity in the Caribbean. Join us as we unravel the threads of this rich history, tracing the vibrant path of Madras from its origins in India to its cherished place in the heart of the Caribbean.
Where It All Began: The Origins of Madras
Madras, named after the Indian city now known as Chennai, is a lightweight cotton fabric known for its bold checkered patterns and radiant colours. Originally handwoven in India using vegetable dyes, Madras was highly valued for its breathability and beauty.
By the 17th century, Madras fabric became a popular export, traded by European colonial powers. But its journey took a darker turn when it became intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade.
The Rebirth of Madras
As history often shows, what was meant to oppress became a tool of resistance. Caribbean women, with unmatched creativity and resilience, reclaimed the Madras headwrap and transformed it into a symbol of pride, cultural identity, and feminine power.
Women began to use Madras to brighten their simple dresses, bringing vivid colour and personal expression into their wardrobes. Among the Bwa Brilé friends,this vibrant defiance became a hallmark of Caribbean style.
Over time, Madras evolved beyond fashion — it became a sophisticated means of communication. In the French Antilles, the different ways of tying a “maré tèt” (headwrap) conveyed social and marital status. The position, number of visible points, and styling of the headwrap could signal whether a woman was single, married, widowed, or romantically available.
Why Madras Matters to Malka London
For us at Malka London, the story of Madras is deeply personal. As a Caribbean woman from Martinique, honouring this heritage is a way of reclaiming history, celebrating identity, and passing down ancestral wisdom.
Our Madras Collection is a tribute to the generations of women who turned oppression into expression — who crowned themselves in defiance and dignity. By bringing Madras into the heart of Malka London, we weave history, beauty, and empowerment into every fold of fabric.
A Crown of Heritage
When you wear a Madras Crown from Malka London, you’re not just wearing a headwrap. You’re honouring the women who came before you. You’re celebrating a journey of transformation — from India to the Caribbean, from subjugation to sovereignty.
This is not just fashion. This is legacy in every thread.
The Madras Collection launches May 31.
Wear it with pride. Crown yourself with history
