Designer Anita Dongre's Life - A Success Story

There is no denying that designer Anita Dongre is one of the most popular and successful Indian fashion designers. Indeed she has been at the forefront of the Indian fashion scene for over 20 years, but how did she succeed and get so famous?

 

First, as she always loved fashion and style, she studied designing from SNDT, Juhu - a leading Indian fashion school in which she graduated in 1983 - and Bcom from Narsee Monjee. Then to realise her passion for design, she and her sister Meena Sehra, acquired two sewing machines in order to create and supply clothes to a boutique called Saks which was frequented by Bollywood stars. She made a line made from linen for the boutique which agreed to sell her collections. It was a success and Saks wanted more of her creations and this is what launched her career in the world of fashion. And then for few years Anita Dongre not only supplied to famous boutiques in major Indian cities, but also in other cities all around the world.

 

After these experiences she finally decided to create her own label with fresh ideas. The boutiques thought that it will not work, but she travelled several times and had seen that trends were changing. She wanted to design something that urban women can wear and the only way to do it were to retail by herself and so found her own business.

Supported by her sister and also her brother who left his job to join them, thus the company And Designs India Ltd. (ADIL) was created in 1998 and the ascent to success started here. 

 

 

In mid-1999, the label “AND”, which offers a collection of western wear, was launched as an answer to the growing needs of the Indian woman. Today the label remains and has evolved to keep pace with its clients’ changing lifestyles.

At the core of the fashion industry she was able to realise one of her dreams and launch her couture design label “ANITA DONGRE”. It was launched in 2000 at IGEDO, an international forum.

Anita Dongre is the only Indian Designer chosen to showcase her collection at the Finale of the IGEDO Spring Summer Fashion Show. The signature label includes different sub-label that cover varied needs in the market: TIMELESS, IINTERPRET, GRASSROOT, MENSWEAR and recently launched PINKCITY which is a line of jewelry. 

The last of ADIL’s high fashion brands launched in 2007 it is called “GLOBAL DESI”. It is inspired by Indian heritage of colours, fabrics, prints etc.

Anita Dongre's inimitable creations have reached award shows, global red carpets, international catwalks and the pages of many other events. She acquired the loyalty of everyday kind of people and also several celebrities such as Shraddha Kapoor, Anuradha Mahindra, Juhi Chawla, Neha Dhupia, Urmila Matondkar and more.

 

   

  Lakme Fashion Week 2013 and 2014 respectively

   

Anita Dongre at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Ressort 2014

 

And now more than a designer, she has been ranked among one of the 50 most powerful women in business. With her dreams in mind she worked with passion and perseverance and has built what we can call an empire.

 

If you want to see more about Anita Dongre, click here!

 

Designer Anita Dongre at Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014

One of the best-known Indian designers at the forefront of the Indian fashion scene for over 20 years, Anita Dongre, was present once again to display her latest collection at Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014. She participated not only as a designer but she is also on the Advisory Board of the event. Indeed her experience and her knowledge are incredibly valuable for the management of such an event. 

As her passion to contemporise Indian heritage, she showcased her latest beautiful collection called “India Modern” on the third day of Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014. This collection celebrated Indian crafts and textiles in a modern context with contemporary designs and shapes. Anita Dongre brought to the runway beautiful Indian clothes such as bridal lehengas paired with crop tops, embroidered pants, couture gowns etc. All made with fabrics, colors and techniques that show the talent of the Indian craft with the modern touch of the designer. It is described as a reflection of an assured 21st century confident woman, who is sensuous, determined and knows exactly what she wants, yet cherishes her Indian roots.

The show was presented by the tea manufacturer Taj Mahal Tea. Anita Dongre loves drinking tea, in particular she likes the Taj Mahal brand's teas and that is why she said, “I think it is a good association”.  But not only about her tea preference but this association it is also linked with her passion for Indian heritage and that is what she explained: “It is heritage yet contemporary and is a connoisseur's choice, which is why I have associated with the brand."

Let’s have a look on the beautiful pictures of this remarkable show:

 

Anita Dongre on the runway with models

Want to see more videos about Lakme Fashion week? 

LIMITED EDITION - Unique Scarves Designed by Indian Designer Khyati Sahni

Have you heard about the scarves’ collection from designer Khyati Sahni ? You must hurry if you want to get one of these outstanding scarves that are available for less than one month!

We appreciate this collection because of its bright colours and the original patterns.This lovely range will perfectly match with all of your styles. Let’s see some of the styles that we particularly chose and matched with creations of others designers.

 

The Floral appliqued scarf of Designer Khyati Sahni with
the Red Fine Polka Dots Dress of Designer Michelle Salins

This adorable white scarf has hand woven stripe detailing on its border and gorgeous floral applique work in red. It is great with this red polka dotted sleeveless dress for casuals outing.

 

The Striking Pink Sequined Scarf of Designer Khyati Sahni with
the Black Two Tiered Dress of Designer Michelle Salins

This Pink scarf with its rows of sequin work adds a touch of glamour to this fully lined black outfit with embroidered shoulder. A unique style to feel original and confident.

The Designer Khyati Sahni’s Animal Print Beaded Scarf with 
Designer Neeru Kumar’s Kantha Vintage Reversible Jacket

This scarf has animal prints all over it in the colours of white, black and brown complemented by vibrant red border that has crochet lace with bead work embroidery on it. This perfectly matches with this one of a kind jacket made with vintage fabrics.

 

What about the designer? Khyati Sahni is an Indian accessories designer who designs gorgeous scarves with playful feminine detailing. The designs are beautifully adorned with lovely tassels and pretty embroideries. Her sophisticated products work well with varieted looks.  

See more here

An Indian/Western Style Jacket: The Bandhgala Jacket

You have to go to an event and you know that everyone will probably wear a tuxedo but you want to be different. Or maybe you just want to try something original so the Bandhgala will perfectly suit you for what you want.

This particular Jacket is a shorter version of an Achkan, a long collared jacket with button that evolved after a blend of European and Indian style in the mid-19th century. Indeed the Bandhgala sports a western cut with an Indian touch, like hand embroidered detailing and a Nehru collar. Although its popularity is mainly due to Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister), who as a leader spread the style by extensively wearing this style of jacket.

Bandhgala's are also popular and are worn by celebrities. For example Actor Shah Rukh Khan was once spotted in a black bandhgala. Also Kabir Bedi and Saif Ali Khan have frequently worn them. “The bandhgala represents India and is the best answer to a formal suit,” said Kabir Bedi.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan

Actor Kabir Bedi

Saif Ali Khan

The formal jackets are usually make with silk, cashmere, khadi, wool but you can also find Bandhgalas made with linen, cotton chino and silk. More and more designers are using lighter fabrics to make jackets as light as possible.

Who said though that these jackets are only for a special event? You can wear it with trousers for weddings or more formal occasions. You can also wear a coat with it or combine with a pair of jeans and stay elegant in more casual moments. Depending on what you like you can find them in different colours from bright to dark.

 

Black Linen Nehru Jacket 

This Jacket was made by Indian Fashion Designer Manoviraj Khosla. He creates contemporary styles using tradional Indian Techniques.

Do you want to get your own? Have a look at this collection of designer bandhgalas.