Crafted with Soul

Beyond the intricate embroidery and exquisite silhouettes, designer Anita Dongre is always looking into the future, weaving a deeper purpose into her brand.

- JISHNU BANDYOPADHYAY

The sky in Mumbai is a dystopian grey, and the wind is unusually cold for September. The rains have given way to a three-day red alert in Maharashtra.

But all of that swiftly slips my mind when I step into the Dongre atelier in Rabale. Between the suburbs of Airoli, among a lush expansive garden estate, I am welcomed by four-legged friends and iconic wooden elephant sculptures to where all the magic happens. The complex of buildings, with plants skirting every window, looks majestic against the breathtaking views of the hills shrouded in a thick blanket of mist. Anita Dongre greets me with a warm smile. The 61-year-old has shown up to work with the same enthusiasm as I have.

Anita Dongre, a name synonymous with contemporary Indian fashion, has carved a unique niche for herself by seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities, all while championing sustainability and ethical practices. Her journey, which began in a small Mumbai apartment, has led her to helm a global fashion house, inspiring countless aspiring designers and entrepreneurs along the way. “Rain or shine, I want to come to work every day. I have worked so hard to build all of this. It is the only thing that brings me joy,” the designer tells me.