Pure and Simple

Anjali Bhaskar, designer and founder, Samatvam, shares the story of her brand and her new line, Samatvam PURE with Brinda Gill

- Brinda Gill

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO STEP INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

Growing up, I was always creatively inclined. I enjoyed all creative expressions – from sketching and painting, to trousseau packing to bed cover designing. I have had no formal training in fashion and chose to learn on the job, journeying through every minor detail and its process. I have over 14 years of experience in this industry. The most important lesson I have learnt is that designing is all about detail. I have worked with, and under, well-known designers like Shantanu & Nikhil and Suneet Verma, and have gained in-depth knowledge of fashion, designing, production, administration, business and more.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO SET UP YOUR OWN BRAND?

I am a spiritual person and I believe that there is a higher power above us all. My spiritual guru encouraged me to start something of my own. His confidence in me and persuasion motivated me to start my label. After procuring enough knowledge about the craft of fashion designing, the technicalities and administration of the business, I decided to launch my label in 2010. Being a calm person is one of my primary characteristics, and I follow that principle in everyday life. That is how I came up with the brand name Samatvam. It means equilibrium – a calm state of mind, which is an extension of myself.

WHAT DID YOU HAVE IN MIND FOR YOUR BRAND?