Threads of Style: Anjali’s Vision for Inclusive Fashion

Anjali imbued the essence of a visionary costume designer with the strokes of her philosophy. For her, designing transcended mere aesthetics; it was a celebration of individuality and inclusivity. Comfort, inclusivity across all ages and body shapes, and an unyielding dedication to authenticity were her guiding lights. In Anjali’s realm, kindness, respect, and a profound understanding of unique needs weren’t just virtues; they were the very essence of triumph.

In her hands, the fashion cosmos transformed into a vibrant tapestry where each thread narrated tales of passion, every hue symbolized resilience, and every stitch embodied the unwavering pursuit of dreams.

Please share your journey into the world of fashion design? What inspired you to pursue a career in this creative field? 

In the tapestry of my life, muses have always played the role of guiding stars. From my mother to my daughter, and the vibrant hues of nature, they’ve been the brushstrokes of my inspiration. My journey as a designer didn’t start on a grand stage but in the quiet depths of my own creativity. At sixteen, I began to weave my destiny, crafting outfits that not only won me the Miss Haryana crown but also set the stage for a dazzling career. The symphony of colors, the essence of nature, and the intricacies of Indian handicrafts became the palette from which I drew my inspirations.

As my creations graced international runways, the plot thickened, and my passion for design only grew stronger.

How would you describe your design aesthetic in a few words? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently influence your work?

Once upon a time, in the quiet corners of my childhood, I found myself entwined with the magic of observation. Nature whispered its secrets, and beauty unfolded its palette before me. In those moments, a realization blossomed – the artist within me was awakening. The corridors of formal fashion education were left untraveled; instead, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, a solitary exploration where creativity wasn’t learned but felt, an intimate conversation between my soul and the world’s intricate details.

We would love to hear about your Indian roots. How have you maintained the connection living and working abroad ?

I was Born in India and I love everything about our culture and Indian fashion. I never lost my connect with my roots and my goal is to make Indian fashion a global phenomenon.

Do you believe that fashion has the power to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding? 

The overall development of the society play a significant role in shaping the minds of people. It, in turn, has an effect on the lifestyle and culture of the individuals. The dressing is an essential part of every culture.The type of garment, colors, weaving patterns, embellishments, embroidery, fabric and styling vary from one culture to another. You will hardly find any similarity between the fashion choices of Indian and African natives. While people in Europe like pastel shades, Indians go for bright and festive colors.

Earlier, people were not so open about incorporating elements of other cultures in their traditional dressing patterns.

Earlier, geographical distance, lack of communication, made it difficult for people from different backgrounds to mingle with each other. It restricted the progress of society and humanity. But changing times changed the entire scenario.

With easy access to social media and other communication tools and globalization, Indians can purchase western and international labels. On the other hand, traditional Indian work of small town of India has rocked the ramps in New York.  Open communication has helped in success and opening a new dimension for fashion.

How do you envision the future of fashion, especially considering technological advancements and changing consumer preferences?

Fashion has undergone significant evolution. Personally, I don’t adhere to trends; instead, I prioritize comfort. Trends come and go—wearing a glamorous dress with sneakers or sporting sneakers on the runway is a trend. The new trend, in my opinion, is whatever complements your body type and feels fashionable and comfortable simultaneously. Fashion has seen a complete transformation. Models are now seen endorsing sneakers on the runway, even removing their shoes altogether. It’s a complete 360-degree shift.

Fashion is a global phenomenon, beloved by people worldwide. Each individual has their own unique style and body type, and what works in fashion varies globally. Fashion is an art form, with each country offering its own interpretation. For me, fashion transcends borders—it’s a universal language. Indian fashion, in particular, has gained global recognition and appreciation.

Today, consumer preferences lean towards comfortable and relaxed fits over flashy and extravagant styles. The future of fashion appears promising with the advent of digital platforms, AI, and metaverse fashion platforms.