International Designer Anita Dongre Drapes An Eastern Flair on Houstonians

Walking down Broadway in NYC, I feel awed by the varieties of fashion available around me. I see elements of every culture on Earth represented in a fusion of colors, patterns, and styles. But, as I enter Anita Dongre’s boutique, I am instantly transported back to a more familiar world. Her collections are unapologetically Indian, and her choice of designs hark back to a more regal age, but updated for a modern style. Known as “Queen of Pret”, her collections are made “ready to wear” and suitable for anyone from any culture.

AADAH LEHENGA A silk lehenga in a vivid violet shade, handcrafted with the brilliance of gota patti, dori, pearl, zardosi, cut dana & thread work. The Aadah Lehenga is majestically constructed for your special day.

ZEENA LEHENGA Wildflowers and regal architectural motifs embroidered to perfection down to the tiniest detail, on opulent fabric. The wine hued Zeena Lehenga is perfect for a royal wedding and features gota patti, dori, pearl, zardosi, sequins, zari, cut dana & thread work.

SUVARNA LEHENGA Inspired by the majestic arches and intricate marble inlay seen in Rajasthan’s ancient palaces, the Suvarna Lehenga is beautifully embroidered with gota patti, dori, pearls, zardosi, sequins, zari, cut dana and thread work. This fuchsia pink silk lehenga is perfect for the bride who isn’t afraid to stand out.

NIRA LEHENGA Inspired by the majestic architecture of Rajasthan’s ancient palaces, the Nira Lehenga is beautifully embroidered with gota patti, dori, pearls, zardosi, sequins, zari, cut dana and thread work. This silk lehenga in a garnet red shade is perfect for the classic bride.

FIRAKI LEHENGA A contemporary classic, the Firaki Lehenga is crafted to perfection in gold tissue and is intricately embroidered with motifs reminiscent of forest flowers. The lehenga is paired with an embroidered choli and dupattas in cream and gold.

MEHAR LEHENGA Subtle hues of whimsy blend with floral motifs in this marigold yellow lehenga. The Mehar Lehenga, embroidered with the traditional crafts of zardozi, resham and zari, is the perfect destination wedding ensemble. It is paired with an embroidered yellow choli and net dupatta.

NEYSA LEHENGA The vivid red Neysa Lehenga is graced with playful floral and elephant motifs printed on it. Paired with a matching dupatta and choli with zari and sequins work, the lehenga is perfect for a dreamy day wedding.

MANA LEHENGA Dressed in motifs of wildflowers and vines from lush summer forests, the lime green Mana Lehenga is perfect for a destination wedding. This foil printed lehenga is paired with an embroidered choli and dupatta.

(L-R) LEYA LEHENGA | LAILA LEHENGA | LAASYA LEHENGA LEYA LEHENGA: Dressed in motifs of wildflowers and vines from lush Indian forests, the deep pink Leya Lehenga is perfect for a destination wedding. This lightweight foil printed lehenga is paired with an embroidered choli and foil printed dupatta. LAILA LEHENGA: Dressed in motifs of wildflowers and vines from lush Indian forests, the rust orange Laila Lehenga is perfect for a destination wedding. This lightweight foil printed lehenga is paired with an embroidered choli and foil printed dupatta. LAASYA LEHENGA Dressed in motifs of wildflowers and vines from lush Indian forests, the rose pink Laasya Lehenga is perfect for a destination wedding. This lightweight foil printed lehenga is paired with an embroidered choli and foil printed dupatta.

(L-r) AMAIRA SAREE | AMRITA SAREE | ANANYA SAREE Amaira Saree: A red Benarasi silk saree handwoven with floral motifs, exquisitely crafted with the traditional Rajasthani embroideries of gota patti, dori, pearl, zardozi and sequin work. Amrita Saree: A handwoven Benarasi silk saree in emerald green, exquisitely crafted with the traditional Rajasthani embroideries of gota patti, dori, pearl, zardozi and sequin work. Ananya Saree: A black handwoven Benarasi silk saree, exquisitely crafted with the traditional Rajasthani embroideries of gota patti, dori, pearl, zardozi and sequin work.

KAIA SAREE A lime green Benarasi saree, exquisitely crafted in fine silk and embellished with traditional Rajasthani gota patti work.

Now Anita has brought those designs to the Houston scene. She recently showcased her collection during a luncheon and trunk show organized by Sneha Merchant at the Post Oak Hotel. Dongre addressed over 70 guests, speaking about her experiences in dressing the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, and her commitment to the environment and programs for underprivileged women artisans. The prominent designer has dressed everyone from Beyonce to Hillary Clinton and Priyanka Chopra.

“We need to empower our women by providing them sustained, gainful livelihood opportunities in their own villages, without them having to migrate elsewhere,” said Dongre. “Through our Foundation, we provide skilled artisans with work and train unskilled labor at community tailoring units. We also provide them with employment opportunities in the comfort of their own villages. This is the single most powerful philosophy and driving force for me.”

Dongre showcased her latest collection of bridal couture, menswear, ready-to-wear womenswear and silver jewelry. Over 700 Houstonians came out to shop over the weekend-long event. A percentage of the sales were donated to Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides free surgeries for children in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial or dental conditions.

Event co-hosts included Sadaf Chaudhry, Stacey Lindseth, Shehla Rana, Mona Khan, Sanah Khan, Sabiha Rehmutalla, Amy Dichoso, Shara Kuy, Viet Huong and Nikki Haq. Guests included Yash Dongre, Pooja Lodhia, Jessica Hatch, Miss Houston Blaine Ochoa, Dr Monica Patel, Munir Ibrahim, amongst others.

Ms. Merchant says, “I was so happy to introduce my friends to Anita Dongre as her collection is so versatile that it can be worn at any event. Her skirts are so timeless and can be passed on for generations–like owning a classic Chanel bag and being able to pass it down to my daughter.”

I asked Anita behind the scenes, if she would have a show in NY Fashion Week, to which she very politely answered, “Not really, because I don’t really need any validation from the west.” She suggested that we Indians should wholeheartedly embrace ourselves, our culture, and our outfits.

She also mentioned that she was not obsessed by celebrities, and instead drew her inspiration from real, strong women. With a smile, she told me that, after this show in Houston she became very inspired by the way I wore her tunic and how Sneha paired her lehenga with a white button down shirt. High praise from such a talented designer.

House of Anita Dongre consists of an Anita Dongre flagship in New York City, two stores in Mauritius and over 1,000 retail locations across India.

Photos by Quy Tran