Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week we chat with renowned Indian designer and founder of her namesake label, Anita Dongre. After first launching House of Anita Dongre from the balcony of her apartment, this designer has brought conscious luxury to the red carpet and for big weddings in India.
Loved by highly-reputable names including royalty and celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Beyoncé and Priyanka Chopra, the label has seamlessly disrupted the norm of the luxury category.
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After gaining worldwide recognition and being in the industry for over 30 years, Dongre has finally opened a brick-and-mortar in the heart of the Emirate at The Dubai Mall to now reinvent the fashion world for women in this part of the world. From Indo-western jumpsuits to heavy skirts, the options for any next wedding function or special occasion are endless.
With sustainability at the forefront, the brand continuously empowers women artisans and craftsmen in India. The brand focuses on ethical production from start to finish with biodegradable packaging to disrupt the norm of the luxury category.
To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with this fashion designer to find out more about her entrepreneurial journey and what led her to launch her own label.
What was your favourite subject at school?
English! English was my favourite subject at school.
What was your first job?
I started as a design assistant at a fashion export house.
What brought you to Dubai?
I’ve wanted to open a store in Dubai forever. I have a lot of families in Dubai that I have been visiting for years and have always, always wanted a store here. I also think there’s a certain sensibility that both Indian and Middle Eastern women have in common and I think it will be interesting to explore that.
What inspired you to enter the fashion space and launch your namesake brand?
I loved fashion since I was 15 years old. I felt this innate need to express myself through design and that’s how the brand came into being.
Talk us through the inspiration behind your pieces.
I am deeply inspired by nature and crafts. It just makes me very happy to be collaborating and working closely with craftspeople. Mindful living is something I feel strongly about. Being kind to the planet is a constant practice so yes, those are my two driving factors when it comes to my designs.
What are the key elements of your role?
Well, God is in the details and as a luxury brand, every aspect of the consumer experience is a constant strive for excellence. I oversee everything from design and production to store interiors, sales and marketing.
Talk us through your daily routine?
I am an early riser, so I meditate and do Pilates in the morning. Then I work through the day from the office. Evenings are for a relaxing stroll and an early dinner. Catch up on some reading and then off to bed.
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What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Be passionate, be consistent and never give up. You cannot get anywhere without discipline and perseverance.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
It’s from my Dad. He always said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” He inculcated mindfulness with money in me at a young age.
And what is the worst?
That Women shouldn’t be ambitious.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
The societal challenges of being an ambitious woman.
What are the future plans for your brand?
To continually understand our consumer better and expand our global footprint to be closer to our consumer wherever she is.
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