Anita Dongre Founder Of House of Anita Dongre: Journey to 1400 crore Fashion Empire India Richest Fashion Designer in 2025

Anita Dongre is a name synonymous with luxury fashion in India. As the founder of House of Anita Dongre and AND, she has transformed the fashion industry with her stylish designs and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with just two sewing machines in a small Mumbai apartment, Anita now leads a Rs 1400 crore empire with over 270 stores across India and a flagship in New York. Her journey from a modest beginning to becoming India’s richest female fashion designer is a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born and raised in Mumbai, Anita grew up watching her mother sew clothes, sparking her interest in design. Her childhood visits to Jaipur exposed her to the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans, further fueling her passion. After completing a fashion design degree at SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai, Anita decided to turn her love for creating clothes into a career. Her early focus was on designing modern, stylish outfits for working women, a gap she noticed in the market.

Building a Fashion Empire

In 1995, Anita launched her first brand, AND, opening a store in Mumbai’s Crossroads Mall. The brand quickly gained popularity for its chic, accessible clothing. Building on this success, she established House of Anita Dongre, which now includes four brands:

• House of Anita Dongre (1995): Luxury bridal wear for weddings and special occasions.

• Global Desi (2008): Vibrant, everyday clothing with a bohemian flair.

• Pinkcity Fine Jewellery (2013): Traditional Indian jewelry with modern touches.

• Grassroot by Anita Dongre (2016): Sustainable, contemporary clothing inspired by Indian crafts.

Her company employs over 2,500 people and generates a turnover of Rs 800 crore annually. In 2017, Anita became the first Indian woman designer to open a store in New York’s SoHo, and she plans to launch her first Middle East store in Dubai Mall in 2025.

Overcoming Challenges

Anita’s path to success was not without obstacles. Coming from a traditional family where men typically handled business, she faced resistance when pursuing entrepreneurship. Early on, retailers were hesitant to stock her modern designs, which blended Indian aesthetics with contemporary styles. Instead of giving up, Anita took a bold step by launching her own brand and opening stores to showcase her vision. Her determination and focus on quality helped her win over customers and retailers alike.

Social Impact and Sustainability

Beyond fashion, Anita is committed to social causes. She supports women’s empowerment by providing training and jobs to rural artisans, allowing them to work from their villages without migrating. Her Grassroot brand promotes sustainable fashion by using eco-friendly materials and traditional techniques. Anita also partners with NGOs to support education and healthcare for underprivileged communities, making her brand a force for good.

Achievements and Net Worth

With a net worth of Rs 1400 crore, Anita Dongre is India’s richest female fashion designer. Her designs have been worn by celebrities like Nita Ambani, Priyanka Chopra, and Kareena Kapoor. She has received awards such as the Vogue India Designer of the Year and recognition from the Economic Times for her contributions to Indian fashion. Her 270+ stores and global presence in the US and soon the Middle East highlight her brand’s massive reach.

FAQs

Q: Who is Anita Dongre?
A: Anita Dongre is a Mumbai-based fashion designer and founder of House of Anita Dongre and AND, known for her luxury and sustainable clothing brands.

Q: How did Anita Dongre start her business?
A: She began in 1995 with two sewing machines in her Mumbai apartment, launching AND and later expanding to four brands under House of Anita Dongre.

Q: What is Anita Dongre’s net worth?
A: Her net worth is approximately Rs 1400 crore, making her India’s richest female fashion designer.

Q: Where can I find Anita Dongre’s stores?
A: Her 270+ stores are across India, with a flagship in New York’s SoHo and a planned store in Dubai Mall in 2025.

Q: How does Anita Dongre support sustainability?
A: Through her Grassroot brand, she uses eco-friendly materials and supports rural artisans, promoting sustainable fashion and women’s empowerment.