Fashion career profile
Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre is an Indian fashion designer and entrepreneur whose work connects contemporary clothing with Indian craft and artisan practice. After earning a degree in fashion design, she founded her fashion business in 1995 with two sewing machines and family support. Its portfolio developed beyond her namesake couture work: Global Desi launched in 2007, while Grassroot launched in 2015 as a line centered on craft and more responsible materials. The official portfolio describes her as Chairwoman and Chief Creative Officer leading Anita Dongre Couture, Grassroot, AND and Global Desi, while the labels retain distinct identities. Dongre’s design references include the textiles and craft traditions she encountered during family visits to Jaipur, alongside a practical approach to modern Indian dress. In 2017, the Grassroot label opened a New York store in SoHo, extending that work to a wider audience. Through Grassroot and the Anita Dongre Foundation, she has supported craft revival, vocational training and employment for women artisans. Her profile separates her founder role from the histories of the several labels built within the broader company.
- Role
- Founder, House of Anita Dongre
- Nationality
- Indian
- Age
- 63
- House of Anita Dongre — Founder1995–End not documented · status not documented
- House founded: House of Anita Dongre founded in 1995Dongre’s official biography describes starting with two sewing machines and family support. · House of Anita Dongre
- Label launch: Global Desi founded in 2007The label’s brand page credits Dongre as chairwoman and chief creative officer of a multi-label fashion company. · Global Desi
- Label launch: Grassroot launched in August 2015The line was developed around craft, environmental values and artisan work. · Business Today
- International expansion: Grassroot SoHo store opened in 2017The New York store presented a distinct label, not the full House portfolio. · Vogue
- Craft and livelihoods: Grassroot supports craft revival and employment for rural artisansThe Fashion Design Council of India documents the initiative and vocational training through the Anita Dongre Foundation. · Fashion Design Council of India
- 1995 — Founds House of Anita DongreThe fashion business begins with a small family-supported operation.
- 2007 — Launches Global DesiThe label introduces a distinct India-inspired fusionwear portfolio.
- 2015 — Launches GrassrootThe line foregrounds craft, environmental values and artisan relationships.
- 2017 — Opens Grassroot store in New York’s SoHoThe store takes the label to an international retail audience.