New York is a city packed full of sights, here's another to put on your list - Anita Dongre's first flagship store. The designer hinted at opening a store in NYC for 'time-poor' Stateside brides in our exclusive interview in 2017, and now she's done it.
The new store offers shoppers some of the label's most acclaimed collections including the sustainable luxury brand Grassroot, as well as bridal couture, menswear and pret all under one roof. The space is located at 473 West Broadway in Manhattan, right in the heart of the city's most vibrant shopping areas.
The three-story store spans over 4,500sq ft. You can find menswear in the basement alongside the pret collection while the ground floor is dedicated to the ethically focused Grassroot collection, and features natural wood floors and fixtures with brass hardware. The upper level is dedicated to bridal, ready-to-wear and fine jewellery.
Inside Anita Dongre NYC
The Anita Dongre bridal, pret and menswear sections seek to recreate spatial patterns of the architecture of Rajasthan, a region that influences Anita’s work significantly, transporting us to a bygone era and tje regal splendour of a stately Haveli.
The Grassroot space, truly emotes the brand’s philosophy – revive, sustain and empower. The décor is accented by elements in rose gold, cork and sustainable sourced wood. Every detail is carefully considered, from custom-made racks that nod to the shuttles used in hand weaving to the dreamy wall panels of handwoven chanderi and handspun cotton that illustrate the brand's journey.
Much like old Indian homes, the rooms of the store meander into one another without any formal borders. It's very much a progression of spaces akin to a loved house, with many rooms and passages intermingling. The space takes shape with the various architectural elements that define Rajasthan – arches, jallis, nooks and corners, niches & alcoves.
Simple classic hand-crafted furniture with inlay and white metal are inter-spaced with bespoke colonial furniture upholstered in custom designed embroidered fabrics, lending an ambiance of quiet luxury and elegance.
The launch was co-hosted by Dongre's good friend Fern Mallis. Guests to the launch included Kelly Rutherford, Courtney Sharma, Monica Dogra, Bibhu Mohapatra, Babi Ahluwalia, Suhel Seth, Diva Dhawan, Rasika Navare, Maria Che, Elizabeth Zayas, Megan Brody and Ashika Pratt.
Talk of the town: the designer with Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford
In attendance: Rasika Navare, Maria Che and Ashika PrattFrom left: Monica Dongra wearing Grassroot by Anita Dongre and left Diva Dhawan
Sharing her thoughts, Anita says, "I’ve always loved the multicultural vibe of New York City and I'm extremely excited to take Indian Bridal couture to New York.
Earlier brides had to travel to India, in order to visit my store. Now, with the launch of a more easily accessible store the bride, groom and their family can enjoy the luxury and experience with bespoke services at the flagship Anita Dongre store. I also feel a sense of pride in taking Indian fashion to the city of dreams – New York." Top left: designer Anita Dongre, top right,Suhel Seth, Anita Dongre and Yash Dongre and bottom, Maria Che, Elizabeth Zayas and Megan Brody.
Next stop London, right Anita?
See Anita Dongre's Lakme Fashion Week collection here and read the designer's exclusive interview with Khush Wedding here.
Shop the collections online at
• www.AnitaDongre.com