Rising Stars: Meet Anjali Phougat of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjali Phougat.

Hi Anjali , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey with a deep belief that fashion is not just clothing—it is storytelling, emotion, and energy woven into fabric. From the very beginning, I was drawn to Indian heritage, spirituality, and the timeless symbolism that lives within our culture.

Over the years, I built Anjali Phougat Couture/ Designer Dream Collection as a space where Indian craftsmanship and conscious design could meet global runways. My work has always been guided by a purpose—to bring soul, meaning, and cultural depth back into fashion, while empowering artisans and celebrating our roots on international platforms.

A defining recent moment in this journey was Cannes, where I presented my Radha-inspired look. What started as a design rooted in devotion and inner expression became a global conversation. The “Designer who wore Radha at Cannes” moment wasn’t just about a look—it became a statement of identity, spirituality, and pride in Indian culture on a world stage.

Today, I am continuing this path as Anjali Phougat, the designer bringing Indian spirituality to global fashion—bridging heritage with haute couture, and turning sacred stories into wearable art for the world

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road. It has been filled with challenges, uncertainty, and moments that tested both my vision and my resilience.

Coming from a deeply creative and purpose-driven space, one of the biggest struggles was building acceptance for a design philosophy that goes beyond trends. When you bring spirituality, heritage, and symbolism like Radha into global fashion conversations, it is not always immediately understood. There were times when I had to stand firm in my belief even when the commercial world did not fully see the vision yet.

Another challenge was working across cultures, international platforms, and high-pressure fashion environments while ensuring that the authenticity of Indian craftsmanship was never diluted. Balancing artistic integrity with global expectations required patience, discipline, and constant evolution.

There were also personal moments of doubt, long travel schedules, and the emotional weight of creating something meaningful while constantly being on the move. But each challenge strengthened my clarity that I am not here to follow fashion trends, I am here to create a narrative that connects fashion with soul and culture.

Every struggle has shaped me into who I am today, and it has made the Cannes moment and everything after it even more meaningful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a fashion designer and the founder of Designer Dream Collection, and my work specializes in merging Indian spirituality, heritage craftsmanship, and contemporary global couture.

My design language is rooted in storytelling. I don’t create fashion as seasonal trends, I create collections that carry meaning, emotion, and cultural symbolism. Whether it is inspired by Radha Krishna philosophy, inner awakening, or sacred feminine energy, each piece is designed to reflect something deeper than aesthetics.

I am known for bringing Indian spiritual narratives to international platforms like Cannes Film Festival and global fashion weeks, where my designs are not just worn but experienced as visual stories. The “Radha at Cannes” moment became a defining expression of this vision, where spirituality and couture met on a global red carpet.

What I am most proud of is creating a bridge between Indian artisans and global luxury spaces. I actively work with craftsmanship that deserves recognition, ensuring that traditional techniques are preserved while being reimagined for modern couture audiences.

What sets me apart is this conscious approach to fashion. For me, design is not only about beauty, it is about energy, intention, and identity. I see fashion as a form of spiritual expression, where every garment carries a message, a vibration, and a story that connects the wearer to something larger than themselves.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My journey has never been a solo one. While the vision may begin with me, it has been shaped, supported, and strengthened by many incredible people along the way.

First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to the artisans and craftsmen I work with. Their hands bring my imagination to life. Their mastery of embroidery, handwork, and traditional Indian techniques is the true foundation of everything I create. Without their dedication and generational skill, none of my collections would exist in their true form.

I have also been supported by a close-knit creative and production team who stand behind every show, every fitting, and every runway moment. From backstage execution to choreography, styling, and last-minute perfection, they are the invisible strength that ensures every presentation reflects the vision exactly as intended.

Along the way, I have also been fortunate to have supporters, collaborators, and industry professionals who believed in the idea of bringing Indian spirituality to global fashion even when it was still evolving. Their encouragement helped me stay committed during phases where the path was not widely understood.

I also feel immense gratitude toward the clients, showstoppers, and women who have worn my designs with confidence and meaning. Many of them have not just been clients but true advocates of the message behind the brand, carrying the story forward with their presence and voice.

Every milestone is a reflection of collective belief. My role is to design the vision, but it is the people around me who help transform it into reality and give it life on global platforms.

Pricing:

• 200 – 20,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anjaliphougat.com/pages/runway
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjali_phougat6
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18aXJcQmeL/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-phougat-358277205
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anjaliphougatpodcast