Rising Stars: Meet Anjali Phougat of Columbus

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

Hi Anjali , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
started my journey with a deep passion for creativity and self-expression. From a young age, I was fascinated by colors, fabrics, and storytelling through fashion. That passion evolved into a career when I founded Designer Dream Collection (DDC), a brand rooted in blending South Asian craftsmanship with modern couture.

The path wasn’t always easy—entering a highly competitive industry meant learning to balance artistry with business strategy. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of showcasing collections at global stages like New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week, collaborating with renowned jewelers and artists, and building a brand that celebrates empowerment, culture, and individuality.

Beyond fashion, my story has also been about service and impact. Whether through styling work, philanthropy, or storytelling, I’ve always believed creativity can inspire people and bring light into the world. Every collection I design carries that intention—merging elegance with meaning.

Today, my journey feels like a fusion of dream and determination: staying true to heritage, embracing innovation, and using my platform to uplift and inspire others.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most creative journeys, mine has been filled with both challenges and lessons. Building a fashion brand from the ground up meant facing obstacles such as limited resources in the beginning, learning to navigate the business side of fashion, and proving myself in a very competitive industry.

There were moments of self-doubt, times when opportunities didn’t come easily, and challenges balancing creative vision with practical realities like production timelines, budgets, and building the right team. As an immigrant woman entrepreneur, I also had to work twice as hard to create space for my voice and my designs in global platforms.

But I see each struggle as part of the story. Those hurdles gave me resilience, shaped my creativity, and pushed me to think differently. They also made every milestone—like showcasing at New York Fashion Week or collaborating with world-renowned artists—so much more meaningful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is rooted in storytelling through fashion. As the founder and creative director of Designer Dream Collection (DDC), I specialize in merging South Asian craftsmanship—like intricate hand embroidery, mirror work, and heritage textiles—with modern couture silhouettes. My designs have walked the runways at New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and other global stages, where they’ve been celebrated for their elegance, cultural depth, and contemporary appeal.

I’m known for creating collections that are not just beautiful garments, but narratives—whether it’s honoring Indian mythology through pieces like Shiv–Shakti or Radha–Krishna, or inspiring empowerment through couture lines like Samarpan and Surrender. Beyond clothing, I also design luxury jewelry and accessories, often collaborating with global jewelers to complete the story.

What I’m most proud of is using my platform to empower and inspire—whether that’s highlighting diversity, giving a stage to underrepresented voices, or weaving messages of self-love and resilience into my collections.

What sets me apart is that for me, fashion is never just about trends. It’s about meaning, emotion, and connection. Every stitch carries intention—honoring heritage, blending cultures, and creating timeless pieces that speak to the soul, not just the eye.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is creating and serving. When I design something that makes someone feel confident, empowered, or truly seen, it fills me with joy. Fashion, for me, is not just about clothes—it’s about transformation and storytelling. Seeing a client or model light up because they feel beautiful in my designs is incredibly rewarding.

I also find happiness in service and giving back. Whether it’s mentoring young creatives, supporting charitable causes, or weaving messages of compassion into my work, those moments remind me that creativity has a greater purpose.

On a personal level, happiness comes from simple things—spending time with loved ones, meditation, connecting with nature, and staying grounded in gratitude. These remind me why I do what I do: to spread beauty, positivity, and light in every way I can.

Pricing:

• 100 – 10,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anjaliphougat.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designerdreamcollection