It is the best time for Indian designers globally, says Anita Dongre, one of Google’s most-searched designers

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“Being on the list of the most-searched designers is important to me because I have a vision of setting up a global production house, to create designs which appeal to women across the world,” said the designer, who is currently busy working on her spring collection, which is very hush-hush.

Pegged at the same level as American designer Rachel Roy (who was No. 1), Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (No. 2) Angela Simmons (third), Zendaya (fourth), Kendall and Kylie Jenner (fifth) and Beyoncé (at No. 6), Dongre, takes the achievEment well in her stride – not only as a moment of pride for India, but also as a business opportunity. “It is not only about making India proud but also to make India reach to a global level, where international market recognises Indian designers, where Indian companies can go abroad and function like how international brands come here and do well,” she said.

For the longest of time, making a mark in the international market seemed a distant dream for fashion designers based in India. It was only after names like Manish Arora, Rohit Bal, Raghavendra Rathore and Sabyasachi Mukherjee got global recognition – their clothes being appreciated for being traditional yet modern and global – that the Indian fashion industry carved a niche for itself on the international arena.

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Gradually making a name for herself and her brand across the world, Dongre believes the scope for Indian courtiers abroad has massively increased. “It is the best time for Indian designers. A lot of them went abroad this year and did successful work there, and in the coming years, many more will go international and sell successfully. The fashion industry has matured and today the designers have to have a global understanding. The disparity has reduced and it is becoming more level-playing field now,” she said.

Ruminating on her own popularity internationally, Dongre said her designs are liked for their femininity and wearability. “I always try to create clothes which are feminine and wearable. I believe fashion should be worn. It should make women feel good about themselves. I think that’s what resonates with most of the women across the globe.”

For now, Dongre is working on a plan that she will disclose only early next year, as well as shooting for her Summer 2017 collection, which is shaping up beatifully. The coming year will be all about organic and sustainable clothing, she feels, along with a revival of India’s handcrafted tradition.