Maturing Design: A conversation with Rekha Ananthanpillai
Photo by: La’ Agra
Fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about identity, culture, and self-expression. For millennials, style is personal. It’s about mixing tradition with new ideas, making bold choices, and valuing quality over fast trends. They want fashion that tells a story, has meaning, and stands for something real.
That’s what La’ Agra is all about. Founded by designer Rekha Ananthanpillai, the brand blends South Asian heritage with modern design, creating pieces that feel timeless yet fresh. Every design reflects a love for craftsmanship, from intricate embroidery to rich fabrics, while staying true to ethical fashion. It’s fashion with purpose—made with care, not mass-produced.
In this interview, we dive into Rekha’s journey, the inspiration behind La’ Agra, and how the brand connects with a generation that craves authenticity. Because for us, being mature isn’t about age—it’s about knowing who you are and expressing it with confidence.
Your journey from business consultant to fashion designer is inspiring. What advice would you give to millennials looking to make a bold career pivot?
Follow your passion. This was something I had always dreamed of, but the timing wasn’t right until recently. When you do what you love, it never feels like work, and designing clothing has always been my dream.
The Pleated Blues collection was crafted in NYC, Opulence in Dubai, and now Blossom is on the horizon. How does travel and global influence shape your design perspective?
Blossom launched last fall, and Reflection will be coming out shortly. I always try to incorporate subtle cultural elements—whether through artisan-made brocades, lace, or even tassels. Each design brings something unique and original to my customers.
Ethical fashion is becoming increasingly important to younger generations. How does La’ Agra prioritize sustainability and ethical production while maintaining luxury?
We embrace slow fashion by sourcing the best materials from ethical mills and ensuring our factories provide clean, safe working conditions. More importantly, we do not mass-produce—we tailor our production to customer demand. Our pre-order model allows customers to purchase items ahead of time, helping us prevent overproduction. Any leftover artisan fabrics are repurposed into scrunchies, ensuring we remain mindful of the entire process.
Your designs have been featured in Elle, Macy’s, and worn by high-profile figures like Miss New York. How do you approach dressing women who embody confidence and power?
They are no different from everyday women. I design for anyone who loves the piece and wants to wear it—that’s what truly matters to me.
As a designer, you create wearable art that tells a story. What message do you hope to communicate with La’ Agra?
I want to preserve artisan traditions and textiles while showcasing the versatility of Indian fabrics. There’s a space for women who love these textiles but prefer designs that feel modern, lightweight, and wearable beyond traditional settings.
La’ Agra blends traditional Indian elements with contemporary silhouettes. What technical challenges do you face when modernizing heritage-inspired designs?
The biggest challenge is ensuring the design doesn’t feel overpowering. Indian textiles often feature bold colors and intricate prints, so I focus on balancing these elements in a way that makes them wearable across different occasions.
Construction and fit are crucial in making designs flattering across different body types. How do you approach pattern-making and tailoring to achieve the perfect fit?
I use real women as fit models. This allows for a more accurate and natural fit, ensuring the garments complement different body types.
Millennials crave fashion with depth—clothing that represents culture, identity, and personal style. How do you ensure La’ Agra resonates with this generation’s desire for authenticity?
Education is key. Highlighting the story behind each garment and the brand itself helps customers connect with the designs and become part of the journey.
What does being mature mean to you?
Embracing the highs and the lows.
Check out more of La’ Agra here.