For Anita Dongre, Giving Back is not a One-Time Act

Anita Dongre continues to make headlines for all the right reasons. With Rewild, her Fashion for Good initiative, she once again reinforced why she is admired not only as a celebrated designer but as a changemaker with purpose.

Hosted at the magnificent Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, the showcase brought together luxury fashion, Indian craft, and wildlife conservation, proving that style can, and should, serve a larger cause. Rewild stands as a reflection of Dongre’s philosophy: everything should carry meaning and long-term impact.

At Robb Report India, where we champion stories of impact, this was a natural choice for our next feature.

RR: Rewild brings fashion and the natural world together. What sparked the idea for a movement like this, and what moment made you feel this was something you had to do?

Anita Dongre (AD): Rewild came from a very simple realisation that we share this planet with wildlife, and our choices directly impact that coexistence. Nature has always been my greatest inspiration, and over time, I felt a growing responsibility to give back to it in a meaningful way. Rewild began in 2023 as a fashion fundraiser supporting elephant conservation and human–wildlife coexistence in South India. What started as a moment of intent slowly evolved into a larger philanthropic mission. I truly believe fashion can hold creativity and responsibility together, and Rewild became a natural expression of that belief.

RR: Through the show, you brought together creativity, responsibility, and sustainability for the betterment of people, animals, and the planet altogether. Was this intersection something you were always passionate about?

AD: For me, conservation is not separate from creativity; it is intrinsically linked to how we design, how we produce, and how we give back. Through Rewild, fashion becomes a platform to celebrate India’s craft communities, support wildlife conservation, and remind us that true luxury is rooted in responsibility and compassion. At the House of Anita Dongre, Fashion for Good has always been a guiding sentiment. Responsibility and compassion are not additions to our work; they are woven into it.

RR: How do you hope Rewild challenges the narrative in the fashion world and inspires more conscious choices within the industry?

AD: I hope Rewild encourages us to rethink the distance we often create between ourselves and the natural world. It introduces a sense of responsibility and the understanding that craft, culture, and nature cannot sustain in isolation. This year, Rewild embeds circularity into the design process, with pieces reimagined from Benaras dupattas and transformed into new silhouettes, demonstrating how conscious design can be both purposeful and beautiful at the same time. It is a practice we want to continue evolving, not just as an idea, but as a way of working.

RR: Your work not only helps preserve India’s craft communities but also actively supports wildlife conservation. What do these two causes mean to you personally?

AD: Both are deeply personal to me. Growing up in Rajasthan, I was surrounded by craft in everyday life, which shaped my respect for artisans and heritage. At the same time, my connection with nature and wildlife instilled a sense of responsibility to protect what sustains us. These values guide every decision I make. Craft and conservation are not separate causes; they are both about care, continuity, and stewardship.

RR: Today, Rewild has become one of the most talked-about philanthropic movements in the country. What does philanthropy truly mean to you?

AD: For me, philanthropy is a responsibility, not a label. It is about creating opportunities that uplift communities, preserve culture, and protect the planet. At its core, Rewild remains a fundraising platform supporting wildlife conservation and human–animal coexistence, always including more communities, expanding to more causes, and empowering more voices. That sense of shared impact is what truly matters to me.

RR: You have created a platform for artisans who are custodians of age-old crafts and skills. How do you envision their growth both creatively and economically?

AD: With Rewild 2026, we introduced handwoven macramé as a new craft expression, which involved upskilling artisans and evolving the language of the craft. Garments created by women artisans from SEWA Gujarat reinforce our commitment to sustaining livelihoods across craft communities. Pichhwai continues to remain central to our work, and by adapting it into contemporary ensembles, we help ensure its relevance across generations. Economically, our focus is on creating sustained engagement beyond seasonality. By integrating these crafts into year-round collections rather than limiting them to seasons, we aim to create consistent work and long-term stability for artisan communities.

RR: What have your initiatives taught you about giving back to people and the planet, and how do you see this philosophy shaping your future work?

AD: Our initiatives have taught me that giving back is not a one-time act. It is a continuous responsibility to people and the planet. We will continue to do what we do, making it better at every step, ensuring that creativity, craft, and conservation grow hand in hand and create lasting impact

RR: Looking ahead, what kind of legacy would you like to leave behind with your work?

AD: Hopefully, one that leaves behind thriving craft communities, a greater respect for the natural world, and creates a sense of fashion for good that is both beautiful and purposeful.