Anahí India opens Lisbon store highlighting sustainable fashion from recycled saris

Friends and business partners Ana Abreu and Rita Galamba have inaugurated the first bricks-and-mortar space for their Portuguese brand, Anahí India, located at 8 Marvila in Lisbon. The new establishment serves as a physical showcase for a brand that draws deep inspiration from India, a country with significant historical ties to Portugal—notably being reached by Vasco da Gama in the 15th century—and whose nationals represent one of Portugal's largest immigrant communities.

The name Anahí India itself pays homage to the original Indian pieces and items crafted from traditional saris that form the foundation of the collections. The brand, which initially began by selling men's shirts brought directly from India by the founders, now oversees in-house, local production in both India and Portugal. This intercultural collaboration results in a diverse range of clothing and accessories that successfully combine the essence of East and West, establishing the brand in Portugal in 2017.

The new shop, spanning around 25 square metres, presents the brand's full range of products. This includes unisex jackets, dresses, and kimonos, alongside accessories such as sarongs and karnatakas, and jewellery featuring traditional styles and motifs. The collections are defined by "unique and exclusive pieces of Indian origin," alongside collaboratively created designs, resulting in versatile styles that founders Ana and Rita would wear year-round, often in materials such as silk.

A central tenet of Anahí India is sustainability and the preservation of India's rich textile heritage. The materials used in the collections are, in fact, recycled Indian saris that are reimagined and reinvented to create unique fashion pieces. This process not only respects the environment but also pays tribute to the history and art of India, transforming the charm of recycled saris into contemporary fashion.

The Marvila store's aesthetic choices create a deliberate juxtaposition between the space and the products. Its clean and industrial design provides a constant contrast to the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of the recycled fabrics used throughout the collections. Beyond the new shop, Anahí India continues to grow online, where it explains its commitment to sustainability, and maintains other physical sales points. The brand recently announced its participation in the Time Out Lisboa Christmas fair in Praça D. Luís until December 12, offering customers an opportunity to discover exclusive pieces and find stylish gifts.

The Marvila store at Rua Marvila 8 welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 8 pm. The founders emphasize the goal of maintaining a welcoming environment, stating the store is "always ready to welcome you with the best energy," while simultaneously highlighting their online presence as a crucial element for continued growth.