Friends and business partners Ana Abreu and Rita Galamba have just opened, at 8Marvila in Lisbon, the first bricks-and-mortar space for their Portuguese brand, Anahí India — a name that nods to original Indian pieces and to those created from traditional saris, from a country first reached by sea by Vasco da Gama in the 15th century and whose nationals are among the largest immigrant communities in Portugal, alongside Angolans and Brazilians.

India is also the guiding inspiration for the entrepreneurial duo’s label, and they now oversee in-house, local production in both countries.

Measuring around 25 square metres, the new shop showcases unisex jackets, dresses and kimonos — a line they began selling nearly a decade ago at music festivals, initially with men’s shirts brought directly from India by the founders. There is no shortage of accessories either, such as sarongs or karnatakas, and jewellery featuring traditional styles and motifs.

The duo opened Anahí India’s debut shop at the end of November, presenting the brand’s full range and making a point of asserting its identity, despite the clean and industrial aesthetic choices of the alternative space, which stand in constant contrast to the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of the recycled and repurposed fabrics used throughout the collections.

In addition to the “unique and exclusive pieces of Indian origin,” Anahí India also offers designs created collaboratively, resulting in styles that both Ana and Rita would wear all year round, in materials such as silk.

Another update: until December 12, “we’ll be in Praça D. Luís for the Time Out Lisboa Christmas fair,” the brand announces on its social media channels, inviting you to “discover exclusive pieces and find stylish gifts,” as noted on the brand’s Instagram account.

“And of course… Don’t forget our store at Rua Marvila 8, open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 8 pm — always ready to welcome you with the best energy,” the brand added, while also highlighting the goal of continuing to grow online, where it explains: “At the heart of our brand lies a deep commitment to sustainability and the preservation of India’s rich textile heritage,” it said via its website.

“The materials used are, in fact, recycled Indian saris, reimagined and reinvented to create unique fashion pieces. This process not only respects the environment, but also pays homage to the history and art of India.”

According to the website: “The Anahí brand is a story of beauty, culture and sustainability that originated in India, where the charm of recycled Indian saris is transformed into fashion, and which established itself in Portugal in 2017,” it further explained.

“Anahí represents a true fusion of cultures and traditions, with production in both India and Portugal. This intercultural collaboration results in a diverse range of clothing and accessories that combine the essence of East and West.”