The Indian fashion scene is filled with a captivating mix of tradition and contemporary flair. Sustainability takes center stage as designers embrace eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton and khadi, which is a natural fiber cloth that is hand-spun and woven. With the U.S. as India’s single largest export destination, there is a love for Indian fashion in communities in Illinois, such as Buffalo Grove, where there is a significant population base of residents from India who are looking for authentic and stylish clothing from their homeland.

“Anandi Fashions is an Indian boutique, where we specialize in unique and comfortable clothing and jewelry collections,” said shop owner Kalpana Boyina. “All our clothing is manufactured in India.”

True to her words, the boutique offers vibrant, intricately designed garments that celebrate the rich, diverse textile heritage of India.

“Indian clothing is very colorful, unique and very comfortable,” added Kalpana. “In Indian culture, yellow and green are auspicious colors. Yellow is turmeric color. So, whenever we are starting any good puja (a Hindu ritual) or any occasion, we always start by wearing any yellow color or green. Colors are good in India.”

The story of Anandi Fashions begins with the store’s name which has very personal meaning for Kalpana.

“Anandi means happiness. It’s my daughter’s name,” Kalpana said with a warm smile. “I decided to start the business with her name.”

Kalpana explained that almost two years since opening, the boutique has thrived, because it offers hand-selected, high-quality fashion and jewelry.

“What we sell is very unique and good quality products.”

Kalpana’s journey to Anandi Fashions started when she a child.

“I’ve always been interested business,” explained Kalpana while tracing her history in retail. “As a child, my parents used to have a clothing store. So, from childhood, I was seeing those fashions and was fascinated.”

Anandi Fashions did not start as a brick and mortar, but as a home business for Kalpana, who started by selling jewelry.

“We got very popular. People liked the jewelry collections and the quality. So, that made me realize going into a retail store would be a good business.”

A fashionable experience

Anandi Fashions is a family business. Kalpana runs the floor of her store along with her husband Santosh who manages the store’s online business and its website.

Kalpana said she understands that virtual shopping for Indian fashion can be tricky. So, she is careful to ensure that their selection of clothes and jewelry stays fresh and accessible.

“Every three weeks, we change the collections. We do carry everyday collections, party wear and wedding wear, all the collections,” explained Kalpana about what customers will find inside the store.

Behind the scenes, Santosh plays a key role in bringing the latest fashions to the store. Anandi Fashions carries a wide variety of Modi jackets, vests and kurtas which are a long, loose-fitting shirt or tunic, traditionally worn by men. They also carry traditional fashions and jewelry for women and children.

“My husband Santosh visits India and does all the shopping, helping us get all these collections,” explained Kalpana. “All the clothes and jewelry are handpicked items. He’ll go and see the jewelry and latest designs, evaluate the quality and then get the products for our store

“We sell an experience,” Kalpana explained. “You may find a product someplace else, but we sell quality and a wide variety of clothing. When you visit our store, you get a chance to try them, and we have dressing rooms here. You can try them and feel how comfortable it is.”

Anandi Fashions seems to be a popular shopping destination far beyond Buffalo Grove.

“We have customers coming from far places, almost three hours away,” Kalpana noted.

While the majority of clientele is Indian, the appeal of this store is universal, according to Kalpana.

“One reason why is they may be attending an Indian wedding, and they want to wear the local clothing.”

Kalpana helps customers navigate the cultural significance of what is sold in her store including the selection of colors.

“Every color in Indian culture has a meaning,” Kalpana said. “With weddings, the bride usually wears red, but not always. Guests are not supposed to wear the same color as the bride. Guests come here and ask me what colors they should wear for the wedding. So, I help them with it.”

Nothing seems to brings Kalpana more joy than seeing her customers shine in clothes that come from her store.

“We have been to many parties hosted by Indian families. Many of our customers are there, wearing our clothes,” Kalpana said with pride. “It makes me really happy and seeing that everyone appreciates our collections.

“I love my store because I get connected with so many customers. Many people come from far places and I’m very happy to help them,” said Kalpana. “It makes me feel happy when customers are happy.”