For fashion designer and entrepreneur Anjali Phougat, shoes are much more than luxury accessories. Her remarkable 500-pair shoe collection reflects years of travel, fashion discoveries, and unforgettable memories from some of the world’s most iconic fashion capitals.
From Paris and Milan to London and New York, every pair tells a unique story. Rather than collecting shoes simply for luxury, Phougat views them as symbols of art, culture, and creativity. As a result, her collection has grown alongside her successful fashion journey.
A Passion for Shoes Since Childhood
Long before becoming an internationally recognized designer, Anjali Phougat had already developed a deep love for footwear.
As a child, she was fascinated by colors, silhouettes, textures, and fine craftsmanship. Naturally, that early passion stayed with her as she entered the fashion industry.
Later, as her career took her across the globe, she started a personal tradition.
Whenever she visited a new city—whether for a fashion show, business event, or design exhibition—she brought home a pair of shoes from that destination.
Over time, this simple habit evolved into an extraordinary collection of more than 500 carefully selected pairs.
Today, every pair reminds her of a special city, a career milestone, or a cherished memory.
Global Fashion Weeks Inspired Her Collection
Over the years, Anjali Phougat has built a reputation for blending South Asian heritage with contemporary fashion.
Her handcrafted couture has been showcased at prestigious events, including:
- Cannes
- New York Fashion Week
- Paris Fashion Week
These international platforms also introduced her to exceptional footwear craftsmanship.
However, she never viewed shopping as just another luxury experience. Instead, she explored local design traditions, artisan techniques, and regional craftsmanship.
Consequently, every destination added another meaningful chapter to her growing collection.
Craftsmanship Always Comes First
Although Anjali admires several renowned luxury fashion houses, she says brand names have never been her biggest priority.
Instead, she looks for:
- Premium leather
- Sculptural heels
- Timeless silhouettes
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Creative design
She appreciates globally recognized brands such as:
- Louis Vuitton
- Chanel
- Christian Dior
- Prada
- Gucci
- Saint Laurent
- Christian Louboutin
- Jimmy Choo
- Manolo Blahnik
- Valentino
Even so, one designer stands above the rest.
Why Salvatore Ferragamo Is Her Favorite
Among hundreds of luxury shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo remains Anjali Phougat’s favorite designer.
According to her, each Ferragamo runway piece represents a different phase of her personal and professional life.
Rather than seeing them as expensive fashion items, she considers them treasured memories.
For that reason, every pair holds emotional value far beyond its price tag.
Searching for Hidden Treasures
Interestingly, Phougat prefers discovering independent artisan workshops over shopping at flagship luxury stores.
During her travels, she actively looks for:
- Local shoemakers
- Limited-edition handcrafted collections
- Rare artisan footwear
- Traditional craftsmanship
As a result, many of her most treasured shoes come from small workshops rather than famous boutiques.
For her, originality and craftsmanship always outweigh popularity.
A Carefully Organized Collection
Maintaining a collection of more than 500 pairs requires careful planning.
In fact, Phougat’s dedicated shoe closet is larger than her clothing wardrobe.
Every pair is stored inside its original box. Additionally, she places a photograph on the outside of each box, making it easy to identify the shoes without opening them.
Because of this meticulous system, many pairs have remained in excellent condition for nearly two decades.
She firmly believes that quality deserves proper care.
Sustainability Is Part of Her Lifestyle
Despite owning hundreds of luxury shoes, Anjali Phougat strongly supports sustainable fashion.
Instead of discarding shoes as trends change, she extends their life through thoughtful care.
Her sustainability practices include:
- Restoring older shoes
- Redesigning selected pairs
- Preserving premium craftsmanship
- Donating shoes in excellent condition every year
As a result, many of her shoes begin a second life with new owners instead of ending up as waste.
According to Phougat, true sustainability means respecting the artistry behind every creation and ensuring it lasts for years.
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