Our Story

About Us

Discover the story behind our vision and the birth of La' Agra

The Begining

About La' Agra

Hello! My name is Rekha Ananthanpillai, and I am the founder and designer of La' Agra – a women's wear line inspired by the rich design elements of South Asian culture: intricate prints, delicate laces, and artisan-crafted details.

But this isn't about reinventing the sari or modernizing the lengha. It's about something bigger.

La' Agra's mission is simple: Make South Asian fashion accessible and approachable to women of all ethnicities. We highlight unique textiles and prints in a modern, sophisticated way that any woman – regardless of background – can embrace and wear to a variety of occasions.

My Story

Navigating Two Worlds

I grew up just outside Washington D.C., the daughter of Indian immigrants. My parents raised my brother and me as American Hindus – teaching us to appreciate the land we live in while honoring our roots and religion.

Growing up, I learned Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian classical dance that became my bridge to cultural connection. Every movement, every gesture was a conversation with my heritage.

As an adult navigating a dual identity, I continued seeking ways to embrace my culture. Fashion had always been a passion, so I started looking at the marketplace for brands that understood this duality.

What I found disappointed me. It was either modern Indian clothing designed exclusively for the Indian community, or Western brands profiting off South Asian prints and culture without any real connection or respect.

So I decided to create something new.

A brand that pays respect to the culture and time-honored traditions while embracing the global woman of today. A space where heritage and modernity aren't competing – they're collaborating.

Building the Brand

The Evolution of La' Agra

I launched La' Agra with cocktail dresses that highlighted South Asian prints and traditional techniques like pleating. The response was immediate, but I kept listening to what women actually wanted.

Soon, I pivoted to create closet staples – halter tops, skirts, versatile pieces that could be styled in countless ways. As my product offering evolved, my vision remained constant: create items that provide ample style while preserving the beauty of South Asian textiles through tassels, brocades, embroidery, and artisan details.

Each collection tells a story. Sometimes it's a garden, lush with florals and landscapes. Other times it's the rich, layered history of India – the architecture, the textiles, the traditions. I take one idea, one inspiration, and explore it deeply through every design.

Driving Impact

Small Batches, Big Purpose

Everything at La' Agra is made in small batch production in Dubai.

Mass production has stripped away the human touch. We've lost the connection to the hands that make our clothes. And we've created a system built on waste and pollution.

That's what La' Agra is fighting against.

Every piece is made in small batches with intention. There's care in every stitch, thought behind every detail. When you wear La' Agra, you're not just buying a dress – you're connected to the artisan who created it, to their story, to their craft.

Small batches mean:

We're not overproducing
We're not contributing to landfills
We're not chasing trends that'll be irrelevant in six months
We're staying sustainable and finding innovative ways to use our materials
Nothing goes to waste

It's slower. It's more deliberate. And that's exactly the point.

Today and beyond

Where Tradition Meets Today

La' Agra is where tradition meets contemporary style. It's a space where anyone can experience South Asian fashion in a modern, wearable way.

It's not about who you are or where you're from – it's about connecting with beautiful design, rich craftsmanship, and a culture that celebrates color, detail, and storytelling through clothing.

We're building something that lasts. Something meaningful. Something that honors the past while designing for the future.