Mumbai: For award-winning fashion designer, entrepreneur Anjali Phougat, shoes are far more than a fashion accessory. With a collection of over 500 pairs gathered from across the globe, every pair represents a memory, a milestone and a celebration of craftsmanship rather than mere luxury. Known for blending South Asian heritage with contemporary silhouettes, Phougat has showcased her handcrafted couture at prestigious platforms including Cannes, New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Her passion for footwear, however, began long before she stepped into the global fashion spotlight.
"My fascination with shoes began in childhood. Even before I became a fashion designer, I was captivated by colors, silhouettes and craftsmanship," she says. "As my career took me around the world—from Paris and Milan to London and New York—I made it a tradition to bring home a pair of shoes from almost every destination. Over the years, those memories became a collection."
Today, her collection has grown to well over 500 pairs, though she admits she has stopped counting. "Every pair reminds me of a city, a fashion week, a milestone or a beautiful experience somewhere in the world," she shares.
National Award-Winning Producer-Director Duo Returns with Their New Marathi Film Murti
Jul 30, 2026For Anjali, the true value of a shoe lies in its artistry. She is drawn to exceptional craftsmanship, premium leather, sculptural heels and timeless design. While she admires renowned luxury houses including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Valentino, she says her all-time favourite designer is Salvatore Ferragamo. "My favourite Ferragamo runway pieces each represent a different chapter of my life. They're more than shoes—they're memories," she says.
Rather than shopping only at flagship boutiques, Anjali enjoys discovering hidden artisan workshops and exclusive collections during her travels, often finding rare handcrafted pieces that become the most treasured additions to her wardrobe. Her extensive collection is meticulously maintained in a dedicated shoe closet that is larger than her clothing storage. Every pair is preserved in its original box, with a photograph attached to the outside for easy identification. "Even shoes I've owned for nearly 20 years remain in excellent condition because I believe quality deserves proper care,” she explains. "Organization is important to me, but so is sustainability. I don't believe in buying something beautiful only to discard it."
While her collection began as a passion for fashion, Phougat says it has evolved into something much deeper. "It started as a passion for design. Today, it's more like a museum of memories from my travels and career," she says. "Through meditation, spiritual practice and inner transformation, I've realised that possessions don't create lasting happiness. I still appreciate beauty, but I'm no longer attached to owning it. If every pair disappeared tomorrow, my peace would remain the same."
Kavitta Verma: "Fashion Is About Being Comfortable in What You Adorn
Jul 30, 2026She believes shoe collectors are often misunderstood. "People often assume it's about shopping or luxury. For me, it's about appreciating design, culture, craftsmanship and creativity. Shoes are tiny architectural masterpieces. Every collection tells a story about art, history and human imagination," she says.
Despite owning hundreds of luxury shoes, Phougat has embraced sustainability by restoring, redesigning and donating many pairs each year instead of discarding them. "Every year, I donate many pairs that are still in beautiful condition so they can begin a new journey with someone else. Sustainability means respecting the artistry behind every creation and extending its life instead of contributing to waste," she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Phougat says that while her collection reminds her of where she has been, her spiritual path reminds her of who she truly is. "I experience just as much joy observing flowers, watching a sunset, listening to birds or simply sitting in silence as I once did finding the perfect pair of shoes. Beauty is everywhere when you're fully present—and that is the richest collection anyone can have."
