Meet Anjali Kamran | Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anjali Kamran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anjali, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a little girl I loved playing dress up, especially with my moms and grandmas clothes. One year on a trip to visit my great-grandmother, she tied a Saree, a traditional Indian dress, on me sparking my love for Indian clothing. As an Indian American, I struggled to fit in with my American peers at school and Indian family at home. I turned to clothes to be able to express both parts of who I am. From the simple pairing of jhumkas, Indian earrings, with jeans I continued to wear my culture, proud to show it off to the world. My dream is to create an IndoWestern brand that merges the gap between east and west. I hope to take my passion for Indo-Western fashion to a global scale, liberating a generation of young South Asians to find confidence and empowerment in our culture through clothing and style.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Most of my art is digital. I’ve been using the Adobe suite for about 4 years now, my favorite application being Adobe Illustrator. Many of my projects include a little “Desi spice” that I feel pulls the whole piece together. I am most proud of an ethnic jacket that I designed, cut, and sewed. This was my first garment that I was making from scratch, and I was very timid to make the first cut. Additionally, I had chosen a lace type fabric, which is not a friendly fabric to use for the first time, as I realized soon later. It got caught in the machine many times and I often had to seam rip many parts and start over. I’m glad that I decided to take on that project on my own, I feel that I learnt a lot more given that I had to guide myself and figure out how to move forward when I made a mistake.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Five-Day Itinerary for Exploring Downtown LA and Its Delights:

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration

Check-in at your downtown LA accommodation.
Take a stroll around downtown to get familiar with the area.
Visit “The Last Bookstore” to indulge in your love for books, records, and unique explorations.
Enjoy a small snack at Civil Coffee while people-watching through their impressive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Head to Perch DTLA for dinner, where you can savor a delicious meal with a fantastic view of the city.
Day 2: Museums and Cultural Delights

Start your day by visiting The Getty Museum, known for its impressive art collection and stunning architecture.
Have lunch at Bottega Louie, where you can treat yourself to delectable pastries and macaroons.
Afternoon visit to The Broad, another renowned art museum showcasing contemporary artworks.
For dinner, try Mr. Masala or Tulsi for a flavorful Indian feast to satisfy your cravings.
Day 3: Exploring Local Gems

Begin your day at Mochinut, and savor their delicious mochi donuts for breakfast.
Spend the morning at various local shops and spots in downtown LA, discovering hidden gems and unique finds.
For lunch, try a local favorite restaurant or food truck in the area.
Afternoon free for exploring more of downtown LA or relaxing at your accommodation.
In the evening, consider going to a live performance, comedy show, or music event at one of the downtown venues.
Day 4: Outdoor Activities

Start your day with a refreshing walk or jog at a nearby park or scenic area in downtown LA.
Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a trendy café or restaurant offering outdoor seating.
Head to Griffith Observatory to take in breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign.
Explore the surrounding Griffith Park, which offers numerous hiking trails and nature experiences.
Return to downtown for dinner at a recommended restaurant that you haven’t tried yet.
Day 5: Farewell and Final Discoveries

Take a final stroll around downtown LA to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and take photos.
If time permits, visit any place you missed from the previous days or revisit your favorite spots.
Collect souvenirs or mementos from your trip, either from local stores or “The Last Bookstore.”
Enjoy a memorable lunch in a charming café or restaurant downtown.
Check out from your accommodation and bid farewell to downtown LA, carrying cherished memories and experiences with you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and specifically my great-grandmother deserve a shoutout. When I was younger my great-grandmother wore a Saree everyday. I would sit in her room watching her tie the saree, making sure all the pleats aligned. That was the first spark I had when I fell in love with fashion. I would sit with her for hours learning how to make the pleats perfect, and she even tied one on me.

My parents and family have also showered me with never-ending support and they love seeing new projects that I’m creating. I’m grateful that I have my own personal cheerleaders always cheering for me on the sidelines.

Website: https://anjalikamran.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @anjalikamran_21

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-kamran/

Image Credits
Carly Watson Ketan Bhatt Lily Tate