Daily Inspiration: Meet Anitra Michelle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anitra Michelle.

Hi Anitra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Detroit Michigan and grew up in DMV (Specifically Maryland); I always thought I wanted to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. I applied and attended Howard University in Washington DC and completed a Dual Degree in Biology & Chemistry. I had worked in hospitals during that time, but eventually got a job at Diesel in Georgetown in DC. While at Diesel, I became interested in Fashion and Textiles. After graduation I moved to New York. First I worked as a Chemist at Avon, but they had a hiring freeze. So, my employment search landed me at Columbia Univerity Pediatrics working as an Analytical Chemist in Gastrointestinal Nutrition. I did this for a couple years, but the misery and disatisfaction continued. I began trying to figure out how I could really make my way back to Fashion, but it felt almost impossible. I was able to land a job in Public Relations for Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Goods, which led me to meet a Stylist who would hire me as an Assistant and Market Editor when I could get away from my 9-5. I liked the end product but didnt love the assistant grunt work although he was great to work for as far as Stylists go. I decided then the only choice I had was to enroll in Design school, so I worked on applying and was accepted into the Fashion Design program at Fashion Institute in New York. Before I started my program that August, I saw an add on Craigslist which was for a Fashion Internship. I didn’t have a Portfolio, but decided to go and interview anyway. When I arrived I found out it was a position as a Pattern Maker’s apprentice for Vera Wang. I put on my best personality and the Sr. Patternmaker and I hit it off. When she asked to see my portfolio, I told her I didn’t have one, but that I was a hard worker and would learn quickly and easily. She looked at me like I had 2 heads, but she admired my guts and hired me. (We’re still friends til this day). After Vera Wang I went on to do Showroom Styling at Karl Lagerfeld and the next year Lanvin for their New York launches. I knew from the beginning that I wanted big brand experience, but I wanted to start my own brand. In 2008, I rented a studio and started work on my brand Plutocracy at Mercedes Benz Fashion week and that same year I was nominated by Fashion Group International as Womens Wear Designer of the year (Jason Wu actually won) I did women’s wear for the next 8 seasons I worked as an Independant designer. Fundraising and Financing got tiring and he economy didn’t help, so I decided I would take a break and move with my son to Paris to pursue my Art and give him an opportunity to live internationally. It was amazing and we stayed for 2 years. When I returned to New York, I completed 2 more women’s wear collections with Plutocracy and started a Menswear collection called Anitra Michelle HOMME. I also started building mascots and specialty costumes for Commercials. I have a special passion for menswear and was accepted into a program called Design Entrepreneurs NYC, which was a great stepping stone. During the program, I met a young lady from Los Angeles and told her I wanted to come and visit as I needed a break from the hustle of New York. I landed in Silverlake, which was perfect as it had the walking element that New York possesses. I planned to stay for 6 weeks. I was introduced to a friend who worked as a Costumer and she started to call me for opportunities. I was making money and I loved the team effort as well as knowing that we were making Television and Film. It felt magical and as much as I tried to stay out of Costume Design as a ‘Fashion Designer’, I liked it. I continued to get jobs and work in different capacities until finally someone called me to Design my own show. I had all the Design experience and had worked in various capacities on set as a part of the Costume Design team, so I took the leap. As a Costume Designer I feel every part of my journey really had built up to this from Research, PR, Styling, Garment Construction to Creating as well as building team and leading. I really love being a Costume Designer and comes naturally to me…

Along with that I still work as an Artist and I do Design for clients as well. I have 2 Artist Residencies upcoming in 2026 in France and Argentina where I will work on my visual Art projects and do exhibitions as the end. My aim is to do an immersive installation of my different works from all facets by mid 2027. I’m also actively working in interiors so Style Consulting/Home Decor/Organization, while designing/producing my first 2 pieces of Furniture. I’m constantly working on each part of the dream between projects and I think they all inform each other. I believe traveling for leisure, work and/or residences adds a layer of richness and uniqueness to my work as well.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A few stuggles I feel shaped me as an Artist Turning away from Clothing design for PLUTOCRACY because financing became so hard. I felt I had tried every avenue but just couldn’t get the traction necessary to make it a financial success.

Another difficulty was moving back to America after leaving France, everything had changed and it’s New York, so change happens fast. I had to start over and rebuild my whole life from scratch. Those first 2 years were the hardest because I was coming back after having this amazing experience that I am still proud of but when I opened my eyes I was faced with the most difficult chapter in my life until that point.

Something else that rings true, but they never tell you that living an Artist life makes relationships challenging because everyone doesn’t understand the journey, nor do they care to. To some you’re a shiny object full of interesting stories and experiences when things are amazing, but how many of those same people whether romantic partners or friends stay for the ride? The ups AND downs. Who will be by your side through feast and famine…and sometimes finding out is true heartbreak. But sometimes it’s real evolution…

Those are just a few examples of hardships, I have many, but I know that the Artist Journey is full of twist and turns. These are the things that allow you to be introspective and invest yourself in your best work. Allows you to gain depth. Connect with your audience through empathy. These difficulties or lessons throughout the journey allow you to navigate, learn and master yourself. It’s what makes you stronger, what makes you tick and what touches your heart. These are the things that make the Artist Journey. Without experiences and ups and downs what would I have to share. How would I inspire people and how would I speak authentically about transformation? How would my work capture the depth of my life?

All of these things will make for an interesting and inspiring store one day, Is the hope. As well as a great Legacy and something for my Sun, my love, to be proud of.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Haha, well I think my path to meeting my Artist Path. I knew from when I was a child, but it was never an option offered to me out right. When your parents see you’re good at something more stable they usually push that…in an effort to create a stable path. At least in my generation…

I specialize in Design and Art in various capacities. I do Fashion Design, Costume Design, Furniture Design, Visual Art (I’ve shown my work in New York, Paris, Italy) and I’m also a Speaker and sometimes Professor. I have proven myself in all BUT Furniture Design is newer. My Design work has been featured in many publications i.e. L’Officiel, Essence, Italian Vogue, Schon Magazine, Vivid Magazine, TMRWmagazine, etc. I’ve Costume Designed Television and Film most recently Harlem Season 3 on Amazon Prime and STAY on HULU/Andscape.

I’m most proud of my Tenacity and Fearlessness in following the muse. What sets me apart is probably the same.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is watching HipHop on Yo MTV Raps on Saturday mornings and recording them on the same VCR tape from week to week. It was an amazing time watching this thing that I love rise up and take over the world.

I looked up to my big brother who wrote graffiti and loved Hip Hop and was the coolest person I know, so maybe he’s who inspired my Artist.

Also, my Aunt ShaSha always made clothes and bought vintage. She was so superfly and always allowed me to be around and watch her work. She spoiled me.

I have so may good child hood memories that it’s hard, but those are the 2 stand out memories currently…and artistically…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anitramichelle.com
• Instagram: @anitramichelle
• Facebook: @anitramichelle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitra-michelle-969817a8/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anitramichelle
• Other: https://linktr.ee/anitramichelle