As a young girl, Marilyn Anai, loved dressing up and spent a good amount of her time sketching outfits that she admired but couldn't have...just yet. Her sketchbook was her outlet to daydream and use her creative energy. Marilyn Anai grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, where not many were quite fashion-forward, although she was extremely shy her style always made her stand out. As a teen she learned how to sew but soon after she put a pause on her creative projects to figure out what she "really" wanted to do. After college and years of working in the industry she first-hand experienced the problematic and emotionally draining environment. ANAI, the brand, was born from a desire to show her worth and use her skills to better the industry. In 2019, Marilyn Anai put pencil to paper, picked up a new sewing machine and just got started. Her core values of sustainability and attention to detail took precedent over the timeline. In early 2021 the Identity Collection was formed and the sketches finally came to life in the form of incredibly soft handcrafted organic cotton linen sets, a signature tote bag and a reversible bucket hat made from vintage family owned denim and dead stock cheetah printed fabric. Marilyn Anai did it. ANAI exudes a comfortable, confident, and effortless look all while upholding values to be proud of.