Dr Alka Nishar has transformed the way India experiences luxury fashion, turning Aza Fashions into a haven for both designers and discerning clients. A multifaceted entrepreneur, she holds an MBBS degree from the Grant Medical College and an MBA from Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. Previously, she served as a founder-director of Hexaware Technologies. Since launching Aza Fashions in 2005, Dr Nishar has built a space where India’s finest homegrown talent can shine. With 11 luxurious stores across Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Surat, and a presence in the US, Aza has become a trusted authority in the fashion world. Dr Nishar’s vision extends beyond aesthetics. She introduced practices like timely payments to support designers’ growth and fostered a workplace where 52% of Aza’s 400-plus team are women. The brand is a proponent of timeless Indian couture, visible through its association with iconic names like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Tarun Tahiliani, and Anamika Khanna. “Luxury is not just about price or exclusivity, it’s about emotion. For me, it lies in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the feeling it evokes when you experience it.” | 9 “Santorini is one of my favourite destinations for its breathtaking beauty and Mykonos for its vibrant yet luxurious energy.” For Angelique Dhama, rugs are more than décor; they are canvasses of culture, craftsmanship and heritage. As President of Obeetee Carpets, she has transformed a century-old weaving house into a global luxury brand, bringing India’s artisanal legacy to the world stage. Joining in 2013, Dhama leveraged her two decades in European luxury to reimagine Obeetee, expanding international reach, opening flagship stores, and cultivating a clientele that spans continents. Her vision is rooted in the belief that Indian craft deserves to be celebrated as luxury, not just tradition. Campaigns like Proud To Be Indian and collaborations with designers such as Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya elevated carpets into heirlooms and gifts that mark life’s milestones. By blending couture sensibilities with Bhadohi’s weaving heritage, she has repositioned rugs as enduring symbols of art, pride, and celebration. Under Dhama’s leadership, Obeetee doesn’t just make carpets; it tells India’s story in the language of global luxury. | 8 Dr Alka Nishar Founder, Aza Fashions Angelique Dhama President, Obeetee Carpets
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