| 58 “LuxeBook is a knowledgeable platform of meaningful luxury with always very good questions and insights.” Vaishali Shadangule has spent over two decades bringing India’s handwoven textiles to the global spotlight. Since founding her eponymous label in 2001, she has explored and revived more than 15 weaving traditions, travelling deep into artisan communities to collaborate directly with weavers. “Luxury is a handloom garment: slow fashion, heritage skilled workmanship, bespoke, a treasure in meaning itself and for yourself,” she says. Her couture pieces, crafted with architectural cording, organic draping, and structural layering, allow the fabric to dictate the silhouette, creating fluid, sculptural, and wearable art. Shadangule gained international acclaim as the first Indian woman invited to Paris Haute Couture Week in 2021. “Paris was the turning point of my career, a city I love to get lost around, the place that recognised my talent and embraced my garments,” she recalls. Today, she collaborates with 3,500 weaving families, with her designs being worn by celebrities such as Alia Bhatt and Radhika Apte, while her Paris flagship on Boulevard Saint-Germain solidifies her global presence. On industry challenges, she notes, “There are many glass ceilings, often not the right ones. Things are slowly changing, for good and for bad at the same time.” On success: “Focusing on the product—heritage, workmanship, design, sustainability, ethics, quality—luxury is for the long run.” And on trends: “Handloom, finally, is a luxury trend here to stay.” Amid her busy schedule, she enjoys evenings of meaningful conversation over a glass of narialpani (coconut water). “LuxeBook tells India’s luxury stories with class and conviction, reflecting the country’s rise as a global luxury leader.” One of the first women in India to establish a distillery, Vaniitha Jaiin is a pioneering force in the luxury beverage industry—an alcobev strategist, brand builder, and global wine and spirits judge. After a decade in corporate leadership at firms such as Satyam, Ogilvy, and Flipkart, she pivoted in 2010 to pursue her passion for wine and spirits, earning credentials from WSET London and ESSEC Paris. Her first venture, The Perfect Pour, demystified fine beverages through education and storytelling. In 2017, inspired by the forests of Pondicherry, she created Vanaha Gin—a spirit that celebrates purity, curiosity, and the wonder of nature. As founder of Revelry, Jaiin combines deep product expertise with visionary foresight, driving innovation and positioning Indian spirits on the global stage. “Successful entrepreneurs stand apart through a relentless pursuit of purpose and the courage to walk the road less travelled,” she says. Though the alcobev industry remains largely male-dominated, she sees change: “The glass ceiling is steadily cracking as women bring new perspectives, creativity, and resilience.” Her belief in quiet luxury defines both her work and life. “Sustainable and quiet luxury are here to stay,” she notes. Evenings are grounded—home-cooked meals, music, and laughter with her teenage son. Her most treasured heirloom, a manga malai necklace from her grandmother, anchors her to her roots. Jaiin continues to shape modern Indian luxury—authentic, crafted, and inspired by nature. Vaishali Shadangule Creative and Artistic Director, Vaishali S | 59 Vaniitha Jaiin Founder, Revelry Distillery & Vanaha Gin
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