Most Powerful 2023 EDITION
Every year, with LuxeBook’s Top 100 Leaders we spark new conversations about the luxury sector. We interact, up close and personal with the who’s who of the industry and get the opportunity to explore their vision of the future. There’s much to inspire — from business wisdom, to their work/life balance tricks, vacation tips, to their journeys, both personal and professional. But what I find even more endearing is to get to know them better — What is it that makes them human? What is their biggest pet peeve? What regrets do they have in life? What possessions do they hold dear? The Top 100 is not merely a blackbook of the luxury industry. Top 100 Leaders unites the movers and shakers, on one platform, and strives to understand the driving force behind the luxury industry’s meteoric growth in the country. Whether in art and design, automobiles, jewellery or fashion, watches or spirits, everyone will agree that this is India’s moment. Who are the catalysts of this change and what makes them tick? Read through these chapters as we piece a little bit of living history together. Payel Majumdar Upreti — Editor — Founders — Marzban Patel & Anita Patel • CFO — Sunando Roy • Director — Indu Joshi Editor — Payel Majumdar Upreti • Writers — Arushi Sakhuja, Schenelle Dsouza, Jade Crasto • Creative Director — Muhammad Jaan Faruqui Advertising Sales: Regional Managers — MUMBAI (022- 68468500) — Katty Gia (09870532295) • Lamont Dias (09167414988) DELHI (011- 45625810) — Sr. General Manager (North) — Asha Augustine (09818280431) BENGALURU — Nagesh Rao (09886041356) • Kerala — Sanjai Krishnan (09414069321) DUBAI — Mamta Pillai (+971 45687583 / 503562723) • Marketing Services Manager — Salim B. • Client Servicing Manager — Reshma Malvankar This magazine is printed by and produced by Mediascope Representation India LLP. Opinions herein are the writers’ and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mediascope. Editorial enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles, advertising and circulation should be addressed to: LuxeBook, Mediascope Representation India LLP., 51, Doli Chamber, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India. Email: riddhi.doshi@mediascope.co.in. Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of the publisher. LuxeBook is printed at Silverpoint Press Pvt. Ltd., A-403, TTC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai- 400709. Letters to the editor: Write in with your comments, suggestions and ideas to luxebook@mediascope.co.in SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/luxebook.in https://www.instagram.com/luxebookindia https://twitter.com/luxebookindia P R O L O G U E | 1
+91 91675 61434 WWW.PAYALSINGHAL.COM CS@PAYALSINGHAL.COM MUMBAI: GR.FLOOR, BHOGILAL HARGOVINDAS BLD, K. DUBASH MARG, KALA GHODA, FORT, MUMBAI 400 001; D7 TURNING POINT BLDG., JUNCTION OF 1ST RD & 16TH RD., KHAR W MUMBAI 400 052; SHOP NO.3, RAJ MAHAL BLDG., ALTAMOUNT RD., MUMBAI 400 026; DELHI: 40, 287288 DHAN MILLS COMPOUND, 100 FEET RD., CHHATARPUR, NEW DELHI 110 074 @PAYALSINGHAL @PAYALSINGHAL @PAYALSINGHALINC 4 Top 10 39 Fashion 18 Art & Design 56 Hospitality 104 Retail 25 Automobiles 79 Jewellery & Watches 110 Spirits 29 Beauty 98 Real Estate C O N T E N T S 2 |
Amit Goyal A banker turned entrepreneur, Amit Goyal successfully introduced the luxury real estate brand Sotheby’s International Realty to India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. With strategic thinking and decision-making skills, he established a thriving business and assembled a skilled team to meet the evolving demands of the Indian real estate market. With nearly 20 years of experience in private banking and investment advisory, he applies this expertise to meet his clients’ luxury real estate needs. Amit is a recognized thought leader in luxury real estate. He has spoken at industry forums in India and abroad, including the prestigious CNBC-News 18 Global Conclave at the UK Parliament House. Additionally, he spearheaded the Global Luxury Realty Conclave (GLRC) in India for five consecutive years (2017-2021). He champions the concept of work life balance by saying “You can’t step away from work if you don’t have a reliable team. So learning to lead and delegating well is the best hack to have a work-life balance. Taking regular breaks and travelling with friends and family is “Luxury for me is exclusiveness and opulence, some things are meant to be experienced by the discerning few.” another one I highly recommend.” And to sit back and relax, he says. “nothing brings me comfort and joy like a glass of an exquisite burgundy/red wine.” Managing Director, India Sotheby’s International Realty TOP-10 TOP 10 4 | | 5
Kartik Mohindra Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India Kartik Mohindra has seen the company grow its brand portfolio to over 20 offerings, and “... build an emotional connect with consumers.” He’s proud of the leadership initiative that the spirits company has taken in CSR, and its growing presence across the drinks sphere. Rattling off figures, it’s clear that he’s pleased with the Pernod Ricard India’s “45 per cent value share,” in both Indian premium and Western spirits. “Our consumers are progressively seeking experiences that empower them to make new discoveries within their passions and interests. We have witnessed an upsurge in discerning whisky aficionados travelling from India to visit the home and heritage of Chivas Regal, Strathisla Distillery – to uncover the Scotch whisky world’s hidden gems,” he states. There’s also the launch of TheWhiskeypedia.com – a digital portal that aims to connect aficionados to the world of whisky. And then there’s the steady growth of the brand’s highest selling labels like Imperial Blue, Blender’s Pride and Royal Stag, each of which, has been hitting record sales numbers in the past year. “Luxury is a unique, bespoke experience that leaves an indelible impression on the consumer. The appetite for luxury is growing, and it’s not limited to champagne. Enthusiasts are seeking premium whisky such as Ballantine’s and Chivas, the Single Malts – The Glenlivet, Scapa, Aberlour, and premium gin Monkey 47.” Anuraag Bhatnagar Chief Operating Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts With the launch of a property in Gandhinagar, the Leela is expanding their footprint under the watchful eye of Anuraag Bhatnagar, who is taking the brand to new heights. With over 27 years of experience, Bhatnagar brings his resultoriented leadership to a brand known for its exemplary understanding of luxury. Given his experience across companies like the Oberoi, Marriott and now The Leela, Bhatnagar says, “Luxury to me is personal. It’s about being authentic and true. It’s also about having the time and resources to be able to spend on what you want, when you want.” His idea of balancing his time is clear, “Today life is all about work life integration and optimizing your time for what is important to you.” No wonder then that Bhatnagar makes time, to wind down from work, explaining that he likes decompressing with, “ ... a Japanese whisky or single malt,” on Saturday evenings. “Today people want to travel less but travel better, and travel with people and to places they feel safe in.” 6 | | 7
Manish Malhotra Couturier, costume stylist, entrepreneur, Manish Malhotra’s prolific career spanning 30 years has seen him redefine fashion. Manish started his career as a model but soon his passion and love for movies and fashion, drew him towards costume designing. An avid Bollywood film enthusiast and founder of the eponymous label, Manish Malhotra is known in the industry for his path breaking makeover for actors on the silver screen and giving them an individual style narrative in personal lives, whilst walking alongside in their journey of stardom. The first-ever fashion influencer and bold fashion creator, Manish Malhotra has extended his influence beyond fashion to carve his niche as an Indian luxury designer. Malhotra starts his day early with a cup of tea and a workout. His mantras for a successful life are “love what you do, always deliver more than you have promised and make passion your profession.” He continued to say, “While I have no significant regrets, a formal fashion education is something I’ve always “Grab every opportunity life throws at you, it’ll all lead up to the big picture in its due time.” desired, even though hands-on experience has taught me invaluable lessons through all these years.” Fashion Designer, Founder Manish Malhotra ® 8 |
Martin Schwenk India Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes- Benz Martin Schwenk took over the India operations a little over a year ago, at a time, when the taxation system had become a challenge. Under his leadership, Mercedes-Benz, in 2019, launched highperformance AMG cars, which as per the German carmaker will redefine India’s driving experience. The automobile giant has been sitting at the top position for the last four years in the Indian luxury car market, in spite of the economic slowdown. 2019 saw Mercedes complete 25 years in the Indian market and the automaker is aggressively growing its product portfolio in the country, especially with highperformance AMG models. “We believe that reduction in import duties will not only allow the luxury automotive sector to grow – resulting in a multiplier effect – it will also help us introduce newer technologies and models, which are technologically advanced and safer,” says Schwenk. “We believe that reduction in import duties will not only allow the luxury automotive sector to grow – resulting in a multiplier effect – it will also help us introduce newer technologies and models, which are technologically advanced and safer” Mira Kulkarni Mira Kulkarni is a veteran in the field of Ayurveda. Even as the beauty segment finds the Ayurveda market expanding, Forest Essentials, founded in 2000 is now one of the award-winning luxury beauty brands known for authentic, traditional skincare. Kulkarni has been honoured with prestigious awards, recommendations and won several awards as one of India’s most powerful women in business for consecutive years, from 2011 to 2020. Forest Essentials is backed by several industry experts and celebrities as a favourite. Ms Kulkarni has come a long way from starting the company with 50 honey soaps back in 2000, to their partnership with Estee Lauder in 2008, making it the first Indian brand to go global. The brand launched in international waters in 2021, with UK being its first market. Her exquisite taste, married with simplicity and belief in sustainability. “Luxury is being understated. My business advice for those seeking to become entrepreneurs in the luxury industry would be to learn to go into depth, and not to get bored too easily.” Founder & Chief Managing Director, Forest Essentials 10 | | 11
Pushpa Bector Senior Executive Director, DLF Retail As a senior executive director of a formidable real estate and luxury brand, Pushpa Bector has set a standard for many to follow in her footsteps. She has played a significant role in shaping the retail landscape of India. Through the launch of the initial DLF Malls starting with DLF Promenade more than a decade ago, Pushpa was amongst the first few to introduce to the discerning customer a retail experience that is not defined by a transactional exchange. Pushpa has led DLF’s retail portfolio by pre-empting global industry trends. She began her career at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts before going on to work for Jubilant FoodWorks as Marketing Head for Domino’s Pizza. Her initial experiences in the hospitality industry provided her with the knowledge she would later use at DLF. In her current role as a Senior Executive Director, she is responsible for providing executive leadership and management of DLF Retail Malls (including Premium & Luxury) across marketing, leasing, finance, and operations. A Harvard Alumni, she is passionate about music and cinema. While she enjoys her time in the boardroom, “Stay passionate, remain resilient, and seize every opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around you!” she also cherishes quality time spent with her children and family. Her favourite holiday destinations include Australia and Kerala, and her favourite ride is her BMW 3 series. Rahul Mishra Originally from Malhausi, near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra won Best Student Designer of The Year when he graduated from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, in 2005. In 2009, Mishra became the first non-European designer to win a scholarship to Milan’s Istituto Marangoni. He made his debut in 2006 at the Lakme Fashion Week with a collection using cotton handloom from Kerala. Rahul Mishra is the first Indian designer to showcase at the Paris Haute Couture Week and win the International Woolmark Prize in 2014. Over the years, he has showcased his work at fashion weeks in London, Dubai and Australia, in addition to India Fashion Week. He has also become known for incorporating traditional Indian textiles and handmade artisanship to his work. Mishra is the only Indian to have won the award. His work featured in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum in 2015 to 2016 following his Woolmark Prize in 2014. His eponymous label hosts a thriving national and international distribution channel with its headquarters in New Delhi, two flagship stores at prime locations “We need to represent India on the global stage, highlight the real treasure of this country, the artisanal heritage and expertise that is passed down generations.” in India and a communications office in Paris. The brand is known for its savoir-faire in hand craft and sustainability that present fashion as a tool to create participation and empower the local craft community of India. Fashion Designer, Founder, Rahul Mishra 12 | | 13
Tarun Tahiliani Fashion Designer, Founder Tarun Tahiliani Tahiliani is, part of the first generation of Indian fashion. in Maharashtra, Tarun Tahiliani was the elder of two children. He studied at The Doon School in Dehradun, and attended St. Stephens College in Delhi. Soon after, he earned an MBA from The Wharton School of Business. Tahiliani’s upbringing was influenced by European methods and he had a natural inclination towards art. Upon his return from the States, Tahiliani joined the family business, selling oil-field equipment. But that failed to satisfy the creative in him. In 1987, Tahiliani and his wife Sailaja co-founded Ensemble, a multi-brand fashion boutique that introduced luxury retail to Bombay. The racks featured four Indian and one American designer, along with Tahiliani’s own label, Ahilian. He then enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and earned an associate degree. during this time, in September of 1994, he also held his first solo show, at the Dorchester Hotel in London where he was touted as the ‘Karl Lagerfeld of India’ by British fashion editor, Isabella “Be super glam, super sexy and yourself.” Blow. In 1995, he founded the Tarun Tahiliani Design Studio in Delhi. Tahiliani, along with six other designers and a businessman, came together in 1999 to form the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). In 2003, Tahiliani also became the first Indian designer to showcase at Milan Fashion Week. His love for pastels and drapes remains a constant even at his recent India Couture Week 2023 showcase. The designer said “Drape is the most sexy, quintessential Indian thing and I love it. I’m here to do structured drapes and keep that tradition alive.” He also shared that the brand will be launching a book in October that captures how the brand has been inspired by different aspect of India and how Tahiliani has modernised them in a contemporary way. Vikram Pawah An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Pawah has incomparable experience in the luxury automobile industry, having worked with Honda, Harley Davidson and BMW for the past two decades and more. He has been with the BMW group since 2017, where he joined as the President, left for two years as the CEO of BMW group Australia and New Zealand, and took up the role of CEO and President BMW India from August 2020. Pawah loves Barcelona and coastal towns in Basque Country for its culture, art, food and vibes. Found on Friday with his favourite beer, Mondays will however find him in a different avatar, “waiting to make a dent in the universe.” “Luxury is responsible consumption of what one aspires for. It is all about self-expression.” President and CEO, BMW Group India 14 | | 15
We invite you to embark on a journey through history, immersing yourself in the grandeur of Rajasthan’s Royal Heritage, Nahargarh Fort. Let these jewels become a part of your story, as you step into the spotlight on your special day, radiating the majesty of a true Queen.
ART & DESIGN Angelique Dhama CEO, Obeetee Carpets Angelique Dhama is a well-known entrepreneur, serving as the CEO of Obeetee Carpets, a leading exporter and producer of exquisite carpets in 2013. Dhama has since headed multiple projects to promote India’s textile traditions globally. The ‘Proud to be Indian’ initiative was among Dhama’s most successful projects. It was an exclusive carpet collection by Obeetee featuring works by some of India’s most renowned designers at a global pedestal. Dhama previously worked with renowned luxury brands including Timex, Lladro, Jimmy Choo and Swarovski, driving revenue and profitability for the companies. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, she is recognized for her expertise in international luxury branding and has received awards and accolades such as the Corporate Excellence Award in 2005 for her contribution to luxury retailing. Dhama believes in integrity, chasing excellence, and dressing for success. “Be careful how you treat people on your way up. You don’t know who you’ll meet on your way down.” | 19 18 |
Astha Khetan CEO & Founder, The House of Things; Director, Iraj Evolution Design Company Pvt. Ltd. One of India’s leading online shopping platforms, The House of Things was born out of founder Astha Khetan’s love for art and design as well as her desire to promote local artisans and preserve handicrafts. She combined superior design and handcrafted savoir-faire to provide a creative collision of furniture, art, and accessories from around the world. Today, The House of Things is recognised among the top five home décor sites to shop from in the Indian subcontinent. Astha likes to start her mornings with her son, and getting a workout in. A hibiscus tea afficionado, Astha has successfully implemented community development projects, by providing skill development training and employment opportunities at her family-owned, global furniture manufacturing unit based out of Udaipur, called I.EVO. Having successfully built a global-oriented setup that has witnessed the export of products, both retail and bulk, Astha along with partners Saurabh and Manan, have further proved their mettle assisted by a dedicated team of 1800+ employees. “Luxury to me is the freedom to do what your heart wants.” Khetan also runs an IB school, Crossroads Enrichment Centre – founded with the aim of providing holistic education. Dinesh Vazirani CEO & Co-Founder, Saffronart India Dinesh Vazirani established Saffronart in the year 2000. The Indian art market has extensively grown with auction houses garnering much recognition, going from in-person to online auctions, and now working with NFTs as well. Marking one of its biggest successes, Saffronart has a company case-study at Harvard University, which is Vazirani’s alma mater. Together with his wife Minal, Vazirani is working to convert Saffronart from an organisation to an institution and build a foundation to give back to the community. During and prior to the pandemic, the auction house continued to thrive, whether it be auctioning Nirav Modi’s assets or with the creation of StoryLTD, a platform or smaller, more regular auctions. He’s also given Mumbai’s Malabar Hill Police Station a facelift. When not working, he can be found unwinding with some music or spending Friday evening with a single malt in hand. “Always experiment, be creative, and remember to follow your passion.” 20 | | 21
Rohit Kapoor Founder, Director Nivasa Homes Pvt. Ltd. Rohit Kapoor decided to pursue his passion for design and began designing furniture from a small studio in New Delhi in 1993. With 30 years of experience, he is the force behind Nivasa. The zeal to establish Nivasa came when Rohit realised that there was a huge vacuum in the space of designer furniture in India. The dearth of high-end brands and trusted professionals who could deliver consistent quality is where it all began. With a keen eye for detail and the passion for design, Rohit seized this opportunity. In a short journey of 9 years, the brand has created a stronghold for itself in the market and has become synonymous with high-end luxury furniture. He shared why he has no regrets, “I always look forward with optimism and joy to the years and times ahead. ” Passionate about work Kapoor says, “The traditional concept of work-life balance doesn’t quite apply, as I find immense joy and fulfilment in what I do. However, I do believe in certain work-life balance hacks that have proven effective for me. Firstly, it’s crucial to completely disconnect from work at times. Whether it’s early “Luxury, for me, is all about treating yourself right and celebrating your achievements. It’s like rewarding yourself with the best comfort and experiences life has to offer.” morning or late evening, when I’m at home, I prioritize spending quality time with my extensive circle of friends and family. This not only helps me unwind after a busy day but also balances any stresses that may have arisen at work. Nurturing these personal connections is essential for keeping stress at bay and maintaining a healthy perspective on life.” Sunita Kohli Owner, K2 Sunita Kohli is a polymath, authority on the planning of New Delhi, a cookbook author and a philanthropist. She is the President of K2India, an award-winning firm for architects and designers. In 1992, she was conferred the Padma Shri, ‘for contribution to national life’ in the field of interior design and architectural conservation, the first in this discipline. In 1992, Sunita Kohli was also presented the Mahila Shiromani Award by Mother Teresa. Since 1972, she has worked as a manufacturer of fine contemporary and classical furniture and a research-based interior designer. She is also noted for her contribution to historical interior architectural conservation. Her professional portfolio — across India, Egypt, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the UK — includes several significant public and heritage buildings, hotels and hotel boats, forts, palaces, libraries, museums, corporate offices and select residences. Among her renowned projects, Kohli has restored, furnished and decorated many Lutyens era buildings in New Delhi, from the Prime Minister’s “Personally for me, the greatest luxury is that of time and the finances to travel at will, as often as time allows.” office and secretariat (1985 and 1986) Rashtrapati Bhawan, among others. She’s the founding director of Satyagyan, which works in over 400 slum communities in Varanasi. As an accomplished person, she believes success is a relative term, “It means different things to different people – all perfectly legitimate. For me, personally, the three mantras for a successful life would be sincerity of purpose, hard-work and a constant striving for knowledge.” 22 | | 23
Vandana Khosla Co-Founder and Creative Director, ELVY Vandana Khosla, founder and creative director of Elvy, foresaw back in 2006 how interiors would take centrestage in commercial design. Her time working with Talati and Panthaky Associated Designers, a lifetime spent traveling to exotic destinations around the globe, and a keen entrepreneurial mind showed her that the Indian market lacked a curated selection of decor and lifestyle products for the discerning buyer. She initially conceptualised Elvy as a mail-order catalogue, pioneering the model in India, where people still relied solely on brick and mortar stores to shop. Today, she has grown Elvy to five strategically located stores in Delhi NCR, Ludhiana, and Hyderabad. Elvy’s collection has grown to offer items from over 12 countries, each promising the brand’s signature hallmark of quality and elegance. She ensures that Elvy’s buyers are able to choose from a wide product portfolio, including tableware, crystalware, home decor, to even outdoor accessories. To begin her day Khosla she says, “Practice mindfulness or meditation: Taking a few moments “In today’s digital age, it’s important to set boundaries with technology to avoid constant work-related interruptions and maintain a healthy work-life balance.” to quiet the mind, focus on the present moment, and cultivate gratitude can promote mental clarity and reduce stress. Creating a to-do list or using time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, can help structure your day and boost productivity. Read or learn something new: Dedicate time to reading books, articles, or blogs that inspire personal or professional growth.” AUTOMOBILES 24 | | 25
Balbir Singh Dhillon Head, Audi India An engineer from Punjab Engineering College, Dhillon is the first Indian to head Audi India ever in the country. He is a scion with many years of experience in the luxury automobile industry. Dhillon was Head of Dealer Development in India when he was chosen to head the India division of the industry. Previously, he has worked with Porsche India, Honda Cars India, among others. He completed his masters in finance from Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, leaving him equipped for the future. Dhillon believes, “Wake up every day wanting to learn and to better yourself. There are no shortcuts to success – take the long road and be a student for life.” When not working, he may be found relaxing with a glass of wine while watching a movie with his family. Under his able leadership, Audi India’s sales have grown by 97 per cent in the first half of 2023, as compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, their official pre-owned car business has also grown by over 50 per cent during the same period. The sports car “Luxury is a state of mind.” range saw a growth of 127 per cent, while the SUV (Q range) grew by 217 per cent in the same period. Sharad Agarwal Head, Lamborghini India Sharad Agarwal has been heading Lamborghini since 2016. After a stellar 2022, Lamborghini is already sold out for 2023, in one of the best years yet for luxury supercars that the industry has seen. The company has hit its best ever half year sales numbers, thanks to Urus and Huracan as Lamborghini expands its presence in India, in the 60th anniversary since its launch. Sharad Agarwal, with an experience of almost two decades in the automobile industry is fully capable of seeing Lamborghini through mightier heights as the luxury car industry expands in the country. “There’s a large growth and change in consumer preferences. People today are aware of global and bespoke brands, and brands are evolving to meet the changing tastes of consumers. In some markets the heritage and timelessness of a product represents the ultimate hallmarks of luxury, while in others the focus is on the experience or exclusivity of the service.” 26 | | 27
P B Venugopal President, Lexus India Venugopal started his career in construction equipment and entered the auto industry with Toyota in 2009. He was appointed the President of Lexus India in January 2018 as a part of a complete restructuring of the brand’s top management. He brings with him extensive experience in managing sales, service, dealer, and marketing functions. Venugopal’s key responsibilities include driving the growth of Lexus in India, along with looking after the brand’s profitability in one of the world’s fastest growing economies. In his role as the President of Lexus India, he aims to drive greater awareness of the brand across the country, with a view to profitable and sustainable growth. Prior to this, Venugopal was responsible for planning, strategy and operations at Toyota Kirloskar Motor. He has also held various roles at JCB, and Larsen & Toubro. Venugopal has been credited with leading teams to achieve record revenue targets as well as achieving award-winning milestones in organizational development and growth. He is also acknowledged for his leadership excellence in managing team retention “Luxury consumers are global citizens, with exacting standards of quality. Moreover, we see an affinity for responsible and environmentfriendly consumption, and consumers are associating with brands that can help them realise this. We see a huge potential for the growth of the luxury market in India.” and effectiveness. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Post-Graduate degree in Management with specialisation in Marketing, Finance, Personnel Management and Industrial Relation. BEAUTY 28 | | 29
Aankith Aroraa CEO, Streamline Beauty India Private Limited Aankith Aroraa, a graduate of Monash University in Melbourne with a marketing degree, went on to earn his Master’s degree from S.P Jain in Mumbai. With over 20 years of professional experience in the FMCG and Telecom industry, he gained exposure to the professional salon business when he represented India at prestigious forums for P&G and Wella. A strategic thinker, he has led Streamline Beauty India Private Limited to become the number one importer of prestigious beauty brands in India. The company represents market leaders like Olaplex and Kevin Murphy, and has developed five homegrown pedicure brands under the umbrella of Saniolla Naturals Pvt Ltd. To balance work and life Aankith says, “My work-life balance hack involves dedicating five days to hard work and enjoying two days of unwinding and relaxation. This approach keeps me productive and refreshed. Meditation is my secret weapon for recharging and maintaining focus amidst a dynamic work environment. On vacation his top destination “My favorite ride is a Ferrari on the Melbourne Albert Park Grand Prix race track.” is Bodrum in Turkey. Luxury to him is “...Beyond mere extravagance; it’s about adding value to my life.” Masaba Gupta Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur and Actor Masaba is one of the youngest fashion and beauty industry icons of the industry and the first Indian designer to have a series on her personal and fashion journey - Masaba Masaba on Netflix. She started her eponymous womenswear label, House of Masaba, at the age of 19. House Of Masaba, founded in 2009, is a quirky print-heavy label that features stand-out designs with a strong play of print, colour and cut. Each design is a powerful conversation in print for an ever evolving consumer. Over the years the brand has forayed into beauty, fashion jewellery, and many more segments, with a global presence, and has become a go-to- resort wear label across the world. Known as the ‘Queen of Prints’, Masaba has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list (2017) along with the Fortune 40 Under 40 list. Last year, the designer delved into the beauty space with the launch of LoveChild By Masaba an honest, embracive, and playfully-vibrant beauty brand, made with empathy at its core. The brand offers an extensive range of high- performing products for all “I love reading biographies and watching documentaries, I think that’s inspirational.” ages, skin colours and cultures. Today, she even has a How I Masaba where she sits down with her fellow entrepreneurs for conversations. 30 | | 31
Paul Lee Managing Director, Amorepacific India Paul Lee’s connection with India began as a student in Delhi University, where he did his college education. He went on to join Amorepacific, with a strong vision for Korean beauty’s global value, and he has greatly contributed to the Korean company’s success since then. He joined Amorepacific as a channel manager for Laneige, moved on to the Innisfree Global Strategy Team, where he execute successful launches in several countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Japan, Hong Kong, among others. He joined as the Operations Manager in India in 2015, and since then has overseen the launch of 22 stores and new online platforms. Under Mr Lee, Amorepacific aims to cross 30 per cent annual growth rate across all four of its brands including Etude Beauty, Laneige, Innisfree and Sulwhasoo. A fan of English Premier League, light beers and business literature, Mr Paul Lee prefers Kingfisher Ultra in India, and watching YouTube videos to stay updated about the latest in skincare and makeup. “Luxebook in India has become my primary source for reading about luxury updates in the country, I greatly appreciate how they consistently keep us informed about the latest developments in beauty, lifestyle, and all things luxurious.” Ritika Sharma Founder & CEO, Boddess Beauty Ritika Sharma, founder and CEO of House of Beauty and Boddess, is a woman of many talents. Her enterprising personality is backed by her experience that spans across industries such as beauty, fashion, travel, F&B and healthcare. Having worked with some of the most renowned global brands such as Starbucks in Seattle and Abbott in San Francisco, Ritika helped them scale up and thrive in developing markets, armed with degrees from prestigious educational institutions. An MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, Sharma graduated from the renowned King’s College London after which she obtained her Master’s degree in Communication Science from Northwestern University. Overseeing multiple international exclusive brands in South Asia, House Of Beauty had also launched its subsidiary Boddess.com, India’s finest beauty-tech retailer in April 2020. During the tumultuous period of the pandemic while most brands were struggling to keep doors open, CEO and founder Ritika Sharma, successfully grew the brand since its launch. Under the leadership and expertise of Sharma, House of Beauty, “Stay resilient, seek balance and prioritize self care, embrace challenges as opportunities” the beauty and wellness retail company, achieved a diverse portfolio of over 75 brands which includes Mac, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Smashbox and Clinique. Titleholder of the prestigious Miss India World 2016-Indonesia, Sharma believes that “Setting boundaries and clearly defining hours you work vs personal time is crucial and making time for things that recharge your body and your mind.” 32 | | 33
Sanjali Giri Vice President, International Brands Distribution & Retail, House of Beauty Sanjali Giri is backed by over 20 years of retail experience in the beauty and fashion industry, before taking over as vice president at House of Beauty, over the last two and a-half years. House of Beauty has successfully launched four iconic brands in the beauty space in India under her leadership. She is currently the driving force behind some of iconic international beauty brands such as Anastasia Beverly Hills, Juice Beauty, Neals Yard Remedies, EcoTools, and spearheads the entire international premium brand portfolio. She developed a strong association for the beauty space with her first stint at The Body Shop in 2011. Giri played a monumental role in positioning The Body Shop as a central player in the beauty space, and helped build a wide retail presence of 175 stores across the market. Under her direction, Guess expanded its retail footprint from 2 to 10 stores within two years of operations in India. She says she has one success mantra, “Never give up.” When not working, she likes to get away to “Nothing good ever comes easy. So don’t take shot cuts and know, that there is no substitute for hard work and sincerity.” Bordeaux in France, where a close friend lives, “It is the world capital of wine and I have come to really like the city for its landscape, chateaus and vineyards.” Shradha Nichani Director — Luxury, Loreal India Shradha Nichani is the head of L’Oréal’s luxury division in India and is responsible for brands like YSL Beauty, Kiehl’s, and Lancôme. She completed her Master’s from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), and holds a degree in marketing. Shradha has over two decades of experience in the beauty industry and has worked in key positions in India and the Middle East. With her diverse experiences across brands, retailers and e-tailers, Nichani is an expert on the Indian luxury market with a proven ability to build brands, and targeted marketing initiatives to inspire the local consumer and scale teams to new heights. For her current role at L’Oréal India, Shradha works on creating exceptional omnichannel consumer experiences and the foundation for sustainable growth for the business. “Be careful how you treat people on your way up. You don’t know who you’ll meet on your way down.” 34 | | 35
Sumaya Dalmia Founder, SUMAYA Sumaya Dalmia is renowned for her contribution towards changing the face of the Indian fitness industry over the last two decades. She has been one of the leading pioneers of the industry since 1997. An economics graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, her passion for sports led her to foray into the world of fitness as early as 1997. Backed with an MSc in Sports Science and various certifications from The American College of Sports Medicine (Pilates, Pre, and Postnatal fitness, Sports performance, kettlebell, exercise mechanics), she is a firm believer in tailormade training for every unique individual. She started her entrepreneurial journey with ‘SUMAYA’ – Delhi’s first state-of-the-art personal training studio. Since then, ‘SUMAYA’ is recognized as a leading homegrown wellness brand. She begins her day by planning her tasks and a cup of coffee. She says, “For me the biggest balance is to get rid of the emotion of guilt and to be able to cut off from work when I’m with my family and vice versa.” “Luxury is timeless.” Vibhuti Arora Founder, House of beauty & Face Yoga School Vibhuti Arora is a Delhi-based, face yoga and skintech expert with an aim to spread awareness on holistic beauty. With an MBA from UK, her goal was always to do something unique in beauty. However, things took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with an auto-immune skin disorder (Lupus) and her journey in face yoga started gaining depth. She started practicing Face Yoga 10 years ago with only limited and minimal knowledge available at that time. Her research done on healing oils as well as defining techniques not only helped her on an individual level but also helped others along her quest to control such disorders, thus giving birth to an entrepreneur and influencer. She also runs Face Yoga School India and has successfully certified multiple Face Yoga teachers all over the world. While Arora would love to live in Florence after retirement, her mantra for work life balance is meditation and aerial yoga. “I meditate to perform better each day, but lately my biggest switch off hack is aerial yoga! It improves my focus and helps me go blank at night.” “Make your own mistake, fall and follow your passion – because only then can your dreams turn to reality.” 36 | | 37
Vivek Sahni Founder & Chairman, Kama Ayurveda Vivek Sahni earned a degree in Economics from Delhi University and went on to get an associate degree in communications design from Parsons School of Design in New York. After moving back to India, he started his eponymous design company Vivek Sahni Design in 1993 which specialized in communications, product, and environmental design. Sahni founded Kama Ayurveda in 2002, a brand that has come to be known for its authentic Ayurvedic beauty and wellness offerings. Under his leadership, the brand is poised for global retail expansions starting in 2023. Today, Kama Ayurveda boasts an extensive range of over 150 products which cater to skin, hair, body, and overall well-being. The brand has established nearly 125 retail touchpoints across India. With a profound passion for design and a deep-rooted connection to Ayurveda, Sahni has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity and direction. “There are no shortcuts in life nor in building a business. You need to find something you love and then work towards building it honestly and diligently. Give it all that you’ve got and you’re sure to succeed.” FASHION 38 | | 39
Arpita Mehta Founder and Creative Director, Arpita Mehta Arpita Mehta started her journey in the world of fashion in 2009, and her name has consequently become synonymous with her signature aesthetic of hand-embroidered mirrorwork ensembles in contemporary cuts and eclectic colour palettes. The designer developed her interest in fashion very early on in life and secured her degree in Apparel Manufacture and Dress Design from the prestigious SNDT University, Mumbai. With perseverance and a knack for detailing, she debuted at the Lakmé India Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2013, showcasing her very first collection, ‘Violet Garden.’ Today, Arpita’s illustrious clientele includes industrialists, fashion industry stalwarts and celebrities like Alia Bhat, Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Sonakshi Sinha, to name a few. Her most prized possession is a ruby and diamond pendant chain that her sister gifted her when she opened her first flagship store. She further added, “I’m someone who always believes in balance. I’m not an extremist and I do believe in a full-circle life. So, I make “Work hard & smart, be honest and consistent, don’t take everything too seriously and learn to have a little fun with everything you do.” sure once I’m home from work, I avoid bringing work home or taking work-related calls and messages unless it’s from my team.” Gaurav Gupta Couturier, Artist, and Designer One of the most celebrated designers in the industry, Gaurav Gupta founded his eponymous label in 2005. He graduated from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London. Through his 18-year career, Gupta has carved a world that is Indian at its core and boundless in its form, merging indigenous Indian construction and embellishing techniques with his idea of the future. His sculptural silhouettes have been heavily acclaimed and have repeatedly appeared on the world’s Best Dressed Lists for the Oscars, the Emmy Awards, the Tony Awards and the Festival de Cannes to name a few. His designs have graced magazine covers, billboards, music videos and red carpets around the globe. Global celebrities too have been spotted in his designs on the red carpet, including names like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Cardi B, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Mary J. Blige, and Maluma among others. Best described as future primitive, the couturier’s design language is a composition of what might be “The fashion industry is one of the biggest pollutants in the world, it is now the industry’s responsibility to reflect upon it.” and what was. Hailed as the ‘Future of Couture’, ‘Rule Breaker’, ‘Ecopolitan Designer of the Year’, Gaurav has been awarded at Mittelmoda, Altaroma Altamoda, Makuhari Grand Prix amongst other prestigious platforms. 40 | | 41
Gazal Gupta Fashion Designer Born and brought up in Delhi, Gazal started her career as a kindergarten teacher, and soon enough realised her desire to be an entrepreneur. She started out small, designing wedding trousseaus and gift packaging for gifting ,which over time drew her into the beautiful world of Indian ethnic wear. Somewhere along the line she developed an obsession for fine fabrics, weaves, embroideries, colours and the various little details that go into making an irresistible garment. Today the Gazal Gupta family comprises of more than 500 craftsmen and creative designers from across the country. She believes in appreciating the present, being consistent and constantly learning are her mantras for a successful life. Gazal further adds, “Don’t be scared of failure, they will make you stronger than you could ever be.” “Luxury is the freedom of giving, no amount of possessing can beat that joy.” J J Valaya Founder of JJ Valaya, JJV Kapurthala and Valaya Home In 1989, JJ Valaya stepped into the nascent fashion Industry in India as a student of its first, and only fashion institute, the NIFT. In 1992, the man, along with his brother, ex-army man TJ Singh, launched his eponymous label. He enjoys the privilege of being a part of the pioneering group of Indian fashion designers, the ones who started the style revolution for Modern India. He is a founding member of the Board of Governors of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and the first official brand ambassador for global crystal giant, Swarovski, a brand he continues to work with passionately. He is considered one of India’s leading fashion pioneers and founder of one of its most respected luxury fashion and lifestyle houses, a journey that has earned him the title of the ‘Czar of Indian Couture’. No words perhaps best describe the Valaya brand better than the one made by the Maharani of Kapurthala on a visit to his atelier: “You are truly the future of the past.” A larger-than-life approach to luxury fashion and lifestyle has been the distinguished hallmark of JJ “Luxebook to me is the number one choice for any form of credible reference when it comes to luxury in India.” Valaya, who considers himself a “Royal Nomad with a penchant for all things Art Deco”. Today it is his edgy classicism and a royal sophistication that truly defines the well-known and timeless Valaya ethos. Apart from being a designer he’s also a prolific photographer, with architectural forms piquing his interest. As he says, “Work doesn’t seem like work to me, I’m extremely comfortable revelling in doing what I do.” 42 | | 43
Khushi Shah Creative Director, Shanti Banaras Established in 2019, Shanti, a budding offspring of a 50-year-old manufacturing brand, is led by the brother-sister duo- Amrit Shah and Khushi Shah. Coming from a legacy of weavers from Banaras, they have a powerful sense of design and handlooms. Before joining the business, Khushi Shan formally studied fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. After working with fashion brands from New York and expanding her horizons in marketing and branding, she came back to India to take over and continue their family business. She adores her Mini Cooper, and on weekends you can find her sipping red wine and appreciating the retro fashion in Hotstar’s show Jubilee. She advises the younger generation to... “Always be curious and never hesitate in asking questions. Be confident about your enthusiasm and passion, if you truly have the vision for it, it can take you places, lastly, don’t worry about making mistakes, keep experimenting and you will reach a place where you’re 100% satisfied, trust me!” But to maintain her work-life balance Shah “Stop fixating on failure, time is money. Always try to be ahead of the curve. Never be hesitant in experimenting and the world is your stage!” said, “Try to give yourself a timeline for every task. Make the most of your commute period and NEVER procrastinate.” Masoom Minawala Influencer, Entrepreneur and Investor Masoom Minawala is the undisputed queen of India’s fashion & lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur ecosystem. With over 1.48 million followers on social media, she pioneered the nation’s blogging industry when she set up her blog - Miss Style Fiesta in 2010. Making it to the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 List 2022, she is one of the first creators from India to have walked the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival thrice in a row and attended Paris Fashion Week multiple times, exclusively for luxury brands like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Dior, and so on. Additionally, she’s an equity partner and lead innovation & strategy at the e-commerce start-up ‘The CAI Store’ and recently turned Investor by investing in companies like The Betel Leaf & Co, One Impression, Blissclub Kuku FM, All Things Good and Front Row. The new mom believes “I truly believe that in one given moment, balance is a myth. In a particular situation, you always have to evaluate and decide what takes priority over the other. There might be situations where my professional life will take priority over my “I am not someone who regrets things - I just take them as lessons and move on.” personal life but the key here is to not let guilt be the overriding emotion. And, understand and respect that tomorrow there will be a situation where I will pick my personal life over my professional!” Masoom said, “Don’t be afraid - rather be hopeful. We often find ourselves trapped in the confines of our own thoughts, worrying about what could go wrong or questioning our abilities. Rather, just embrace the unknown with a spirit of hope, curiosity, and resilience.” 44 | | 45
Monica Shah and Karishma Swali Co-founders, JADE by Monica & Karishma Duo Monica and Karishma are the brain way behind the well-known fashion brand, JADE. The sister-in-law duo founded the brand in 2008 in Mumbai. They have championed Indian artistry and its contemporary reinvention to preserve homegrown crafts since the very onset of the atelier. They have truly found their niche as a fashion brand that merges traditional Indian art and craft with contemporary style. Their work with Italian fashion houses combined with their love for India’s artisanal heritage resulted in a brand that is both Indian and international. Through their travels, they reimagined traditional handicrafts as modern classics while promoting cultural sustainability and craftsmanship. The duo’s drive to give heritage handcraft its rightful position as timeless art through contemporary reimagining sets the tone for JADE Couture. For the younger generations Monica says, “To the younger generation, I say embrace your uniqueness and heritage. The future lies in preserving tradition while embracing innovation. Dreams are achieved “When not crafting couture, you’ll find me exploring art galleries, immersing myself in literature, and spending quality time with my family.” — Monica Shah through passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in your art. Pranav Misra Co-founder and CEO, HUEMN Born and brought up in Lucknow, Pranav Misra is a graduate of The National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore. He is a core believer that No matter how cool a brand is or how strong their social media, it comes down to the quality of the brand. Pranav founded HUEMN in 2012 and has won multiple accolades for their work including the Vogue India Fashion Fund 2017, Elle style awards; consecutive Q style lists and Grazia most influential; and also the Elle Award for Luxe daywear for being one of the first labels worldwide to introduce athleisure. For Pranav luxury is limited and precious, like time. His three mantras for a successful life are, “Evolve consistently, empower others and never settle.” To ensure a work like balance Misra practices discipline, he said “be aware of where one chooses to spend their time is the key to sustainable growth.” And his most important possession is his late Father’s rosary. “Authenticity is rare. Find who you are first.” 46 | | 47
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