Women leaders are transforming India’s fashion retail landscape with strategic vision, innovation, and a keen pulse on the evolving consumer. From luxury to D2C, they’re driving growth, sustainability, and inclusivity—while redefining brand storytelling and digital strategy. This feature celebrates the women reshaping the fashion retail industry, breaking barriers, and elevating India’s global fashion presence.
In this edition, we spotlight Vasundhra Raj, Founder & Creative Director of her eponymous label Vasundhra Raj Luxury, whose visionary leadership and deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship are redefining the future of luxury jewellery retail in India.
Vasundhra Raj’s journey began with a vision to establish an online presence for her jewellery designs. However, as the brand grew, transitioning into retail became a natural progression. A physical space not only allows customers to experience the craftsmanship and quality firsthand but also fosters a deeper personal connection—something she deeply values. Vasundhra holds a Bachelor’s in Fashion Design and Business from Istituto Marangoni, Florence. She further honed her expertise as Chief Design Consultant for the state of Uttarakhand at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Her journey is a testament to her passion for design, craftsmanship, and customer engagement, making her a true innovator in the jewellery industry.
Roles & Responsibilities
Currently, Vasundhra plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity both online and offline. She oversees all creative aspects, from designing exquisite jewellery to conceptualising and executing strategies that enhance brand engagement. Her expertise extends beyond aesthetics—she ensures that every creative decision aligns with the brand’s vision and customer experience.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
As a founder, one of the biggest challenges Vasundhra faced was juggling multiple responsibilities—leading the team, strategising campaigns, managing the supply chain, and driving retail expansion. Being deeply involved in every aspect of the brand’s growth, she overcame this by planning months in advance, ensuring a well-defined vision that is clearly communicated across the organisation.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Personal storytelling | Building the right team
- Area of Improvement: Streamlining operational efficiency, internal structuring, integrating new technologies, and implementing SOPs
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To create a brand that fosters a deep emotional connection with clients, built on the foundation of exceptional service, authenticity, and uncompromising quality.
Essential Skills for Success
- Honesty
- Respect
- Patience
- Diligence
- Right team
Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
Sustainability-driven innovations to play a key role, such as eliminating printed bills in favor of e-certificates for jewellery, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning to enhance consumer insights, streamline inventory management, and optimise pricing strategies for a more seamless and efficient retail experience.
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Stand firm in your beliefs, cultivate resilience, and embrace continuous learning. Stay grounded and treat everyone you meet with kindness. To be a leader whom people respect and admire, embody these values consistently.
Vision for the Future
Retail will be driven by omnichannel strategy in the long run. Retail stores will evolve into experience centers, offering unique, interactive experiences rather than just selling products.
Biggest Role Model
Family and husband
Life Mantra
‘Success, fortune, and wealth are simply byproducts of the good work you do. True success comes from acting with integrity, kindness, and respect towards everyone alike.’
