Women leaders are reshaping India’s fashion retail landscape with bold innovation, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs. Across segments—from luxury and fast fashion to D2C—these trailblazers are championing growth, sustainability, and inclusivity, while leading the charge in brand storytelling and digital evolution.
Overcoming challenges such as gender biases and work-life dynamics, they continue to raise the bar and elevate India’s presence on the global fashion map. This special feature celebrates dynamic women who have reimagined business strategies, introduced game-changing innovations, and driven their brands to new heights.
In this edition, we spotlight Shivaani D Mallik, Director, Da Milano and Rosso Brunello.
Shivaani D Mallik’s journey into retail was driven by a deep fascination with fashion, luxury, and the power of branding. Rather than just selling products made in India, she was passionate about building a homegrown brand that could represent Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. This vision led to the expansion and success of Da Milano and Rosso Brunello, where she has played a key role in scaling both brands while maintaining their core values of quality, craftsmanship, and design.
With an educational background in Economics from JMC, Delhi University, and an MSc in Economics and Finance from Warwick Business School, she brings a strong strategic and analytical perspective to the business.
Roles & Responsibilities
As Marketing Director, Shivaani focuses on brand positioning, market presence, and customer engagement, ensuring a compelling brand narrative that resonates with consumers. She also oversees product development and expansion strategies, keeping innovation at the forefront.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
Breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry posed several challenges for Shivaani, including establishing credibility, managing large-scale operations, and balancing personal and professional commitments. However, she believes that challenges are constant for any entrepreneur, regardless of gender, and resilience is key. With persistence, adaptability, and a strong support system, she has successfully navigated obstacles while building a team that shares her vision and values.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Vision; Team building; Persistence
- Area of Improvement: Embrace technology more effectively
Game-Changing Decisions for Brand
Shivaani’s decision to expand into international markets and adopt an omnichannel retail approach proved to be a transformative move. It enabled the brand to reach a global audience while seamlessly integrating online and offline channels to enhance customer experience.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
- To make Da Milano a truly global Indian brand.
- To create a retail ecosystem that blends innovation with sustainability, ensuring the brands remain relevant and future-ready.
Essential Skills for Success
- Adaptability to market trends
- Deep understanding of consumer behaviour
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
- Personalisation powered by AI
- Data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics
- Phygital (physical + digital) retail experiences
3 Career Learnings
- Patience is key
- Customer experience is everything
- Adaptability drives growth
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Believe in your vision, stay persistent, and don’t hesitate to take risks. Surround yourself with a strong support system and never stop learning.
Vision for the Future
The future is digital-first, sustainable, and deeply consumer-driven. Brands that innovate and offer seamless experiences across channels will lead the industry.
Biggest Role Model
Mother, colleagues, and Indra Nooyi.
Life Mantra
‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.’
