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 Udita Bansal, Founder, TrueBrowns Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd., a dynamic force redefining Indian ethnicwear for the urban world.
Udita Bansal, an alumna of NIFT, embarked on her fashion journey with Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, Aditya Birla Group, where she honed her expertise in retail strategies. To further expand her business acumen, she pursued Marketing and Finance at Harvard University.
As the Founder of trueBrowns, an urban ethnic lifestyle brand, Udita revolutionised the industry by championing inclusive sizing and later expanded into jewellery and menswear.
Launched with an initial capital of Rs 20 lakh from her personal savings, trueBrowns has grown into a brand that celebrates effortless style, versatility, and accessibility, redefining ethnic fashion for modern consumers.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
One of the biggest challenges Udita Bansal faced as a woman in retail leadership was breaking industry stereotypes while building a brand centered on inclusivity. She overcame this by staying committed to her vision, leveraging data-driven decisions, and fostering a strong, diverse team that shared her passion.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Resilience | Adaptability | Logical Thinking
- Area of Improvement: Networking
Game-Changing Decisions for Brand
Udita’s game-changing decision was securing a brand ambassador for trueBrowns. The first-ever collaboration with Chitrangda Singh significantly boosted brand awareness and strengthened customer trust, marking a major milestone in the brand’s growth.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To make trueBrowns a globally-renowned brand, taking India to the world.
Essential Skills for Success
- Market awareness
- Intuitive consumer behaviour
- Strong sense of aesthetics
4 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
- Q-Commerce
- Artificial intelligence
- Omnichannel
- Ethical consumerism
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Embrace your own voice.
Vision for the Future
Conscious consumption with strong omnichannel distribution.
Biggest Role Model & Why
Steve Jobs, for his unwavering commitment to innovation. He not only led but also inspired his teams to think differently and push the boundaries of creativity.
Life Mantra
‘Let it flow.’
