In the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry, women today are not just contributors, instead, they are innovators and trendsetters. These women are rethinking and re-imagining what most individuals perceive as normal. From entrepreneurs to designers, women are taking the lead in dismantling traditional concepts and ideas and revolutionizing how we engage with fashion.
The transformative influence of these trailblazing women spans diverse domains, from advocating sustainability and shattering gender norms to reviving age-old textiles, designs, and techniques for the modern world; they are re-writing the narrative of fashion and are leaving an indelible mark in its world.
This week, IMAGES Business of Fashion looks deeper at the life and achievements of Shivani Malik, Marketing Director, Da Milano & Rosso Brunello.
About Shivani Malik
In 2007, Shivani Malik embarked on her journey in the business world, ultimately becoming the driving force behind the global recognition of her brand. In 2010, she co-established Rosso Brunello, a prominent footwear brand renowned in both India and the UAE. In addition to her thriving career, Shivani passionately champions the cause of education and fulfills her grandmother’s dream of providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children. As the director of Monsoon Kids, a school initially founded by her maternal grandmother, Shivani continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless young learners.
Her exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has garnered a multitude of prestigious awards and accolades. Among these honors are the 2020 FICCI FLO Award for Excellence in Brand Marketing, the 2018 Confluence Excellence Award at the London Parliament, the title of Exceptional Women of Excellence at the Women Economic Forum in 2021, and the recognition for Excellence in the field of Brand Marketing at the ICUNR International Women’s Day Award in 2021, to name just a few.
Education Profile
Shivani Malik holds a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the Warwick Business School
Strength
Shivani Malik exhibits strong dedication, unwavering focus, and a fearless attitude towards challenges, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Weakness
Shivani Malik faces challenges such as impatience, a tendency to set excessively high expectations that can turn detrimental, and a forthright communication style that, at times, inadvertently might cause harm to others.
Aspirations
Shivani harbors a fervent ambition to establish internationally acclaimed brands, with a strong commitment to elevating Da Milano to global prominence. Her aspiration is for both Da Milano and Rosso Brunello to have a presence in every corner of the world, fostering trust among consumers and consistently delivering top-notch products and services.
Moreover, she envisions broadening her entrepreneurial ventures by introducing Indian brands in diverse sectors like cosmetics, jewelry, and dining establishments, with the aim of expanding their reach to a global audience.
Game-Changing Retail Technologies
> Contactless payment systems and mobile wallet solutions.
> Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications.
> Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Skills That Helped Her Succeed
Shivani’s journey to success in this industry has been underpinned by several key skills. Foremost among them is her unwavering passion, which not only enabled her to assemble a dedicated team but also drove her ongoing efforts to inspire them to share her fervor in building the brand. Proficiency in interpersonal skills is pivotal, given the essential role they play in her team-building and motivation endeavors.
Another notable achievement in her career has been her ability to instill faith and trust in her customers, a testament to her adeptness in fostering lasting customer relationships.
Moreover, Shivani’s knack for innovation and adaptability has proven indispensable. In a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, her capacity to embrace change and remain responsive to shifting trends has been a cornerstone of her success.
Lessons Learned Over the Years
Throughout her journey, Shivani has gleaned valuable lessons from her experiences, which have contributed to her growth and success. These lessons include:
> Cultivating resilience and drawing valuable insights from setbacks and failures.
> Nurturing robust and enduring relationships with stakeholders.
> Embracing innovation and staying attuned to the ever-evolving landscape of industry trends.
> Recognizing the significance of investing in her team’s development and growth.
Role Models in the Industry
Shivani finds inspiration in the iconic figure of Coco Chanel as her role model. Coco Chanel’s groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry, along with the creation of a timeless brand synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and innovation, have left an indelible mark. In her pursuit of success, Shivani aspires to similarly make a lasting impact within the affordable luxury segment.
Future of Fashion Retail
Shivani envisions the future of the fashion industry as being shaped by three key factors: digitalization, personalized customer experiences, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Specifically, within the bridge to the luxury accessory market, she anticipates a rising demand for accessible, top-quality products that place a premium on ethical sourcing and exceptional craftsmanship.
Changes Brought in the Industry
Upon Shivani’s entry into the business, Da Milano was operating with just two stores. The journey since then has been immensely gratifying, witnessing the brand’s expansion and its successful foray into international markets. Given her deep passion for footwear, she also played a pivotal role in co-founding Rosso Brunello, a brand with a more pronounced focus on shoes.
Life mantra
Shivani’s life mantra, “Embrace the journey, create with passion, and cherish family
moments. Balance ambition with self-care, travel to inspire, and treasure time with loved ones. Success for me lies in finding harmony between work, passion, and personal fulfillment.”
