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, Riya Garg, Founder & Creative Director, Studio Rigu, whose commitment to inclusive design, sustainable fashion, and modern luxury is redefining the future of women’s formalwear in India.
Riya Garg, a fashion entrepreneur from New Delhi, holds a BA in Fashion Design and Development from the London College of Fashion. Gaining experience under industry icons like Giles Deacon and Manish Arora, she identified a gap in sophisticated yet comfortable formalwear for modern women. This vision led to the creation of Studio Rigu, a brand redefining everyday luxury with size inclusivity, sustainable production, and accessible pricing.
Current Role & Responsibilities
As the Founder & Creative Director of Studio Rigu, Riya oversees the brand’s creative vision, ensuring designs remain innovative, functional, and aligned with evolving consumer preferences. She leads collection conceptualisation, production, marketing, and business growth strategies. She collaborates closely with artisans, suppliers, and her internal team to maintain quality standards while upholding the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
Establishing authority as a young entrepreneur was a significant challenge for Riya. Launching her business at 23, she had to earn the respect of a team that included peers and senior professionals. Gaining credibility required time, but her persistence, expertise, and unwavering commitment to her vision laid a strong foundation. Through patience and resilience, she proved her leadership capabilities and built a thriving brand.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Resilience; Time Management; Hard Work
- Area of Improvement: Adaptability with changing trends
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To open brick-and-mortar stores to provide an immersive experience for the customers.
Essential Skills for Success
- Persistence
- Ability to stand firm during challenges
3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
- Strong comeback of experiential retail
- Rise of user generated and AI-driven content
- Shift towards greater authenticity and transparency in the creative process
3 Career Learnings
- Trust the timing of your journey—growth happens organically
- It’s okay to miss smaller milestones in pursuit of bigger goals
- Allow the work to evolve as you do
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Stay true to your vision and authenticity—don’t compromise in the pursuit of quick success.
Vision for the Future
With its deep-rooted craftsmanship, innovation, and evolving consumer landscape, India is set to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Biggest Role Model & Why
Falguni Nayar, Founder of Nykaa as she is an exemplary case of vision, resilience, and execution.
Life Mantra
‘We think, therefore we are.’
