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 Tanvi Somaiya, the dynamic Co-Founder of The Bear House, whose creative vision and relentless drive are redefining the landscape of smart-casual menswear in India.
Tanvi Somaiya has been immersed in the world of fashion from an early age. With a degree in Fashion and Clothing Technology from NIFT Kharghar, her journey has spanned assisting designers, styling celebrities in Mumbai, and managing sampling for a manufacturing brand producing for global names like Zara and Mango.
In 2017, she co-founded The Bear House, a D2C brand specialising in smart-casual menswear. As the brand’s creative force, Tanvi leads design and marketing strategies, overseeing everything from new collections and quality control to tracking customer preferences.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
Tanvi initially faced challenges in being heard and respected within the predominantly male-dominated fashion industry. However, she successfully navigated the system and established her presence. Another major challenge was managing work-life balance in the fast-paced retail sector. Over time, she learned to set boundaries and prioritise effectively, allowing her to manage both professional and personal responsibilities successfully.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Hardwork; Empathy and Compassion; Openness to new ideas
- Area of Improvement: To be more expressive
Game-Changing Decisions for Brand
Tanvi’s willingness to embrace calculated risks and experimentation has played a pivotal role in shaping The Bear House’s journey. This approach has fostered innovation, enabled adaptability to market trends, and driven business growth in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To establish ‘The Bear House’ as a renowned menswear brand in India and globally, recognised for its distinct philosophy and unwavering commitment to its vision despite the challenges.
3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping Retail
- AI powered personalised shopping experiences
- Growth of omnichannel retail
- Authenticity
Career Learnings
- Trust your instincts
- A strong team is everything
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Own up to your womanhood and embrace it with confidence. Dream big—aspiration is the foundation of success.
Biggest Role Model & Why
Harsh Somaiya, as he has been the guide offering invaluable insights and support.
Life Mantra
Dream big. If you have the vision for it, with hard work you will be able to achieve it.
