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 Preeti Gupta, Chief Business Officer, Nykaa Fashion.
About Preeti Gupta
Having more than twenty years of expertise in initiating and managing brands within the realms of men’s and women’s clothing as well as retail, Preeti Gupta became a part of Nykaa Fashion in 2020 with the objective of establishing the intimate-wear and athleisure segments. While at Nykaa, she has successfully introduced and is currently overseeing five brands, namely Nykd by Nykaa, Gloot, Kica, Gajragang, and Likha. Additionally, she has assumed responsibility for Nykaa Fashion’s retail store portfolio and the Indianwear category.
Education
> Postgraduate in AMM (Marketing and Merchandising) from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, 1997-1999.
> Two-year diploma in French from Alliance Francaise with extracurricular involvement.
Career History and Experience
Preeti Gupta is a seasoned business leader with over 22 years of diverse experience in launching new brands and categories spanning men’s and women’s apparel, lingerie, accessories, and non-apparel items. She currently holds the position of Chief Business Officer at Nykaa Fashion, a role she has been in since June 2020. Prior to this, she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Enamor. Her past roles include Director of Licensing Business at Tommy Hilfiger, Business Head for Women’s Western Wear and Non-apparel at Reliance Trends, and Business Head for Allen Solly women’s wear at Madura Garments.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
Preeti played a pivotal role in launching the intimate wear and athleisure segments for the company. Presently, she also oversees the Indianwear division, and her leadership encompasses the responsibility of driving the growth and prosperity of Nykaa Fashion’s retail stores.
Strength:
> Preeti acknowledges that she is a perpetual work in progress.
> Her focus lies in constructing motivated teams and establishing strong brands.
Weakness:
> Meticulous
> Hardworking
> Self-reflective
Aspirations
Preeti Gupta aims to elevate Nykaa Fashion’s status to a pioneering force within the fashion industry while nurturing her team members into prospective leaders. On a personal note, she’s dedicated to contributing to society by assisting women in need.
Game-Changing Retail Technologies
> AI-driven solutions are reshaping personalized shopping experiences and demand forecasting, among other areas.
> Social media has transformed customer interactions and product marketing.
> IoT-powered solutions are crucial in enhancing supply chain management optimization.
Skills That Helped Her Succeed
Preeti’s character is characterized by her strong passion and unwavering commitment. She is dedicated to putting in the necessary effort to achieve her goals and possesses the determination and resilience to overcome challenges. Notable skills that define her include adaptability, effective communication, and a willingness to foster a culture of innovation.
Lessons Learned Over the Years
> Demonstrate adaptability and a continuous learning mindset
> Prioritize transparent communication
> Promote collaboration
> Recognize and celebrate achievements
Role Models in the Industry
> Falguni Nayar
> Sriram Srinivasan
Future of Fashion Retail
> Rapidly evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements are expected to lead to a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with innovative designs.
> Sustainable and ethical practices will gain more attention and see greater adoption.
> The impact of e-commerce and digital platforms will continue to reshape how fashion is accessed and experienced.
Life mantra
Preeti’s guiding philosophy in life can be summarized as “Empower, Embrace, Evolve.” She is a strong advocate for empowering her team through a common vision, welcoming change as a means of achieving sustainable growth and acknowledging the significance of ongoing self-improvement to continuously advance and thrive.
