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 Swati Saraf, President of Les Petits.
About Swati Saraf
Swati Saraf, President of Les Petits, is a visionary entrepreneur who embarked on a mission to unite renowned international luxury brands for children under a single, elegant roof. Her journey commenced when she recognized the conspicuous absence of luxury children’s brands within the country.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
In her current capacity, Swati assumes the prestigious role of President at Les Petits. Her overarching mission revolves around introducing the pinnacle of global fashion to the discerning Indian market. She meticulously conducts comprehensive research on regional, national, and international market trends and businesses, thereby facilitating the creation of the most exceptional collections. In addition to her visionary work, she is steadfastly dedicated to transforming Les Petits into an all-encompassing, go-to destination for children’s shopping.
Career history and experience
Les Petits marks Swati’s inaugural foray into the world of entrepreneurship. As a trailblazer in the luxury children’s fashion industry, she has adeptly guided the brand to triumph within a market previously devoid of a dedicated space for children’s apparel.
Strength
> Swati fosters a culture of empowerment among her employees, promoting individual autonomy and a sense of ownership over their work.
> Her inherent flexibility and approachability create a safe and judgment-free space, enabling her team to freely express their concerns and share their thoughts without fear.
> Swati diligently nurtures an environment that thrives on innovation, actively encouraging and supporting the generation of creative and novel ideas.
Aspirations
Swati Saraf’s life aspiration revolves around elevating Les Petits to the pinnacle of desirability within the nation, positioning it as the foremost choice for premium children’s products.
Game-Changing Retail Technologies
In the realm of retail technologies, as identified by Swati, three pivotal game-changers are AI, VR, and the Metaverse. These transformative technologies have the potential to revolutionize the retail industry by ushering in a new era of experiential shopping for customers.
Skills That Helped Her Succeed
Swati’s success in this industry can be attributed to her exceptional skills. Her capacity to swiftly adapt to evolving market dynamics enables her to propel the company along a trajectory of growth. Additionally, this adaptability has played a pivotal role in her successful integration of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring the seamless optimization of the company’s operations.
Lessons Learned Over the Years
Through her years of experience, Swati has garnered valuable insights. She has come to understand that complacency has no place in the industry, given the ever-evolving nature of trends. To ingeniously provide customers with the latest products, staying constantly informed about the latest developments is imperative. Furthermore, Swati has embraced the significance of patience as a vital element on the journey to achieving success.
Future of Fashion Retail
According to Swati, “Given the current allure of luxury children’s fashion to young consumers, it is poised to secure a significant portion of the retail fashion industry. According to Statista data, the luxury fashion market is anticipated to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.67% during the forecasted period spanning from 2022 to 2027. This growth trend is progressively extending its influence into the kidswear segment as well.”
Changes Brought in the Industry
Originating as a luxury children’s apparel brand, we have undergone a diversification process, expanding our portfolio to encompass a comprehensive range of premium children’s products, such as furniture, accessories, toys, books, and more. We also have strategic initiatives in place to introduce additional verticals and offerings in response to the market’s evolving demands.
Life mantra
Swati’s guiding life principle is that occasionally, it’s more advantageous to embrace a slower pace and temporarily disconnect to recharge. Taking regular breaks is a vital necessity, as our minds need this infusion of energy to rekindle their activity.
