| 10 Angelique Dhama CEO, Obeetee Carpets Retail Pvt. Ltd Angelique Dhama, CEO at OBEETEE Carpets - Retail Private Limited, India’s leading producer and exporter of exquisite carpets, has had a unique career trajectory. She started out as a flight attendant for East West Airlines in 1993—little did she know that she’d become one of the pioneers in bringing in luxury brands into the country, across a wide section of product categories. Armed with a drive for innovation and agility, Dhama has successfully led businesses to scale in the competitive world of lifestyle and luxury marketing. Some of the iconic names she has been associated with include Lladro India, Jimmy Choo, La Perla and Swarovski. Ever since she stepped into her role at OBEETEE in 2013, she has identified opportunities for growth of the business in India and international markets. She has also been responsible for overseeing strategy, innovation, new business integration, customer insights and expansion of the company. Dhama has catapulted OBEETEE into the limelight across the world, with projects that shine the spotlight on India’s textile traditions. She has been the force behind the company’s ‘Proud to be Indian’ movement – an initiative to put India’s craftsmanship on the global map. She was chosen as one of the 100 most talented professionals of India. Dhama was also conferred with the prestigious Corporate Excellence Award in 2005 for her outstanding career in luxury retailing. What’s her definition of luxury? “For me, it’s all about the good stuff—top-notch quality, something one-of-akind, with a touch of priceless magic.” “When you’re diving into something luxurious, it’s like grabbing a piece of forever.” | 11 Anita Dongre Chairwoman and Founder, House of Anita Dongre One of India’s most illustrious designers, Anita Dongre has been at the forefront of fashion for almost three decades. As the founder of House of Anita Dongre, she has been instrumental not just in reinventing fashion for the modern woman but also introducing a culture of mindful fashion to two generations of women. Dongre’s beginnings were rather humble—having launched her first brand from the balcony of her apartment, in 1995. Ever since, her vision to bring contemporary fashion to modern Indian women has grown manifold, with 2800 individuals and thousands of independent artisans being associated with the brand. As Chief Creative Officer of House of Anita Dongre, she oversees Anita Dongre Couture, Grassroot by Anita Dongre, AND and Global Desi across 1000-plus stores, spanning 114 cities in 4 countries and an online business that fulfils requests from 250 countries. A vegan and a PETA member, Dongre has also been an advocate of Fashion For Good where she brings economies back to rural India, while empowering women artisans and modernising crafts. What’s her style inspiration? “The modern Indian woman I create for,” she says. Plus, she’s never someone who chases trends—in fact, Dongre believes it is comfort that never goes out of style. “Long walks in nature is my favourite form of wellness.”
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