As one of India’s pioneers of contemporary ready-towear, Ranna Gill talks about balancing creativity with commerce, embracing change, and building a brand with enduring appeal.
By Nichola Marie
Having spent over two decades shaping India’s ready-to-wear fashion landscape, what would you say has been the defining philosophy behind the Ranna Gill label and its enduring appeal? At its core, the philosophy of the Ranna Gill label has always been about celebrating women and creating fashion that empowers them to feel confident, expressive, and effortlessly elegant. From the very beginning, I wanted to design clothing that fit into a woman’s life rather than dictate it. The idea was to create pieces that feel luxurious yet wearable, timeless yet relevant.
Our enduring appeal comes from staying true to that vision while evolving with the modern woman. Whether through our signature prints, vibrant colours, or versatile silhouettes, every collection is rooted in optimism, individuality, and freedom. Fashion trends may change, but authenticity never goes out of style.
You’ve often spoken about growing up around fashion, studying in New York and interning with Ralph Lauren. How did those early experiences influence your design language and entrepreneurial mindset?
Fashion was a part of my life long before it became my profession. Growing up around textiles, craftsmanship, and design gave me a deep appreciation for creativity and attention to detail. Studying in New York exposed me to a completely different perspective, a city that celebrated individuality, ambition, and innovation.
My experience with Ralph Lauren was particularly formative because it showed me how a brand can create an entire world and lifestyle, not just clothing. It taught me the importance of consistency, storytelling, and building an emotional connection with your audience. Those lessons shaped not only my design language but also my approach to building a business that is both creative and commercially relevant.
Your latest edit, Postcards and Passports, leans into emotion, travel and memory rather than dressing for a specific occasion. What inspired this shift, and how do you think today’s woman is redefining her relationship with fashion?
Postcards and Passports was inspired by the idea that fashion often becomes part of our memories. We remember what we wore on a special trip, during a meaningful celebration, or while discovering a new place. I wanted the collection to capture that emotional connection — the feeling of collecting moments rather than simply dressing for events.
Today’s woman is approaching fashion in a much more personal way. She’s less concerned with rigid rules and more interested in how clothing makes her feel. She values versatility, authenticity, and pieces that can accompany her through different chapters of her life. Fashion has become less about occasion dressing and more about selfexpression, experience, and storytelling.
Prints, nature and travel have become signatures of your work. After so many collections, how do you continue to discover fresh inspiration while staying authentically “Ranna Gill”?
Curiosity is probably my greatest source of inspiration. Travel continues to play a huge role in my creative process because every destination offers a new palette, a new texture, a new perspective. Inspiration can come from architecture, a landscape, a local craft tradition, or even a fleeting moment during a journey.
At the same time, staying authentically Ranna Gill means remaining connected to the elements that define the brand, like prints, vibrant femininity, effortless glamour, and a sense of wanderlust. The inspiration may change, but the emotional essence remains the same.
You were among the early pioneers of contemporary ready-to-wear in India. Looking at how the fashion industry has evolved, what changes excite you most — and what do you believe still needs to evolve?
What excites me most is how confident Indian fashion has become. There is a much greater appreciation for homegrown brands today, and designers are creating globally relevant work while staying rooted in their own identity. The growth of digital platforms has also allowed brands to connect directly with consumers in ways that were unimaginable when I started.
At the same time, I believe the industry still has room to evolve in terms of sustainability, responsible consumption, and supporting craftsmanship. Fashion should continue moving towards a more conscious future where creativity, innovation, and responsibility coexist.
Your creations are worn by many celebrated personalities, and you’ve shared a special admiration for Madhuri Dixit as both muse and collaborator. What makes a celebrity collaboration truly meaningful or creatively rewarding for you?
The most meaningful collaborations are built on authenticity. A celebrity partnership works best when there is a genuine alignment between the individual and the brand. Madhuri Dixit is someone I have always admired because she embodies grace, confidence, and elegance — qualities that resonate deeply with the Ranna Gill woman.
For me, a collaboration becomes creatively rewarding when it goes beyond visibility and evolves into a shared narrative. It’s about celebrating personality, style, and values rather than simply creating a campaign.
Building a fashion label today requires creativity, commerce, digital storytelling and global thinking. How do you balance the artistic and business sides of leadership in an increasingly competitive fashion ecosystem?
Fashion today requires a balance of intuition and strategy. Creativity will always be at the heart of what we do, but building a successful brand also requires discipline, adaptability, and a strong understanding of the consumer.
I see creativity and business not as opposing forces but as complementary ones. The creative vision provides direction, while the business framework enables that vision to grow sustainably. Surrounding yourself with talented teams, staying connected to your audience, and remaining open to change are all essential in maintaining that balance.
As someone who has built a distinct identity in fashion while staying relevant across generations, what advice would you offer young designers and entrepreneurs hoping to create a brand with longevity and purpose?
My advice would be to focus on building a point of view rather than chasing trends. Trends come and go, but a strong identity creates lasting value. Take the time to understand who you are, what your brand stands for, and why it deserves to exist.
At the same time, remain curious and adaptable. The industry is constantly evolving, and longevity comes from knowing how to grow without losing your essence. Most importantly, be patient. Building a meaningful brand is a marathon, not a sprint. The strongest businesses are built on consistency, authenticity, and a genuine connection with the people they serve.
