Meena Bindra Tops Fashion List as Women Leaders Shape India’s Style Industry
News Mania Desk/ Piyal Chatterjee/ 1st August 2026
Women entrepreneurs and designers continue to play a major role in shaping India’s fashion and lifestyle industry, with several prominent names featuring in the 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List.
The ranking recognises women who have built influential businesses and brands across India’s fashion ecosystem. Among the names featured are Meena Bindra of Biba, Lavanya Nalli, designer Anita Dongre, fashion veteran Ritu Kumar, Simran Lal and designer Masaba Gupta.
Meena Bindra, founder of ethnic-wear brand Biba, has emerged as one of the most prominent names in the list. Her journey reflects the growing strength of home-grown fashion labels that have successfully combined traditional Indian clothing with contemporary retail formats.
The list also highlights Lavanya Nalli, who comes from the family behind the well-known Nalli brand. Her presence reflects the continuing evolution of legacy businesses as younger generations take on leadership responsibilities and adapt established brands to changing consumer preferences.
Designer Anita Dongre remains another influential figure in the sector. Over the years, she has developed a strong presence in Indian fashion while expanding her businesses across different segments, including bridal wear, luxury fashion and sustainable design. Veteran designer Ritu Kumar, one of India’s most recognised fashion names, has also been featured. Her contribution to Indian fashion spans decades and has helped popularise traditional textiles, embroidery and craftsmanship in contemporary clothing.
Simran Lal, associated with Good Earth, is another notable name on the list. Her work has helped establish the brand as a major name in India’s luxury lifestyle and design space. Masaba Gupta’s inclusion reflects the changing nature of India’s fashion industry, where younger designers are building brands that extend beyond clothing into beauty, lifestyle and popular culture. reason to add the heritage property to a Mussoorie itinerary.
