Chief Operating Officer, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai 

1. What is the biggest opportunity you see for Indo-French business collaboration by 2030? Please let us know how your company/organisation is preparing for it. 

The biggest opportunity for Indo-French business collaboration by 2030 lies in the luxury and creative industries, particularly in fashion and design education. This is an area of natural synergy: France is the undisputed global hub for luxury, haute couture, and design, while India possesses a vast pool of creative talent and a rapidly expanding market of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) with a growing appetite for luxury goods. The opportunity is to merge European design philosophy and technical expertise with India's rich heritage of craftsmanship and a new generation of creative minds.  

As an Italian institution with a deep legacy in luxury and design, Istituto Marangoni is uniquely positioned to bridge the Indian and French creative worlds. The institute's direct French connection comes from its campus in Paris, which allows it to act as a crucial link for this collaboration.  

The institute is preparing for this by focusing on three key areas. Firstly, it is evolving its curriculum to blend traditional Indian craftsmanship and design with rigorous Italian and French methodologies, training students to create globally resonant designs rooted in their heritage. Secondly, through faculty and industry exchange, it invites French designers to conduct workshops, providing students with firsthand exposure to the luxury industry. Lastly, it offers global exposure through exchange programs and internships in Paris and Milan, equipping students to innovate and lead in India's burgeoning luxury market. 

2. In today’s evolving global landscape, how are you building resilience and agility in your leadership strategy? 

At Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, building resilience and agility in leadership strategy involves several key approaches. To cultivate resilience, the focus is on developing leaders who possess strong self-awareness, enabling them to understand their emotional triggers and manage stress effectively. The institute also fosters a growth mindset, encouraging a culture of continuous learning where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for improvement. Furthermore, leaders are encouraged to build a robust support network of colleagues, mentors, and advisors for guidance during challenging times.  

To enhance agility, the institute promotes adaptive leadership, encouraging its leaders to be proactive and flexible in responding to changing circumstances. It also champions the use of cross-functional teams to foster collaboration and innovation by bringing together diverse skill sets and perspectives. A commitment to continuous learning is also key, with investments in employee development to ensure the team stays ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.  

The leadership strategy also integrates mindfulness and emotional intelligence to equip leaders with essential soft skills. This includes incorporating mindfulness practices like deep breathing and meditation to enhance focus and decision-making while managing stress. The development of emotional intelligence is also prioritised, helping leaders manage their emotions, remain composed under pressure, and create a psychologically safe environment for their teams.  

Finally, strategic planning is used to build a robust and responsive framework. This involves scenario planning to anticipate potential crises and develop contingency plans that ensure business continuity. The institute also promotes decentralised decision-making, empowering employees to make decisions at a local level for faster responses to challenges. 

3. With sustainability and innovation now essential to business success, could you share some recent initiatives your company has undertaken in these areas? 

Istituto Marangoni Mumbai has been actively incorporating sustainability and innovation into its curriculum and initiatives. In a recent endeavour focused on sustainability, the institution participated in the SustainableNXT event. At the event, Lianne Trowbridge, the Programme Leader of Fashion Design, emphasised the importance of balancing digital advancements with sustainability. She showcased innovative projects, such as 3D experimentation, hybrid fashion shows, and virtual showrooms, all aimed at reducing waste and environmental impact. The institution is also exploring ways to rethink traditional design processes by focusing on waste reduction, sustainable materials, and practices that preserve traditional craftsmanship while leveraging technology for innovation. Additionally, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai encourages students to think critically and act responsibly, ensuring design serves as a force for positive change.  

The institution has also undertaken several innovation initiatives. In collaboration with Arxy Future Lab, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai launched a virtual fashion exhibition to showcase students' final thesis projects. This initiative seeks to expand the institution's global reach, democratise access to fashion, and reduce the industry's environmental footprint. The institution is pioneering 3D experimentation in fashion design, which allows students to create digital prototypes and minimise waste. It is also exploring new formats for showcasing student work, blending physical and digital experiences to create more sustainable and accessible presentations.  

Regarding industry partnerships, the collaboration with Arxy Future Lab is seen as a way to transform the future of fashion education and innovation on a global scale. This partnership promotes solutions that are SME-centric and contributes to reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. 

4. With 2026 being celebrated as the Indo-French Year of Innovation, how do you envision this initiative creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration? 

As a renowned Italian institution with a global presence, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai is well-positioned to benefit from the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026. The institution's connection to France, solidified by its campus in Paris, allows it to act as a crucial bridge for this collaboration. This initiative could lead to stronger ties with French fashion and technology companies, providing students with international internship and job opportunities. Joint research projects with French institutions could leverage the expertise of professionals from both nations in areas such as sustainable fashion, digital innovation, and luxury management. Furthermore, student exchange programs between Istituto Marangoni Mumbai and Istituto Marangoni Paris institutions could foster cross-cultural understanding, creativity, and innovation. The initiative might also lead to workshops and masterclasses conducted by French experts, offering students valuable insights and skills. Ultimately, this partnership could help students and alumni gain access to the French and European markets, enabling them to showcase their talents and products globally.  

Some potential areas for collaboration include building on the existing partnership with Arxy Future Lab to further explore virtual fashion experiences, 3D design, and digital innovation with French experts. Joint initiatives could focus on sustainable fashion practices, the circular economy, and environmentally friendly design, leveraging the expertise of both Indian and French professionals. Collaborations might also emphasize fashion technology, including AI, 3D modelling, and virtual reality, to create innovative fashion experiences and products.  

By leveraging these opportunities, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai can strengthen its position as a leading fashion education institution, foster innovation, and provide students with a global perspective and skillset. 

5. As a CEO, how do you view India's role in your global growth strategy and what strategic advantages does the country offer your business or the industry you operate in? 

India plays a pivotal role in Istituto Marangoni's global growth strategy, offering several strategic advantages that can elevate its business and industry presence. The country provides access to a vast talent pool, particularly in the fashion and design sectors, which allows the institution to foster innovation and infuse fresh perspectives. There is a significant and growing demand for quality fashion education in the Indian market, presenting a clear opportunity for Istituto Marangoni to establish itself as a leader in the region. Furthermore, India's strategic geographic location makes it an ideal hub for expansion into neighbouring markets in South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The nation's cultural diversity and rich heritage also offer a unique blend of traditional and modern influences that can inspire creativity, while government policies supporting education and innovation create a favourable environment for the institution to thrive.  

In terms of industry opportunities, partnering with local Indian brands can provide valuable insights into the market and enable the institution to develop a curriculum that caters to specific industry needs. India's growing fashion sector offers ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and industry projects, which in turn enhances their employability and career prospects. Additionally, the country's growing presence in global capability centres, particularly in IT and business process management, provides avenues for collaboration and knowledge sharing with other industries.  

By leveraging these strategic advantages and industry opportunities, Istituto Marangoni can strengthen its position in the global fashion education landscape and contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian fashion industry.