Crafting Elegance: Mukta’s Journey Through Luxury Styling and Entrepreneurship
Mukta Shahdadpuri is a young trailblazer in the world of luxury design and fashion curation. She creates custom experiences that combine her artistic vision with astute planning. As the visionary behind The Style Circuit and the co-founder of The Collective, she paves the route of personalized fashion, seamlessly intertwining passion with professionalism. In an exclusive talk, Mukta shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable advice on business management, reflecting on her unique approach to styling, and envisioning the evolving role of women in leadership within the industry.
Embarking on a Stylish Odyssey
Mukta’s journey into the world of fashion was a consequence of her roots in finance, fuelled by a strong passion for style cultivated over years of attention and curiosity. Mukta was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She completed her graduation in Economics and Psychology from the US. A decade-long career in finance preceded my plunge into the world of style. “My tryst with fashion began 12 years ago,” she recalls, reminiscing about her gradual beginnings as a personal shopper and stylist for clients across India and the UK. “What started as a passion project soon blossomed into a full-fledged business- The Style Circuit, which was proof of my dedication and a keen eye for design. I started small, building a client base through word-of-mouth and networking. Over the years, in addition to styling, I have hosted and curated trunk shows and private previews for international brands and luxury fashion labels in the region. I am also the co-founder of The Collective which is a series of luxury lifestyle fashion events during the year.”
Getting Around the Luxury Scene
Leading a luxury styling brand surely comes with its challenges. “Running a luxury styling brand requires a delicate balance of creativity and strategic management. An organized approach and attention to detail are paramount in ensuring the seamless execution of services. However, establishing and nurturing strong client relationships along with a high level of relatability and trust is the cornerstone of success. When it comes to curation, relationships with designers along with great interpersonal skills help you network to increase your reach and visibility in the market. Cultivating new opportunities and staying informed help you remain relevant and abreast of what is going on in the fashion industry as well. Understanding the unique needs and preferences of each client fosters trust and loyalty.” She emphasized her views on business management and key areas to focus on.
Forging Ahead Through Challenges
The early days of entrepreneurship were not without hurdles for Mukta, yet each obstacle served as a stepping stone toward growth. “Like any startup, the initial days were rife with challenges. Building a client base, establishing credibility, and fine-tuning my service offerings demanded perseverance and resilience. However, these obstacles served as invaluable learning experiences, shaping the trajectory of my business. Today, I am grateful for a diverse clientele and a portfolio of global brands, a testament to the journey from humble beginnings to undeniable success.” she acknowledged.
Crafting Unique Experiences
What sets Mukta and her work apart is her unwavering commitment to personalized luxury experiences. “I feel that my work stands out due to my personalized approach to luxury styling and curation. I am extremely passionate about building relationships with my clients and designers alike. As part of the styling process, each client receives a bespoke experience tailored to their individual needs, ensuring that they look good and feel confident in their style. I have always been an advocate for conscious fashion and prefer not to follow fads, instead love to mix and match looks whether it be high-end and high street or ethnic and contemporary. When I select designers for trunk shows, considering aesthetics along with gaps in the market, focusing on attention to detail, quality, and unique luxury experiences,” she shared her hands-on approach and dedication to building lasting relationships.
As a woman in a leadership role, we asked her views on women leaders in the fashion industry, “Women make excellent leaders, characterized by empathy, resilience, and multitasking abilities. The evolving role of women in leadership is pivotal in fostering diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Women bring in a unique perspective to leadership which contributes to a more diverse and balanced approach to management styles.” she affirms.
Embracing Fashion Evolution
The fashion industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, with technology playing an increasingly prominent role in the styling process. “Virtual consultations and augmented reality are revolutionizing the way clients experience fashion. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable and ethical fashion choices, influencing the way stylists curate wardrobes for their clients as well. We have also witnessed a shift towards more inclusive representation in the industry especially in the last few years, embracing diverse body types, genders, and cultural backgrounds. As the industry embraces inclusivity and diversity, we witness a transformative shift towards more conscious and responsible practices.” She added her views on the latest trends. As Mukta continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury styling, her commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike.
