As India’s luxury sector enters a transformative phase, Shivika Goenka is emerging as one of the influential voices shaping its future. As Director of Luxury and Education at the RP-Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG) Group, she is helping redefine how Indian luxury brands can grow globally while remaining rooted in craftsmanship, authenticity, and creative excellence.
Ahead of India Couture Week 2026, Goenka shared insights with Hunterfly on the evolution of Indian luxury, the growing international appeal of homegrown fashion houses, and the long-term strategy behind the group’s investment in celebrated designer label Falguni Shane Peacock.
Building Luxury Through Vision and Patience
For Shivika Goenka, entering the luxury fashion sector was never about chasing trends. Instead, it was about identifying brands with strong creative foundations and supporting them with the resources needed for sustainable growth.
The RPSG Group’s investment in Falguni Shane Peacock marked a significant step into the luxury fashion landscape. According to Goenka, the brand’s global recognition, distinctive design identity, and deep emotional connection with clients made it a compelling choice.
She believes successful luxury businesses are built through patient capital rather than short-term financial targets. This approach allows designers to maintain their creative integrity while gaining access to infrastructure, governance, retail expansion, and international opportunities.
Preserving Creativity While Scaling Globally
One of the biggest challenges in luxury fashion is balancing commercial growth with artistic independence. Goenka emphasizes that creative control remains firmly with designers Falguni and Shane Peacock.
While the designers continue to lead collections, storytelling, and brand vision, the group’s role is focused on strengthening operational systems, expanding retail networks, and creating pathways for international growth.
This separation of responsibilities, she says, ensures that business expansion never compromises the creative DNA that defines a luxury house.
The Global Opportunity for Indian Couture
Indian fashion has gained increasing visibility on international red carpets, celebrity wardrobes, and luxury retail platforms. Goenka believes this momentum presents a unique opportunity for Indian designers to establish themselves as global luxury leaders.
Among the priority markets identified for expansion are the United States and the Middle East, where there is already strong appreciation for couture craftsmanship. Cities such as New York and Los Angeles continue to attract attention due to their mature luxury consumer base, while the Gulf region offers cultural alignment and significant purchasing power.
Europe remains a longer-term strategic objective, serving not only as a commercial market but also as a benchmark for global luxury credibility.
Rather than pursuing aggressive distribution, the strategy focuses on creating meaningful brand experiences through flagship locations and carefully curated retail environments.
Defining Modern Indian Luxury
Goenka describes modern Indian luxury as a seamless blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary relevance.
In her view, Indian luxury should not attempt to replicate European fashion traditions. Instead, it should confidently showcase India’s own artistic legacy through innovative design, world-class quality, and authentic storytelling.
She believes international consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that offer genuine cultural identity rather than manufactured exclusivity. India’s rich craft heritage, she notes, provides a strong foundation for creating globally respected luxury brands.
A New Generation of Luxury Consumers
Consumer behavior has evolved dramatically over the past decade, particularly among younger luxury buyers.
According to Goenka, today’s consumers are less focused on visible status symbols and more interested in craftsmanship, authenticity, sustainability, and the stories behind products.
Modern luxury purchases are increasingly driven by personal expression rather than social validation. Buyers are also more informed, globally connected, and digitally engaged than previous generations.
As a result, the overall brand experience has become just as important as the product itself.
The Future of Couture in a Digital World
While technology continues to reshape retail, Goenka believes couture will remain deeply personal.
Digital platforms play a critical role in discovery, storytelling, and customer engagement, but they cannot fully replace the tactile experience of luxury fashion. Couture involves fittings, consultations, craftsmanship, and relationships that are best experienced in person.
The future, she argues, lies in integrating digital innovation with immersive physical retail experiences rather than treating them as competing channels.
Creating a Lasting Legacy in Indian Fashion
Beyond business growth, Goenka hopes to contribute to the development of long-lasting institutions within India’s fashion ecosystem.
Her vision extends beyond acquiring luxury brands. She aims to help build the infrastructure, support systems, and global opportunities that enable Indian designers to compete confidently on the world stage.
For her, true success is measured not by the number of brands under management but by the creative talent empowered through thoughtful investment and long-term support.
Looking Ahead
As India’s luxury market continues to mature, Shivika Goenka’s approach reflects a broader shift in the industry—one that values craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainable growth over rapid expansion.
With international ambitions, strategic investments, and a strong commitment to creative independence, she is helping shape a future where Indian luxury brands are recognized not just for their heritage but also for their global influence.
As India Couture Week approaches, her vision offers a glimpse into how the next generation of luxury leadership plans to take Indian fashion to new heights on the international stage.
