Ranna Gill: From Interning at Ralph Lauren to Pioneering India’s Luxury Ready-to-Wear
Introduction
“I grew up in fashion.”
Those five words perfectly describe Ranna Gill’s journey—a designer whose career blends heritage, innovation, and a lifelong passion for fabric and form.
From interning with Ralph Lauren in New York to redefining Indian ready-to-wear, Ranna’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and timeless style. In her exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, she opens up about her inspirations, collaborations, and philosophy of creating designs that outlast trends.
“Fashion for me has always been about emotion and longevity, not just trends.” – Ranna Gill
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The Roots of a Designer: Fashion as a Family Legacy
Born into a family that owned a garment export business, Ranna Gill’s fascination with fashion began at home. She recalls spending hours around her mother’s factory floor, watching fabrics come alive through patterns, textures, and color.
That hands-on exposure shaped her intuitive understanding of design and craftsmanship—something that would later become the hallmark of her label.
The New York Chapter: Learning Under Ralph Lauren
While studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, Ranna landed an internship with Ralph Lauren, one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses.
She describes it as “magical”—working directly with the women’s wear division and witnessing the creative process that shaped an entire fashion empire.
“Imagine being 20, walking into Ralph Lauren’s Madison Avenue office, surrounded by the greatest creative minds in the world.”
It was here that she learned precision, brand identity, and the art of timeless design—principles she would later bring to India’s ready-to-wear landscape.
Madhuri Dixit: A Muse and an Inspiration
Ranna Gill’s connection with Madhuri Dixit is one of admiration turned collaboration. Madhuri has often worn Ranna’s creations both on and off the screen, embodying the designer’s vision of elegance and ease.
Gill calls her a “dream muse”—someone who trusts her instincts while giving full creative freedom.
“She shops our collections personally. Madhuri has that innate understanding of style—she lets the clothes do the talking.”
Their relationship highlights the fusion of personality and design that makes Ranna’s work distinctively human.
The Evolution of Ready-to-Wear in India
Long before “pret” became a buzzword, Ranna Gill was already pioneering India’s luxury ready-to-wear movement. At a time when the market was saturated with bridal couture, she offered women a new language of everyday luxury—functional, elegant, and global.
Her collections were designed for modern women who travel, work, and live dynamically—without compromising comfort or individuality.
Signature Collections That Defined Her Brand
1. Treasury of Trousseau
A glamorous yet wearable line that reimagined cocktail and eveningwear for the contemporary Indian woman. With structured silhouettes and soft glam tones, this collection blurred the lines between traditional and western aesthetics.
2. Tales from the Saddle
A denim-inspired collection celebrating the spirit of freedom, movement, and equestrian grace. Each piece was both rugged and refined, reflecting Gill’s appreciation for longevity and wearable beauty.
“You could have bought a Ranna Gill outfit in 2020—and still wear it now, or pass it on to your daughter.”
Sustainability with Soul
For Ranna Gill, sustainability is not a marketing slogan—it’s a way of life.
Her brand philosophy centers around longevity, quality, and conscious consumption.
She uses natural fabrics, upcycled materials, and timeless designs that remain relevant beyond a single season.
“If your clothes last, if they’re cherished and passed down—that’s the most sustainable choice of all.”
