ROMANSHI SHARMA: THE ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR LEADING XIVA, A FASHION LABEL WITH A PURPOSE
By Srishti Sharma
In the dynamic world of fashion, where trends change faster than the seasons, there are a few labels that stand out not just for their style but also for their commitment to doing good. One such up-and-coming label is Xiva, an India-based bespoke fashion brand for women, led by Romanshi Sharma. Xiva believes in sustainable and accessible fashion for all, and its focus on individually sized and styled outfits sets them apart from the crowd. However, what truly distinguishes Xiva is its dedication to social responsibility, making it a true force for positive change.
Sharma, at the young age of 31, is the driving force behind Xiva's success story. After completing her Bachelor’s in Design from the prestigious Pearl Academy, her plans to go to Milan for further studies took an unexpected turn. Encouraged by her then-boyfriend (now husband) and motivated by the desire to make a difference, Sharma took the bold step of creating a 5-garment capsule collection. To her surprise, the collection sold out within a week, marking the beginning of her journey as an accidental entrepreneur.
The seeds of Xiva's foundation were sown in Sharma's dissatisfaction with the conditions and unethical practices prevalent in the fashion industry. Having gained experience with prominent export houses and renowned brands like United Colors of Benetton (UCB), Uni Style Image (USI), Harpa, and Namrata Joshipura, she directly observed some of the challenges faced by artists and encountered less-than-ideal working conditions within the industry. Fueled by a desire to bring about positive change, she founded Xiva with a dedicated focus on providing ethical working conditions, equitable labour practices, and a secure environment for everyone involved.
Since its inception in 2016 Xiva has specialized in Indian bespoke wear that caters to all body types and sizes. Sharma is a fierce advocate of size inclusivity, and her designs are custom-made to offer flattering silhouettes to women of all shapes. From waist size 22 to waist size 67, Xiva leaves no one behind in the pursuit of fashion that celebrates individuality. “Size inclusivity is not just a trend; it's a necessity. At Xiva, we celebrate every woman's uniqueness by crafting bespoke outfits that flatter and empower all body shapes,” she says.
With clients scattered across different continents, Xiva offers virtual sizing and design consultations, providing a glimpse into the endless possibilities of bespoke outfits. Utilizing AI to create samples, Sharma and her team bring their clients' design inspirations to life while ensuring practicality and functionality in each creation.
Beyond fashion, Sharma's values as a vegan and animal lover translate into Xiva's ethical sourcing practices. While acknowledging that achieving 100% sustainability is a complex task, she feels, “Sustainability isn't about achieving perfection; it's about making a conscious effort to do better. At Xiva, we prioritize fair wages, ethical sourcing, and giving back to nature.” Each outfit sold by Xiva supports causes such as feeding stray dogs and rescuing animals, reflecting the label's dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Utilizing their brand's social media handles, Sharma and her team raise awareness about slow fashion through quizzes, videos, and engaging content. During personalized sessions with clients, she advocates minimal wastage and offers styling tips to upcycle and creatively reuse garments, promoting a conscious and budget-friendly approach to fashion.
Sharma finds inspiration in the meaningful principles of designers like Stella McCartney and personally likes the styles and designs of Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren. With these influences, she creates her own label to make it special and purposeful. Her love for sports and ongoing practice of Kung Fu keeps her grounded and focused on the challenges that come with running a thriving fashion label.
As Sharma continues to lead Xiva on its path to success, the label has expanded its offerings into white labelling, providing clothing for different boutiques and designers. Recently, Xiva introduced a new brand called Nyxy, which specializes in premium sleepwear and loungewear, further cementing its position as a versatile and inclusive fashion powerhouse.
With a genuine desire to create lasting relationships and a positive impact on the world, Sharma and Xiva are undoubtedly reshaping the fashion landscape for the better.