MUMBAI: Darshan Mehta, the man who draped India in designer labels, has tragically died at 63, succumbing to a sudden heart attack. The former managing director & chief executive of Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL), Mehta was a titan of the fashion and retail world, a true pioneer who shaped India's luxury landscape.

For over 17 years, Mehta steered RBL, transforming it into a powerhouse that brought more than 90 global brands to India, from Valentino to Versace, Armani to Zegna. He had an eye for style and a flair for deals, bringing in those high end labels that, only he saw would thrive.

He'd only just stepped down from his executive role in November 2024, shifting into a mentor's chair at the Reliance Group. But even in a non-executive capacity, he remained a key player, mentoring the new crop of executives and sniffing out new opportunities.

Before his Reliance reign, Mehta was president of Arvind Brands Ltd., where he was instrumental in crafting India's early organised apparel retail scene. 

Known for his sharp wit, strategic mind and an uncanny sense of the markets before any of the trends appeared, he truly was a legend of the Indian fashion scene.

Mehta's legacy is immense. He was, in essence, the fashion professional who introduced India to high-end luxury, long before the country was ready for such things. A sad loss for India's high-street.