Interview with Ankita Dwivedi, Founder of LQ Milano, a unique, luxury children’s clothing brand

An exclusive interview with Ankita Dwivedi, Founder of LQ Milano, a unique, luxury children’s clothing brand

“Keep working hard with focus and determination, and things will work out.”

This is the success mantra Ankita Dwivedi, Founder of LQ Milano, lives by. Acting in her leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s overall growth, from laying the groundwork to meeting customer expectations. LQ Milano is a unique luxury children’s clothing brand developed for mothers seeking the best source of fashion inspiration for their kids.

It is India’s leading fashion brand that specializes in designing clothes for children that are body-friendly, fair trade, and sustainable. By focusing on the niche market of millennial working mothers and offering distinctive, exclusive clothing options for kids, the brand hopes to take fashion on another level.

Ankita believes that fashion is a legacy that passes from one generation to the next, and to stay abreast of global trends, it is necessary to first adopt them. Thus, after becoming a mother, she realized the need to establish a clothing brand that was distinctive from other Indian children’s clothing.

This is what led her to establish LQ Milano in 2022 which today has grown into a luxury fashion brand that curates kid wear by keeping sustainability at its core and comfort and style at par. In addition, before founding LQ Milano, Ankita a tech and market enthusiast founded Martlenz Knowledge Solution (Market Research Firm) and served as its director.

Her prominent professional career and vast experience are supplemented by strong educational credentials, which include a Master of Technology in Biotechnology. Ankita Dwivedi is a fervent believer of the fact that “the spirit of hard work is the most important factor that keeps everyone humane.”

Being an independent woman, Ankita draws much of her inspiration from the works of Frida Kahlo, which she instils into her designs. Additionally, Maya Angelou and Michelle Obama’s books have influenced her life. She is also convinced that leadership is a trait rather than a lesson, and she demonstrates it herself and encourages others to do the same.

Many people in our society still think that women are the most misunderstood people on the planet. Ankita considers it to be her responsibility to dispel the stereotype that being a wife and mother prevents a woman from having a successful career. She desires to set an example for others, that everyone has their journey, which they should be proud of.

Ankita wishes them to believe that “where there is a will, there is a way.” Being an independent leader, woman, and mother, she also aims to support girls’ educational and vocational training in the long run.

Intending to build LQ Milano the most aspirational luxury brand for children in India, she considers the brand as her most significant innovation. In the coming years, Ankita Dwivedi desires to concentrate on offering comfortable clothing and breaking the stigma associated with kids’ clothing design.

Additionally, the brand’s clothing is carefully created with love to bring the most fashionable and unique designs to kids’ wardrobes.

Aside from her work schedule, Ankita feels accomplished by spending time with her family, especially with her daughter, who is an inspiring factor that keeps her motivated. Furthermore, she seeks therapeutic retreat in reading and staying abreast of fashion industry trends to reach growth in her career.

Can you share the story behind the inception of LQ Milano? What inspired you to create a clothing brand exclusively for children?

Ankita Dwivedi: The idea for LQ Milano came about when I realized there was a gap in the market for well-designed and comfortable clothing exclusively for children. As a parent, I wanted to offer kids clothing that was not only stylish but also practical and fun.

This inspired me to create LQ Milano, a brand that focuses on curating unique garments that capture the essence of childhood while ensuring comfort and playfulness.

Children’s clothing is a specific market. What need did you identify that led you to establish LQ Milano in this particular segment?

Ankita Dwivedi: I noticed that there weren’t many options for children’s clothing that combined good design and comfort. Most brands either focused on aesthetics without considering functionality, or they were too basic in their offerings.

LQ Milano was born out of the need to bridge this gap and provide parents with a range of clothing that marries style and practicality for their kids.

LQ Milano is known for its distinctive designs. How do you balance functionality and child-friendly aesthetics in your clothing creations?

Ankita Dwivedi: Finding the right balance between functionality and child-friendly aesthetics is central to LQ Milano’s design philosophy. We select fabrics that are not only comfortable but also durable enough for active kids.

Our designs are carefully thought out to incorporate playful patterns and details that resonate with children’s imagination, all while maintaining a polished and kid-friendly look. Our creative process involves combining practical elements with visually appealing features to ensure our clothing is both functional and attractive.

Creating a brand requires attention to detail and quality. How do you ensure that LQ Milano’s products meet high standards?

Ankita Dwivedi: Attention to detail and quality control are fundamental to our brand’s ethos. We have a rigorous quality control process that covers every step of production, from fabric selection to the final stitching. Each garment undergoes meticulous inspection to ensure it meets our high standards.

We work closely with skilled artisans who share our commitment to quality. Regular quality checks, thorough testing, and the use of top-notch materials contribute to our ability to meet the expectations of our customers.

Could you explain the design process at LQ Milano? How do you translate your creative vision into clothing pieces for children?

Ankita Dwivedi: The design process at LQ Milano begins with brainstorming unique patterns and prints that resonate with the world of childhood. Our design team collaborates to create initial sketches and digital concepts.

Once we’re satisfied with the concept, we move on to selecting fabrics that are both comfortable and visually appealing. The designs come to life through expert tailoring and meticulous detailing, resulting in clothing pieces that capture the brand’s essence and the joy of childhood.

LQ Milano likely caters to a discerning clientele. How do you stay attuned to evolving preferences and trends in children’s fashion?

Ankita Dwivedi: Staying attuned to evolving preferences and trends is crucial. We conduct ongoing research, keeping an eye on international fashion trends, design exhibitions, and industry publications. We also maintain an open dialogue with our customers, gathering feedback and insights.

Social media and online platforms play a significant role in gauging trends and understanding what resonates with parents and young fashion enthusiasts. This information informs our design choices, ensuring our creations remain current and appealing.

The digital landscape is essential for brand visibility. How does LQ Milano utilize online platforms to connect with its audience and showcase its offerings?

Ankita Dwivedi: Embracing the digital landscape is key for brand visibility, and we leverage online platforms extensively. We actively engage on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, where we showcase our latest collections, provide glimpses behind the scenes, and share interactive content.

Our website offers an easy-to-use interface for online shopping and provides comprehensive information about our brand story, designs, and craftsmanship. By connecting with our audience through compelling visuals, informative posts, and interactive campaigns, we establish a direct connection with both current and potential customers.

What challenges have you faced in establishing and growing a clothing brand, and how have you overcome them?

Ankita Dwivedi: Establishing and growing a clothing brand comes with its share of challenges. One challenge was standing out in a competitive market. To overcome this, we focused on developing a unique brand identity that resonated with parents seeking quality and style for their children.

Building credibility was also a hurdle, which we addressed by consistently delivering high-quality products. Additionally, reaching a wider audience requires strategic marketing and collaborations. By forming partnerships and utilizing digital platforms, we expanded our reach and overcame geographical limitations.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own unique brand or enter the children’s fashion market?

Ankita Dwivedi: For aspiring entrepreneurs entering the children’s fashion market or starting their own unique brand, I would offer the following advice:

• Passion and Purpose: Find a niche that aligns with your passion. Understanding your purpose and motivation will guide your brand’s direction.
• Research and Identify: Research the market thoroughly to identify gaps and needs. Knowing your target audience’s preferences is crucial.
• Quality and Practicality: Emphasize quality and practicality. Ensure that your products meet the needs of your customers while offering unique features.
• Creativity and Adaptation: Embrace creativity in your designs and be open to adapting to changing trends. Innovative ideas will set you apart.
• Online Presence: Establish a strong online presence. Utilize social media and a user-friendly website to showcase your offerings and connect with your audience.
• Networking and Collaboration: Collaborate with professionals and other brands. Networking can lead to opportunities for growth and exposure.
• Patience and Persistence: Building a brand takes time. Be patient and persistent in overcoming challenges. Consistent effort will lead to long-term success.

By combining these principles with your unique vision and dedication, you can create a distinctive presence in the children’s fashion market and bring your brand to life.

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