Smriti Irani Graces the Launch of BIBA Founder Meena Bindra’s Memoir, Capturing Four Decades of Fashion and Resilience
New Delhi, December 23, 2024: The Founder and Chairperson of Biba, Mrs Meena Bindra unveiled A Stitch in Time: The Biba Story, an inspiring memoir capturing the Biba journey which redefined Indian fashion. The event saw Mrs. Smriti Irani, Former Union Minister of Women & Child Development, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The book captures Meena Bindra’s remarkable journey from her childhood in Delhi to her life as a naval wife, and ultimately, her foray into entrepreneurship at a time when women in business were a rarity. It highlights her pioneering efforts to popularize the salwar kameez while also chronicling the evolution of India’s fashion and retail industries.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Smriti Iranilauded Meena Bindra’s inspiring journey, saying, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the ‘bebe’ of Biba on the launch of her memoir. BIBA has been a monumental force behind conserving and at the same time pushing forward the Indian textile industry within India and across borders. I admire her remarkable courage to embark on a business journey at the age of 40, especially during an era when women in business were a rarity. She stands as a true inspiration for women across generations and aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that no dream is too big and no barrier insurmountable.”
In A Stitch in Time, Mrs. Bindra provides an honest and captivating account of the challenges she faced as a woman entrepreneur, balancing personal and professional responsibilities while navigating an uncharted industry. She recounts the early days of working from her home, designing traditional wear for women, and gradually expanding into one of the most recognized fashion brands in India.Reflecting on her journey, Mrs. Meena Bindra, Founder and Chairperson, Biba said, “When I started my venture, I had no grand ambitions—just a passion for design and the desire to earn some pocket money. The ₹8,000 loan I took to start this venture was a leap of faith, and this leap changed the course of my life and many others. Biba made the Salwar Kameez into a pan-India dress uniting our diverse nation, as it was accepted and adapted by all as an alternate to a saree. Through this book I want the readers to know the magic that happens when you follow your heart. I hope my story resonates with readers and motivates them to pursue their own dreams. I also want to thank my family and friends, who have given me the strength and support to pursue my passion.”
Mr. Siddharath Bindra, Managing Director, Biba said “I am immensely proud to celebrate my mother’s journey today. Her story is not just about building a brand but about breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for women in India. Growing up, I have seen her determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities from very close quarters and I hope it inspires many more to dream big and embrace their unique journey.”
The book offers a unique perspective on the inception and evolution of the Indian fashion industry, charting its journey from modest beginnings to becoming a prominent part of the market. It captures the trials, opportunities, and breakthroughs that have defined this journey. This makes it an insightful read for fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about India’s evolving retail landscape.
A Stitch in Time: The Biba Story promises to resonate with readers as both a personal tale of resilience and a tribute to the dynamic spirit of Indian entrepreneurship.
About the Book
Meena Bindra’s journey from early childhood in Delhi, in a business family, to her life as a naval wife from the Armed Forces and thereafter her moving towards being an entrepreneur, are all captured here very simply and captivatingly. The story is an interesting peek into how from such a humble start from home at a time when women in business was not the norm, she managed to carve out a place for herself in the fashion industry.
A Stitch in Time is the story of a woman who was able to overcome her challenges when all odds were against her, through sheer perseverance and grit. Alongside, it captures the story of the Indian fashion industry from its inception to the phenomenal growth as we see it today, through challenges, opportunities and much excitement. She was also a part of the beginning and growth of the organized retail industry and became an integral part thereof.
The book captures her long journey as an entrepreneur, and the changing times of the fashion and organized retail industry in India through four decades, with its trials, tribulations, challenges and successes.
About BIBA
BIBA, a synonym for pretty women in Punjabi, is literally a home-grown Indian fashion wear brand, started by Mrs. Meena Bindra from her house in Bombay with a partly sum of eight thousand, way back in 1988. Soon, the brand started spreading its wings in and around the city as the product’s styling and beautiful handblock prints started getting a fantastic response from the local communities, including many film stars as well. The retail revolution in the country gave the brand the desired recognition and an opportunity to grow across the country. Symbolizing the strength and the spirit of today’s woman, BIBA today is the most loved Indian wear brand in the country. With a prime objective of providing trend-setting and fashionable Indian attire at an affordable price, BIBA products are available in all three categories of SKD (Salwar Kameez Dupatta), M&M (Mix & Match) and Unstitched Fabric. Now, BIBA has diversified its product from jewellery, fragrance, wallet and footwear The popular demand from its avid patrons led the company to introduce BIBA Girls, a dedicated range for kids between 2 to 15 years. With an aim to tap the burgeoning premium Indian and bridal wear segment in the country, BIBA recently acquired a substantial minority stake in the designer label- Anju Modi and Rohit Bal.
BIBA products are available through 370+ stores across 26 states in India, apart from the presence in all the major retail chains in the country like Shopper’s Stop, Lifestyle, Pantaloons and Central. Internationally, BIBA’s presence spans across UAE-Dubai and Sharjah, Canada- Vancouver and Edmonton, USA- New Jersey, Singapore, Bangladesh and Nepal. Over the years, the brand has received awards & recognition from various organizations like Shoppers Stop, Myntra, Images Group for being the ‘Most Admired Women’s Indian Wear Brand’ on many occasions credited to its innovative designs, fit, silhouettes and varied colour palette. Our Founder & Chairperson Mrs. Meena Bindra has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by CMAI and Franchise India for her contribution to the apparel industry. The brand is guided by the vision of Siddharath Bindra, who as Managing Director is responsible for the overall growth of the brand.
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