Standing for What I Believe In
The idea for MarketPlace began in the early 1980s. I had just finished my Master’s in Chicago and returned to Mumbai, where my sister Lalita was living with her husband and two children. Looking back, the evolution of MarketPlace feels almost inevitable. We grew up with strong social values — the belief that if something matters, you work hard enough to make it happen.
That said, MarketPlace did not unfold according to any tidy five-year plan. In fact, I never wrote a business plan ever. It grew the way real life grows — unevenly, sometimes gracefully, sometimes stubbornly. We shaped it with intention, the focus being on the artisans and I was always far more comfortable behind the scenes than in front of customers.
When the team first suggested putting a letter from me in the catalog and later adding a photograph, I honestly didn’t see the point. I’m happy to talk about the mission and the artisans — that part felt fine. I’ve never felt the need to be visible in that way.
Modeling the collection was an even clearer no. I’m a fairly private person, and I’ve always believed MarketPlace isn’t about me. It’s about the artisans and the customers. I’ve been perfectly content staying in the background.
But views have changed and things have shifted and customers want to see authenticity and the personal touch. It wasn’t that I suddenly saw myself as a model (definitely not). I know I have a lot in common with our customers and I need to share this. I live in these clothes. I believe deeply in the artisans who create them and, in the values, stitched into every piece. Wearing them in the catalog felt less like self-promotion and more like standing visibly for what I believe.
After directing 71 photoshoots — Spring 2026 is our 72nd — I finally stepped in front of the camera. Under the lights, with no training and no idea how the shots turned out, am I looking relaxed, am I representing the garment well – models have a really hard time I realized. I kept thinking, “Why am I doing this?” It felt vulnerable — more so than writing any letter. The reactions I have been receiving have been interesting, but the real bonus is the reaction of the women seeing me in the clothes in the catalog: they see it is an endorsement of their work which to me is the true reward.
Yet in that vulnerability, I felt closer to our customers and artisans and honored to be part of the story.
Share your thoughts with the artisans?
I have been a customer from the very beginning; probably from the first paper catalog! Some of those original garments I still wear.
I appreciate the creativity and care, quality and community. Your articulate communication of the values and support are inspiring. So, it seems appropriate that you step forward in those clothes! As we age into the Elders that we are, we need to be examples. Thanks 🙏