Vishaal Melwani

Vishaal Melwani is a third-generation tailor who launched one of the first direct-to-consumer services online. His expertise in men’s suits is second to none, born from a love of the fashion industry from a young age. He also consults for a number of online brands hoping to accomplish the same success. Current Role and Duties Melwani oversees the operations of his online fashion business. This includes both garment production abroad and brand development. He uses his innate understanding of everything from raw materials to overseas labor to coordinate the details of his sales. He also advises individuals on how to gain traction in a competitive industry, particularly when startups and conglomerates alike crowd the virtual landscape. Because standing out takes more than just an eye-catching design, Vishaal Melwani helps professionals identify their audience and what they’re looking for in a brand. From there, they can settle on a strategy that highlights how the company can meet their needs. Vishaal Melwani envisions retail as an omnichannel experience where customers can reap the benefits of both shopping online and in-person. His sights are set on bridging that gap, so people can access the fashions they want when they want them. Career History Melwani has been working in the apparel industry for as long as he can remember. His father was a tailor, his grandfather was a tailor, his uncle was a tailor; he considers this business in his blood. When he was seven, he would help his father hem garments by hand before moving onto pleating, and closing seams. By the age of 13, he was doing full alterations every day after school and every weekend. During college, he continued making clothes as a hobby before starting a trading firm with his cousin. Known as Melwanis MFG, the company sourced up-and-coming streetwear brands. After college, he visited his professional friends in New York who wanted to dress to impress at their jobs. It was here that he realized just how few choices were on the market. After stepping into a Men’s Warehouse, he was blown away by how old-fashioned the suits were. He knew that if professionals wanted a fashionable wardrobe, they would have to look elsewhere. This inspired him to provide clothes that were as visually stunning as they were practical for a white-collar employee. Melwani has prioritized transparency with his customers, which has allowed him to get into the nitty-gritty of the products he offers. By discussing everything from shoulder pad thickness to the origin of his thread, he’s made a strong impression on customers who have come to expect the best. Academic History Vishaal Melwani largely wanted to stay in the fashion industry, though his parents would have preferred him to be in a more ‘prestigious’ sector like law. He attended the University of California, Irvine, and graduated with a degree in International Business. Melwani also took the LSAT, though he did so with half-hearted intention. Instead, he used his education to master the intricacies behind everything from overseas labor to supply chain management. Professional Skills and Experience Melwani is an entrepreneur with decades of experience in the fashion industry. His formal education in International Business combined with his meticulous eye for quality has given him a distinct edge over his competitors. He is skilled at both identifying and sourcing popular fashions, as well as designing professional suits that businessmen will actually want to wear. Vishaal Melwani is also a consummate data collector, extracting information about customers and using it to determine what they want out of their shopping habits — both online and in-person. From pop-up locations to online sizing charts, he was able to tease out the trends that would keep his business thriving through the inevitable shifts in consumer habits. Accomplishments/Achievements One of Melwanis earliest major accomplishments occurred when his trading firm Melwanis MFG was acquired by a larger firm. This was a surprise for him, but it ultimately proved he had what it took to launch a successful enterprise. From there, he ran a successful online business that attracted people who wanted more from their wardrobe. Vishaal Melwani managed to climb the ladder by being bold and standing by his decisions. He prioritizes the customer service experience for his clients, relying on data to ensure that his products are properly designed, fitted, and shipped to individual buyers. Finally, Melwani is proud of the team he’s assembled. He treats his employees with the respect they deserve, taking the time to understand their jobs and what they contribute to the company. He believes that investing in people is the best way to ensure happier customers. Personal Interests/Hobbies Melwani maintains an intense interest in tailoring and garment production. For him, selling his brand starts with a great story, and he’s always looking for ways to enrich his offerings to the public. Even if he wasn’t in fashion, he would always want to work in branding. He’s also active in both international trade and stock options derivative trading. His education in International Business has given him insight into how both foreign and domestic markets adjust to fit emerging needs, particularly in the wake of major global events.