Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Derby Tailor Studio, an initiative by my dear friend Vijay Kapoor and his son Ricky Kapoor.

At one level, it is a beautifully designed, deeply experiential tailoring studio.

But at a deeper level, it is attempting something far more significant
organizing one of India’s most unorganized industries.

I have always believed that the biggest opportunities in India lie in sectors like:
• Tailoring
• Laundry
• Food & bakery
• Floristry
• Salons

Not because they are new
but because they are broken, fragmented, and waiting to be systemized.

What Derby is trying to do is interesting:
• Bridge ready-made and bespoke
• Introduce engineered fit
• Create a strong experience layer
• Build a hub-and-spoke production model

All of this looks promising.

But let me also say this clearly
this is the easy part.

The real challenge will be:
• Can the fit be standardized across locations?
• Can turnaround time be predictable?
• Can tailors be trained at scale?
• Can unit economics sustain expansion?
• Can the experience be replicated without dilution?

Because in businesses like these,
consistency beats creativity.

On a personal note, I felt proud seeing Ricky step into the business.

In a world where many next-gen entrepreneurs want to discard legacy,
it takes maturity to build on it and evolve it.

And Vijay after knowing him for over two decades
continues to inspire with his passion, clarity, and people-first approach.

You can see influences of Mahatria in the way the business is being shaped, especially in culture and leadership.

My experience at the studio was excellent.
The way the team explains fabrics, fits, and styling is a masterclass in subtle selling.

But the real success of this venture will not be decided in this flagship store.

It will be decided when:
the 50th store looks, feels, and performs exactly like the first one.

That’s when it becomes a category.

Until then it’s a strong beginning.

If I look more stylish in the coming months,
full credit to Vijay, Ricky, and the Derby team.

Together, let us build a more organized and beautiful India. vijay kapoor Derby Jeans Community Mahatria Ra infinitheism Ricky Kapoor