From Classroom to Global Fashion: Alumnus Sneha Bhatnagar, ‘Marketing Professional of the Year’ with BESTSELLER India

Join us as we sit down with MA Strategic Fashion Marketing graduate Sneha Bhatnagar, recently honored as 'Marketing Professional of the Year' with BESTSELLER India.

From graduation to making waves in the global fashion industry, Sneha has had a remarkable journey since leaving LCF. We delve into how her diverse experiences have shaped her success at Danish brand, BESTSELLER, and explore invaluable advice for students aiming to build an international career in fashion.

Hi Sneha! Congratulations on recently receiving the Marketing Professional of the Year award at Rendezvous'24 with BESTSELLER India. This is an incredible achievement. What does this award mean to you and to your career?

Thank you so much! Winning the Marketing Professional of the Year 2022-24 award at Rendezvous'24 with BESTSELLER India is a significant milestone in my journey. The achievement has been both a humbling and validating experience. Over the last five years, I have been fortunate to work with like-minded, goal-driven individuals, who guided me and further helped me contribute to the success of ONLY. The award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of my team and the memorable campaigns we've executed—each of which has played a pivotal role in amplifying ONLY's presence in the Indian market. It inspires me to share stories that connect with our audience and strengthens my commitment to innovative initiatives as I embrace new challenges in the fashion industry.

This recognition highlights the power of disruption, storytelling, and digital-first narratives.

Can you tell us about your journey since graduating from LCF?

After completing my master’s at the London College of Fashion in September 2019, I returned to India to start my career in fashion marketing. While applying for jobs, I also pursued my passion for painting and showcased my work at local exhibitions. In January 2020, I joined BESTSELLER, a Danish fashion company with brands like Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, ONLY, and Selected Homme.

As the Marketing Manager for ONLY, I lead a brand that aligns with my creative vision. ONLY is a bold and vivacious fashion brand that celebrates youth culture and self-expression. I have developed successful campaigns that gained attention and engaged customers. Collaborating with Bollywood actor Ananya Panday has been a delight, as has creating marketing strategies based on consumer insights and pop culture. My journey has been enriching and rewarding, allowing me to explore endless avenues.

Could you share your experiences working in India, including the corporate culture, and any unique challenges or opportunities you have encountered?

At BESTSELLER India, the work culture is vibrant and employee-driven, fostering collaboration and celebrating fresh ideas. The emphasis on professional development empowers employees to take ownership of their roles while exploring ample growth opportunities.

The Indian corporate landscape presents unique challenges influenced by market dynamics, cultural diversity, and seasonal shifts. With a population of 1.4 billion, quick adaptation and proactive problem-solving are essential, relying on flexibility and cross-functional teamwork.

Additionally, the rapid pace of digital transformation brings both challenges and exciting opportunities. Professionals must remain agile, embrace innovation, and harness creativity and adaptability to thrive in this fast-evolving environment.

What exciting projects are you currently working on?

I'm currently leading a project to create immersive brand experience zones for ONLY, featuring engaging offline activities. These pop-up exhibits will be located in busy areas like malls and high streets, allowing customers to disconnect from the real world and memorably connect with our brand.

We are also launching a summer campaign focused on individuality and self-expression, driven by market research and customer feedback. Brand ambassador Ananya Panday will convey this message through storytelling and imagery. Additionally, we're exploring podcast partnerships to connect with our audience more conversationally. These initiatives aim to position our brand as a true expression of individual identity beyond just fashion.

What role did LCF Graduate Futures play in your post-graduation journey?

LCF Graduate Futures has been incredibly valuable in providing ongoing support and fostering a keen sense of community for graduates. It keeps us connected to global trends and industry insights, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the fashion world. The exchange of emerging ideas and feedback from fellow alumni inspires our growth and creativity. As a proud alumnus, I am grateful for a university that champions our success and nurtures a lasting network beyond graduation.

What advice would you give to graduating students looking to pursue international fashion careers?

The biggest thing I want international students to know is: Don’t be afraid to own your unique story. Being an international student, your adaptability and cultural awareness are valuable assets that set you apart in the workplace. Leverage these as strengths. Aim to create value in every task. Completing work is just the start; focus on the impact you make. Think efficiently and ask, "How can I solve a problem or provide a fresh perspective?" Consider how your efforts will benefit the organisation.

Authenticity is crucial in fashion. Be intentional about your identity, both professionally and personally.

While representing your brand at work, remember to nurture your brand, which is dynamic and resilient. Self-learning is your superpower—identify growth areas and seek resources for improvement. Keep a journal or 'learning log' of your experiences, and always stay curious!

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