MAM
Ogilvy’s Choudhary only Indian to make it to Cannes’ ‘See It Be It’
MUMBAI: In 2014, Cannes Lions launched See It Be It. A programme that responded to the gender imbalance in the advertising industry – only 25% of agency creatives are women, and just 11% reach creative director level. The stats for India, being woefully lower.
Every year, 15 future leaders from all over the world are chosen to be part of this programme. And this year, Sakshi Choudhary from OgilvyOne, Mumbai, has made it as India’s sole representative.
Following a series of written submissions and a rigorous interview, Sakshi secured her place at See It Be It from among hundreds of entrants across the globe. The programme involves a series of specially curated sessions at Cannes Lions that include workshops, behind-the- scenes with jury members and one-to-one mentoring with leaders from the global advertising fraternity.
A delighted OgilvyOne Worldwide president Vikram Menon said: This is truly wonderful news. It is a proud moment for all of us at Ogilvy. Sakshi has been a stand-out performer ever since she became part of the Ogilvy family and this is just reward for years of commitment to her craft. Hopefully, this inspires many more women to push for leadership positions in the coming years.
Sakshi Choudhary is at present the creative supervisor at OgilvyOne Mumbai where she manages some of the agency’s iconic brands including Dove and Coca-Cola. A multiple award-winner, she has also been recognised among ‘India’s Top 30 under 30’ – a listing of the country’s 30 Most Promising Young Achievers in the Media and Advertising Industry under the age of 30. Outside her day job, Sakshi is the founder of The Seesaw Project – an initiative that seeks to simplify the complex issues of gender bias, using art.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
