Purse: Chanel, purchased in New York; Blazer: Zara, purchased in Singapore; Dress: Marina, styled by Armoire (rental); Shoes: Ferragamo, purchased in Florence, Italy; Jewelry: Cartier, purchased in Paris
Ruchika Tulshyan is an inclusion strategist and best-selling author whose work has been called transformative. The same can be said for her style.
Going Global
Born in Singapore with stints in London, New York, and Mumbai, it should come as no surprise that Ruchika Tulshyan maintains a global perspective on fashion, even after 10 years of living in the Pacific Northwest.
While residing in these global centers, the business journalist-turned-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader first honed her personal style, taking inspiration from well-heeled people whose clothing seemed to buttress their ethos.
In retrospect, “It was a very narrow view of what was acceptable to wear,” Tulshyan told 425. Her pioneering work in the DEI field — she began more than a decade ago, before it was mainstream — and her time in the region inform a new perspective on personal style.
Purse: Ferragamo, purchased in New York; Leather Jacket: Raffaello Leather, purchased in Florence, Italy; Dress: Milly, styled by Armoire (rental); Boots: Dune London, Nordstrom Seattle
Mix and Match
While she was initially surprised at how casually most people in the Pacific Northwest dress, Tulshyan eventually embraced the appeal and now favors a “hi-low” approach to dressing up.
She maintains a collection of exceptional pieces from luxury brands such as Chanel and Van Cleef & Arpels, and pairs them effortlessly with more approachable makers. You will frequently spot the businesswoman in animal prints; she also has been known to keep some statement jewelry — some of which she wore over Zoom for this interview — in her office in case an occasion to show them off presents itself.
“I have found some of the best accessories while traveling,” Tulshyan said.
As an early fan and investor in local clothing-rental company Armoire, she frequently uses the brand’s platform to rent clothing for travel and various speaking engagements.
Changemaker
Through her work, which primarily focuses on systemic diversity and inclusion issues, the “Inclusion on Purpose” author has found that more and more, business leaders are starting to understand beauty outside of a Westernized framework and how that understanding can impact the workplace.
Tulshyan says that those with influence should leverage that to expand this framework.
“People underestimate the ability of fashion to make high-level change,” she said.