Women at Work: Ramya Giangola
For the third installment of our new series, we delve into the world of the retail consultant, brand strategist and OG street style star.
Like many chic women who worked in fashion in the mid-to-late aughts, the advent of street style blogs had a huge impact for Ramya Giangola. It was a time when scrappy indie photographers like Tommy Ton and Phil Oh stationed themselves outside of runway venues to shoot show-goers with killer personal style as they filed in and out.
“They were photographing retailers, merchants, editors – the people going to shows because it was their job to be there,” recalls Ramya. “No one outside the industry knew who we were.”
That quickly changed, as Ramya gained the unofficial title of “street style star” – along with her actual job: co-founder of retail consulting firm Gogoluxe, which next year marks 20 years in business. Gogoluxe acts as an ear to the ground and creative partner for stores, connecting them with designers (building on Ramya’s early-career role as a brand scout), advising on big-picture strategy and conceptualizing pop-ups and curations.
Most recently, Ramya launched a program called Future Classics for Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, an edit of wardrobe essentials informed by her unique POV. With time, Ramya’s scope of work has organically evolved, expanding into consulting for small brands and the recent launch of a creative agency called Good Eggs. One of her most exciting new clients isn’t a store, but rather the Rosewood Hotel group.
“Our passion is the future of retail,” she says, “and, to me, that’s really in hospitality and travel. Travel is so important; it's where we see people spending their money.”
So far, Gogoluxe has worked on hotel shops for six Rosewood properties, mixing international brands with local designers and artisans — something Ramya hopes to build on. “Working with Rosewood, we've seen the proof of concept. When you put really cool product in a hotel store, people spend and it's added to their bottom line, which has been really exciting.”
My daily work uniform… depends on the day. If I’m working from LA or on the road visiting retail and brand clients in their home markets, I keep it pretty easy. A pair of jeans (vintage mostly), a Vitakin or Nackiye top, or as it gets colder a cashmere henley or sweater from the Row. If it’s fashion month, the look is more curated!
The biggest change in workwear since I entered the industry… the shoes. When I started you couldn’t go a single day without heels. We didn’t have the culture of flats (unless it was Manolo or Chanel, or maybe a flat boot). Now, I rarely wear heels for work.
The most rewarding thing about being an entrepreneur… having the chance to build something that doesn’t have to be rigid or align with a bureaucratic corporate structure or mindset. We can also choose clients and projects who are aligned with our values and inspire us to push boundaries.
And the most challenging… not having the scaffolding of a big company behind me. There’s also the hustle – putting yourself out there, making sure you’re relevant and in the game.
The one fashion item that makes me feel powerful… is hard to narrow down. When I’m dressed authentically like myself, then I feel strong. In the last few years, I’ve become obsessed with this new wave of fine jewelry creatives, like Lauren Rubinski. Wearing something from her always makes me feel strong and authentically me.
My overall workwear vibe for fall… having just launched a new curation for Lane Crawford in Hong Kong called Future Classics focused on the best denim, T-shirts, etc., I love the idea of pairing these ‘essentials’ to my hyper-fashion items. So maybe a really great sweatshirt with a beautifully cut Phoebe Philo trouser and a chocolate brown corduroy blazer.
1. Vote T-Shirt “I love Tory’s take on the Vote t-shirt. We have the power to keep America a democracy, and I support everyone who is advocating for people to get out and vote!”
2. Open LA “My husband introduced me to Open, founded by Manoj Dias. It feels like the kind of community I could be a part of – equal parts mindful with a big dash of aesthetic authenticity.”
3. Sequin Fringe Dress “I would be happy wearing this to my fall events coming soon.”
4. Taffeta Cap Dress “I’m absolutely obsessed with these dresses from the runway.”
5. Ed Ruscha / Now Then “The ultimate LA artist. I’m rushing back from Paris fashion week to see the exhibition at LACMA before it ends on October 6. (Photo: Sarah Applegate)
6. Rogan Gregory Hydra Lamp “Watching Rogan’s career arc from a fashion designer and one of the leaders in denim into the most insane sculptor has been so inspiring. I would love one of his pieces for our home.”
6. Esha Soni Orb Bag “I was assigned to be Esha’s mentor by Fashion Trust US. I feel like even though I’m the mentor, I’ll learn a lot from her. Her bags are like sculptures for your arm. You may see a sculptural element throughout my selects; I’m very drawn to unusual concepts that I find much beauty in.”
Our Women at Work issue builds on a longtime brand franchise that now lives on via Substack. Every September and March, we’ll focus on a new industry. The fourth fashion entrepreneur story runs next weekend. In the meantime, let us know if you have suggestions for inspiring and entrepreneurial women to consider.
I follow Ramya on IG and I adore her fun and eclectic style! I’m always eyeing her jewellery, too! 🕵🏻♀️