By The luxury fashion industry stands at a crossroads where heritage craftsmanship meets the pulse of modern design, and where brands are increasingly expected to reflect not just aesthetic excellence, but also social consciousness. In an age where consumers seek authenticity, identity, and purpose in what they wear, fashion houses are reimagining their roles, not merely as trendsetters but as cultural storytellers and agents of change. At the center of this change is a growing movement led by entrepreneurs who blend design innovation with bold values, reshaping the very definition of luxury for a more inclusive and meaningful future.
Among these changemakers is Tinaz Bodhanwala, an amazing character who we had the chance to have a talk with. Tinaz the founder and creative director of MINIAAR, a UAE-based couture and luxury pret label. Known for her seamless blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern design, Tinaz has created a brand that speaks to both timeless elegance and contemporary values. Her work goes beyond the runway—championing inclusivity, advocating for human rights, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose in the fashion industry.
Roots and Beginnings: The Personal Journey
The path to redefining luxury fashion with authenticity often begins with a deeply personal journey—one rooted in passion, courage, and a sense of purpose. For Tinaz Bodhanwala, that journey began long before she launched MINIAAR, tracing back to a childhood spark that never wavered.
“The decision of becoming a designer goes way back to the year 2007 when I was in the 8th grade,” she shares.
Raised in the city of Vadodara, Gujarat, Tinaz always knew her path would lead to fashion.
“I took the leap of faith and came to a big metro city, Mumbai, for university and then finally took another one and established myself in Dubai, UAE, which now I proudly and happily call my home.”
Her creative calling was more than a career—it was part of her lineage. With her maternal grandmother having run a boutique, Tinaz describes her passion for design as something inherited:
“Perhaps I was the fortunate one to get that in me and to carry it on. So the love for clothes and creating clothes drove the decision all the way.”
This foundation laid the groundwork for the values and vision she would later pour into her brand—blending personal history with a fearless entrepreneurial spirit.
Building MINIAAR: A Dream Realized
Building a brand from the ground up in the fiercely competitive world of luxury fashion demands more than just talent—it calls for resilience, vision, and an unshakable sense of purpose. For Tinaz Bodhanwala, founding MINIAAR wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision—it was the natural progression of a dream nurtured from the very beginning of her design career.
The decision to have my own brand was always there since the day I decided to be a fashion designer,” she explains.
With creativity inherited from both grandmothers and a strong business instinct from her father, the foundations of MINIAAR were as personal as they were professional. But Tinaz was deliberate about her path:
“I knew I had to first work to gain the real experience of the industry. So I worked in all the departments—from production to retail—to gain complete hands-on knowledge.”
In December 2017, after years of preparation and learning, she took the leap. The journey that followed, she says, has been marked by “highs, lows, learnings, new experiences, wish fulfilments, and of course challenges.” But Tinaz doesn’t shy away from setbacks—she reframes them.
“A lot of it depends on your perception,” she says. “I don’t dwell on the lows for too long—I just learn and get over it onto the next step.”
Her philosophy is grounded in self-belief, not ego.
“It’s very important to believe in yourself and your talent… not feeling superior to anyone, but always having the faith that what is yours will never be for anybody else.”
That mindset has helped her push through doubts, societal pressures, and the voices that tried to pull her down. With the support of an open-minded family and a clear sense of her purpose, Tinaz turned those challenges into fuel.
“The minute you decide to become an entrepreneur, you have to be ready for failures before you achieve success … So the journey was not easy for sure, but I sailed through… and I’m grateful for all of it.”
Design Philosophy: Timelessness Meets Versatility
At the heart of MINIAAR’s aesthetic is a balance that few designers manage to strike: honoring timeless traditions while creating pieces that feel current, personal, and endlessly wearable. For Tinaz Bodhanwala, this fusion is not just a design choice—it’s a philosophy that guides every collection.
“In today’s time, it is important to keep moving in the ever-changing world of fashion and technology,” she notes, “but according to me, a classic is always a classic.”
Whether crafting a new seasonal line or customizing an ensemble for a client, Tinaz begins with listening—aligning her clients’ vision with her brand’s signature ethos. Her goal isn’t just to make something beautiful, but to make something that lasts.
“Fast fashion and trends have a life of their own… but you can never go wrong with classics,” she says. “They will be evergreen even if you wear them after five years.”
Versatility is another cornerstone of her approach. Tinaz is intentional about designing garments that offer flexibility—pieces that can be worn as separates or styled in different ways.
“When a particular outfit can be worn as separates and styled in multiple ways, it’s always worth the investment.”
This thoughtful blend of elegance, longevity, and practicality is what gives MINIAAR its enduring charm—and what keeps its clientele coming back for pieces that are as meaningful as they are stylish.
Inclusivity and Values: The Heart of MINIAAR
For Tinaz Bodhanwala, the values of inclusivity and human rights are not external to her brand—they are the very foundation of how MINIAAR operates. These principles are not tacked on for visibility or trend—they are seamlessly woven into the fabric of her business, because they originate from something deeply personal.
“It is very easy to do this when your personal values align with your business values, to be honest,” she reflects.
This alignment shows up in the brand’s open and flexible approach to design. Rather than subscribing to exclusivity as a status symbol, MINIAAR embraces customisation as a form of empowerment.
“We’ve always been open to made-to-orders to let each customer have the comfort and confidence to wear our designs—irrespective of their personal style, beliefs, values, or budget,” she says. “I don’t see any reason to restrict our creative power.”
But her commitment goes beyond the atelier. During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, with business operations on pause, Tinaz stepped into a new kind of leadership—one rooted in service.
“I was fortunate enough to help some hospital staff by using my team to make reusable masks and PPE kits—not to gain accolades, but because at that time, that was the right thing to do,” she shares.
For her, creating impact starts with intention and is sustained by a collective spirit.
“By God’s grace, I’ve earned myself a team who is always ready to help me in everything I do,” she says. True to her belief, it’s not just about what a brand creates—it’s about what it stands for.
“Each one of us, no matter what industry we belong to, can always be of help to society in general.”
Women Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Progress
When discussing women’s entrepreneurship, Tinaz Bodhanwala doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. For her, the biggest challenge isn’t external—it’s within the community itself.
“The biggest challenge facing women today is not men, equality, or recognition—but other women themselves,” she says.
“Instead of uplifting each other, there’s often competition and a need to feel superior.” Tinaz added.
Despite this, she sees encouraging progress—especially in the UAE, where she proudly runs her business.
“Today, we have countless women-owned businesses. The UAE offers safety, support, and the freedom to have your own voice—not just personally, but professionally too,” she explains.
When it comes to the fashion industry, Tinaz advocates for inclusion across all roles—from tailors to brand managers—and urges a shift in how beauty and leadership are defined.
“We need to encourage more women, especially women of colour, into leadership roles. Inclusive design, representation of real body types, and a move away from outdated beauty standards are all part of the change we need,” she says.
For Tinaz, true empowerment begins with honesty, community, and a commitment to evolve—together.
Balancing Business and Social Commitment
According to Tinaz, balancing leadership with social commitment comes naturally because these values are deeply ingrained in her life.
“When it’s embedded in your personal core values, it becomes part of your lifestyle—and naturally, the core of your business too,” she explains.
She stresses that giving back doesn’t require wealth or grand gestures.
“You don’t need millions or even six figures to make a difference. Even AED 100 matters—it’s the intention that counts more than the amount.”
Tinaz also cautions against the curated realities often seen on social media, urging especially younger generations to distinguish between “reel life” and real life.
“People should use their platforms for advocacy and truth, not just to please audiences. Your real supporters will always stand by you.”
For her, authentic leadership and meaningful impact go hand in hand—both driven by intention and integrity.
Tinaz Bodhanwala’s journey is a real proof of how the fusion of creativity, resilience, and purpose can be super impactful in one’s life and work. As a visionary leader in the luxury fashion industry, she not only redefines elegance but also champions inclusivity and social responsibility with unwavering commitment. Her story reminds us that true success extends beyond business—it’s about using one’s platform to inspire change, uplift communities, and stay authentic in a rapidly evolving world. For women entrepreneurs everywhere, Tinaz’s example is a beacon of how passion and principles can shape a meaningful legacy.
