Simone Tata, Architect Of Lakmé And Westside, Passes Away At 95

 Simone Tata, often described as the elegant architect of India’s modern retail and cosmetics industry, breathed her last on December 5, 2025, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, she arrived in India in 1953 and later married Naval Tata. Over the decades, she transformed Lakmé into a household name and laid the foundation for Trent’s Westside chain, redefining consumer culture in India.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Simone Tata was instrumental in building Lakmé into India’s leading cosmetics brand.  
• She pioneered Westside, one of India’s most successful fashion retail chains under Trent Ltd.  
• She was the mother of Noel Tata, chairman of Trent, and stepmother to the late Ratan Tata.  
• Her leadership combined business acumen with philanthropy, guiding institutions like the Sir Ratan Tata Institute.  
• The Swiss Consulate in Mumbai mourned her passing, recognizing her contributions to India’s corporate and social landscape.  
• Her funeral service was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church in Colaba, followed by a mass attended by family and dignitaries.  

Simone Tata’s journey reflects the evolution of India’s consumer industries, where she played a transformative role in introducing global standards of beauty and fashion retail. Her vision not only created iconic brands but also empowered generations of women by making modern cosmetics accessible.  

Beyond business, she was deeply involved in philanthropic initiatives, embodying the Tata family’s tradition of social responsibility. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions will continue to inspire India’s corporate and social sectors.  

Sources: Connected to India, India Today, Times Now, Onmanorama