Simone Tata, Visionary Behind Lakmé and Westside, Passes Away at 95

Simone Tata, the visionary who transformed Lakmé into a leading cosmetics brand and later founded the Westside retail chain, passed away on Friday at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after a brief illness. She was 95. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Simone moved to India in 1953 as a tourist and married Naval Tata in 1955, making Mumbai her permanent home.

As chairperson of Lakmé from the early 1980s, Simone Tata guided the brand through a critical phase, turning it into a household name across India. The Tata Group sold Lakmé to Hindustan Unilever in 1996, after which she channeled her energy and resources into launching Westside under Trent, establishing one of India’s most successful department store chains.

Beyond business, Simone Tata was known for her philanthropy, supporting initiatives at the Sir Ratan Tata Institute. The Tata family remembered her for her pivotal role in Lakmé’s growth and for laying the foundation of fashion retail in India through Westside, highlighting her positive outlook and determination. Her last rites are scheduled for Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Colaba.