The House of Lords in the British Parliament, London, hosted the Global Brand and Leadership Conclave 2026, organized by The Brand Story, to celebrate leadership, innovation, and organizational excellence. The event honored organizations and individuals setting new benchmarks in business and workplace culture. Among the awardees was Ms. Vandana M. Jagwani, Creative Director at Mahesh Notandass and Founder & Partner at Vandals, who received the Global Young Leader 40 Under 40 Award for transforming the global jewellery industry through a blend of heritage craftsmanship, contemporary design, technological innovation, and sustainable luxury.
Background and Education
Vandana M. Jagwani is a graduate of Babson College and Regent's University London. She is recognized as one of the most promising young leaders redefining the jewellery industry, combining global academic exposure, financial acumen, and artistic vision. Her work challenges conventional norms to create design-led experiences that merge creativity with business excellence, elevating Indian craftsmanship on the global stage while championing innovation, sustainability, and responsible luxury.
Founding Vandals: India's First Lab-Grown Diamond Brand
Inspired by visionaries such as Banksy, Vincent van Gogh, Steve Jobs, and Yayoi Kusama, Vandana established Vandals, India's first designer lab-grown diamond jewellery brand. The brand redefines sustainable luxury by combining advanced technology, exceptional artistry, and contemporary design, making fine jewellery more accessible, expressive, and ethically conscious. Vandals positions itself as a pioneering force in the global jewellery landscape, placing sustainability at the core of design to meet the aspirations of modern consumers who value both beauty and conscious consumption.
Role at Mahesh Notandass
Alongside Vandals, Vandana serves as Creative Director of Mahesh Notandass, where she has elevated the legacy jewellery house to unprecedented international recognition. Under her creative leadership, the brand has showcased collections at globally renowned venues including the Louvre Museum and JW Marriott Grosvenor House, and participated in The Unique Show in Dubai. The brand also earned accolades at a prestigious jewellery event in Monaco and gained global visibility through its feature in the docuseries Jewels of Legacy on JioHotstar.
Speaking at World Economic Forum Davos 2026
In 2026, Vandana was invited as a distinguished speaker at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, where she joined global leaders on a panel titled "Who Powers the Next Economy?" Her insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of business highlighted her emergence as one of India's influential young voices shaping global conversations around economic transformation.
Advocacy for Sustainable Luxury
Vandana is also an advocate for sustainable and ethical luxury. She appeared on the M-Power Podcast to share perspectives on building an eco-conscious jewellery brand and her unconventional journey from finance to entrepreneurship. Her thought leadership has been featured in industry publications such as Solitaire International, strengthening her reputation as a voice driving responsible innovation in the jewellery ecosystem.
Award Significance and Leadership
The Global Young Leader 40 Under 40 Award recognizes exceptional young professionals whose leadership creates lasting global impact across industries. Vandana M. Jagwani exemplifies this honour through her commitment to design excellence, sustainable business practices, and visionary leadership. Her journey demonstrates how creativity guided by purpose and innovation driven by responsibility can achieve limitless possibilities.
Dr. Abhay Kaushik, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Brand Story, said, "Vandana M. Jagwani represents the future of leadership where creativity, sustainability, and innovation come together to redefine entire industries. Her ability to honour heritage while embracing modern technology has positioned her as a remarkable young leader making a meaningful global impact. We are delighted to recognise her with the Global Young Leader 40 Under 40 Award."
Mr. Siddhesh Pathre, Managing Partner of The Brand Story, added, "Vandana's entrepreneurial vision demonstrates that true leadership lies in creating value that extends beyond business success. Through her pioneering work with Vandals and her transformative contribution to Mahesh Notandass, she is setting new standards for ethical luxury, design excellence, and global innovation. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success in inspiring the next generation of creative leaders."
