Amar Nagaram, former CEO of Myntra, is making waves again, but this time, not through fast fashion, but with a bold, eco-conscious mission. As the founder of Virgio, Nagaram is pioneering circular and sustainable fashion in India, aiming to reset the foundations of how fashion is produced, consumed, and perceived in the country.
From Fast Fashion Titan to Sustainability Champion
Known for steering Myntra to the forefront of India’s fashion e-commerce landscape, Nagaram surprised many by leaving the high-growth arena of fast fashion to start Virgio in 2022. Initially, Virgio mirrored the fast-fashion model, trend-driven, youth-focused, and agile. But by late 2023, Nagaram saw a critical disconnect, the growing environmental cost of speed.
Instead of scaling a traditional model, he made a rare founder move: pivoting the company toward sustainability, even before market pressure demanded it.
The Founder’s Philosophy: Conscious Consumerism by Design
Nagaram believes the future of fashion lies in circularity, not just commerce. Under his leadership, Virgio now follows a zero-waste design philosophy, using recyclable materials, ethical sourcing, and production models that minimize excess.
He introduced closed-loop systems, where garments can be repurposed, reused, or returned for recycling. This transformation, he explains, isn’t a PR move, it’s a business and moral imperative.
Certifications, Expansion & a New Identity
Under Nagaram, Virgio earned PETA certification for cruelty-free, vegan clothing and began exploring sustainable fabrics like bamboo blends and recycled synthetics. Offline stores are also launching, designed not just as sales outlets but as educational spaces promoting mindful fashion.
Tech remains at the heart of the business. Virgio uses AI and trend analytics, tools Nagaram mastered at Myntra to produce only what’s in demand, curbing overproduction.
Legacy in the Making
What sets Amar Nagaram apart is his willingness to unlearn and rebuild. At a time when many founders chase scale, he’s betting on sustainable growth, building a fashion brand that doesn’t cost the Earth.
With Virgio, Nagaram isn’t just starting another clothing label, he’s crafting a movement that could lead India’s charge into climate-conscious fashion.
