Oh Brother, My Brother

Valiram. It’s a family name steeped in history, culture, evolution and success. The Malaysia-based retail and lifestyle group has grown from strength to strength, having started in the textile trade in 1935 by Utumal Valiram and subsequently led by his son, the late Datuk Jethanand Valiram. The business would later pivot towards retail in 1996, forging ahead to become Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods retailer. Led by the charismatic brothers Sharan, Ashvin and Mukesh, the group courted and brought in notable international brands, including Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Tumi and Bath & Body Works. The group also owns Swiss Watch Gallery, Malaysia’s leading luxury watch retailer. Over the years, the brothers have grown the business’s store footprint to more than 400 stores across nine countries.

We meet Sharan and Mukesh at the lobby of their residence prior to their photo shoot on a warm, sunny afternoon. Ever the expert host, Sharan ensures we are well taken care of before rushing off to his apartment to get dressed for the shoot (the three siblings stay in the same building together with their mother, Datin Champa Kirpalani