Fashion industry influencer - Echeru – began his journey at Limkokwing University, where participating in London Fashion Week opened his mind to the heights he could soar within the industry. A Style and Retail Coach for the renowned Charles & Keith Group, Echeru (Kutraleswarean Padamanathan) has forged an exceptional career path blending his passion for fashion with a deep understanding of the retail industry. His ability to navigate the industry and use his skills to find his niche was greatly assisted by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion & Retailing.
“Studying Fashion & Retailing at Limkokwing University has been instrumental in shaping my journey,” he reminisces. “It was at London Fashion Week that I realised my calling—to empower individuals through style and help them discover the confidence that comes with looking and feeling their best,” he said. The immersive curriculum and hands-on experiences laid a robust foundation, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the dynamic fashion sphere.
This education has been instrumental in his role at Charles & Keith, where he started in 2018 and progressed to become PEDRO’s first Style Advisor by 2020.
Echeru’s role at Charles & Keith is pivotal and influential. He spearheads style and retail strategies, setting trends and driving innovation within the company. “Our goal is to be recognised as a leading fashion-forward company globally,” he says, underlining the brand’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries in fashion.
This epiphany would serve as the driving force behind his remarkable career trajectory. This passion fuels his current projects, particularly those aimed at training retail staff in fashion and customer service.
Echeru particularly enjoys projects that allow him to blend practicality with style. One of Echeru’s most cherished projects was spearheading the boutique managers’ uniform project for PEDRO and Charles & Keith. This project, he explains, is about making fashion practical and empowering for the staff. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to blend style and functionality, ensuring our team not only looks sharp but also feels empowered in their roles,” he beams.
His deep-rooted commitment to empowering others through fashion has been the cornerstone of his success. He wants to “empower people to express themselves freely and authentically.”
Aside from his professional achievements, Echeru has achieved remarkable personal milestones, such as representing PEDRO as Singapore’s first Style Advisor, collaborating with prestigious brands like Vestiaire Collective, and being selected as a Spartan X Optimum Nutrition SG Brand Ambassador. These accomplishments showcase his versatility and the seamless integration of his passions for fitness and fashion, highlighting his multifaceted interests.
Looking ahead, Echeru’s sights are set on continuing to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their unique sense of style. As he continues his work at Charles & Keith, he aims to encourage more people to express themselves through fashion. “I want people to know that Charles & Keith is more than just a fashion brand — we’re a community dedicated to helping individuals look and feel their absolute best,” he affirms.
For aspiring fashion enthusiasts and students, Echeru offers this advice: “Make fashion make sense.” These words encapsulate his philosophy of merging style with purpose, empowering people to express themselves authentically while embracing individuality.
Echeru’s journey from a Limkokwing graduate to a fashion industry influencer is a unique testament to the transformative power of education and passion. Through his unwavering dedication and infectious passion, Echeru has carved out a remarkable niche as a Style and Retail Coach. His work not only shapes fashion trends but also encourages individuals to express themselves confidently through their attire. His story inspires us, reminding us that fashion is more than just clothing — it’s a powerful form of self-expression that can transform lives.
Follow Echeru’s stylish journey and gain inspiration from his fashion expertise by connecting with him on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
