Simone Tata, who played a central role in transforming Lakme into a leading name in Indian cosmetics and later established the Westside retail chain, died on Friday at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after a brief illness. She was 95.

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Simone arrived in India in 1953 as a tourist. She met Naval Tata during this visit, and they married in 1955, with Simone making Mumbai her permanent home.

As chairperson of Lakme from the early 1980s, Simone Tata oversaw the brand's development during a crucial period.

Under her leadership, Lakme became a household name across India. The Tata Group sold Lakme to Hindustan Unilever in 1996.

After the sale of Lakme, Simone Tata used the proceeds to launch Westside under Trent.

The department store chain became one of India's m

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