Roopal Patel, one of the fashion industry’s most respected voices, has officially departed from her role as Senior Vice President and Fashion Director at Saks Global. Her exit marks the end of a decade-long tenure where she was instrumental in shaping the retailer’s luxury identity and trend direction.

During her time at Saks, Patel was credited with modernizing the store’s assortment and championing emerging designers alongside established legacy brands. Her keen eye for shifting consumer tastes helped Saks maintain its status as a premier destination for high-end fashion during a period of significant retail transformation.

Patel’s departure comes at a time of broader organizational change within Saks Global. As the company navigates a complex restructuring process, the loss of its primary fashion figurehead is seen as a significant shift in its creative leadership structure.

Throughout her career at the luxury department store, Patel was a regular fixture on the global fashion week circuits. She represented the Saks brand in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, ensuring the retailer remained at the forefront of the international style conversation.

Her role extended beyond just selecting clothing; she was deeply involved in the visual storytelling and marketing strategies that defined the Saks experience. Under her guidance, the retailer launched several successful exclusive collaborations and high-profile brand takeovers.

Patel was also known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the industry. She played a pivotal role in bringing a wider range of perspectives to the Saks platform, helping the retailer connect with a more diverse and globally-minded audience.

Before joining Saks in 2015, Patel built an impressive resume with senior roles at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Her deep understanding of the American luxury landscape made her a trusted advisor to both design houses and executive teams.

The news of her exit has sparked discussion among industry insiders regarding the future direction of the Saks fashion office. While the company has not yet named a direct successor, Patel’s influence on the current inventory and brand relationships will likely be felt for seasons to come.

In a statement following the news, colleagues praised Patel for her passion, her mentorship of younger talent, and her unwavering dedication to the art of retailing. She is widely regarded as a “merchant at heart” who understood how to translate runway concepts into commercial success.

For Saks Global, this leadership change arrives as the company continues to integrate its digital and physical operations. The firm is currently focusing on a more data-driven approach to luxury, even as it seeks to preserve the high-touch service that shoppers expect.

Patel has not yet announced her next move, but her reputation as a top-tier fashion strategist ensures she will remain a highly sought-after figure in the luxury sector. Many expect her to eventually resurface in a senior creative or advisory capacity for another major global brand.

Her departure follows other recent high-profile exits in the department store sector, reflecting a wider trend of talent reshuffling as legacy retailers adapt to new economic realities. The vacancy at Saks represents one of the most significant openings in the fashion world today.

As Saks Global moves forward, it will need to find a way to maintain the aspirational energy that Patel cultivated. Her ability to spot “the next big thing” was a key part of the retailer’s DNA and a major reason for its continued relevance in a crowded market.