executive interview series:
Rahul Kheskwani on Elevating Retail Through Design, Light, and Storytelling
Today we’re speaking with Rahul Kheskwani, President of Milano Jewelry, a leading name in luxury jewelry retail with a strong presence in some of the world’s most iconic ports and tourist destinations. For over 35 years, Milano Jewelry has been a family legacy devoted to helping customers celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Milano Jewelry has become one of the top destinations to shop for Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry through its vertical integration, industry-leading craftmanship and exceptional customer service. Under Rahul’s leadership, the brand has grown in both scale and creative vision. Rahul’s priority was to reimagine what a jewelry store could look and feel like when the customer is at the center of every detail and decision.
Much like Skyline Windows, Milano Jewelry is focused on creating spaces where design serves both beauty and function. Rahul’s approach to store design emphasizes local artistry and storytelling. Through thoughtful use of natural light, local materials, and artistic details, each Milano location is designed to draw people in and create a sense of luxury that still feels inviting. It’s a vision that echoes Skyline’s own belief in the power of space and the emotional connection to the brand that can be achieved when beauty and function work together.
We sat down with Rahul to explore how Milano approaches retail design, builds customer loyalty, and continues to evolve its stores in ways that reflect their rich heritage while striving to be innovative.
Q: Rahul, Milano Jewelry has stores in some of the world’s most iconic port cities. How do you think about designing a space that resonates globally, yet feels local and intimate?
A: That’s a great question and one we ask ourselves constantly. Our customers come from all over the world, but the moment they walk into a Milano store, we want them to feel something consistent, a sense of warmth, light, and understated luxury. We achieve that by focusing on universal design elements such as open floor plans, elevated sightlines, and of course, the use of natural light. But we also layer in local textures and materials, and we train our teams to make every interaction feel personal. The goal is for the space to feel curated, not generic.
Q: Natural light plays a huge role in how jewelry is perceived. Can you share how you incorporate light into your store design and how that overlaps with Skyline Windows’ philosophy?
A: Light is everything in jewelry. It brings out the scintillation of a diamond, the richness in gold and the depth of colored gemstones. We design our stores to harness that effect. That means large glass windows wherever possible, carefully positioned lighting, and surfaces that reflect and enhance, rather than compete. What I love about Skyline’s work is that they understand this dual role of glass, not just as a building material, but as an experiential tool. They create clarity and openness, and that’s exactly what we try to do with our stores.
Q: In a time when many brands are going digital, you’re still investing in physical retail. Why is the in-person experience still so critical for Milano?
A: Jewelry is emotional. It’s not just a transaction, it’s a moment, a milestone, a story. That’s hard to replicate online. Our stores let people slow down, explore, and connect with both the product and our team. It also allows them to connect with their vacation destination. We’re not just selling a piece of jewelry; we’re guiding someone through a meaningful experience. Design helps set the tone for that experience. When a space feels beautiful, open, and thoughtful, people relax. They trust. That trust is everything.
Q: How do you balance innovation in store design with the need for consistency across locations?
A: We treat every store like an extension of our brand, but also like a standalone experience. There are core elements that remain consistent: the use of light, clean materials, comfortable traffic flow. But we always adapt to the environment. A store in Alaska might have a different rhythm than one in St. Thomas or Cozumel. We aim to reflect the energy of the place while still staying true to our values.
Q: Finally, what do you see as the future of luxury retail design, and how is Milano preparing for it?
A: I think the future is about intentionality. Shoppers are more aware than ever; they want the ease and convenience of technology while still maintaining the beauty and design of their surroundings. We’re continuing to invest in architecture that supports sustainability, transparency, and seamless customer experience. If a customer walks out feeling seen, inspired, and delighted, then we’ve done our job.