New Label: Them and Us

Interestingly,the designer label is being brought to India by one of India’s foremost couturiers,Suneet Varma. The Delhi-based designer who is also celebrating his silver anniversary,has turned businessman. He has teamed up with entrepreneur Mumtaz Siddiqui and the two now spearhead Unique Eye Luxury Apparel which will represent Armani Junior in India as its exclusive franchisee. “We realise it is a niche arena and zeroed in on it after a research on the future of different segments of the luxury market. Being aware of the tremendous scope in this area,we are excited about the launch,” he says.

This is not the first time the designer has partnered with an international brand. His association with luxury label Judith Leiber — The Suneet Varma for Judith Leiber Luxury Accessories — are retailed at the brand’s boutiques dotted across the world. This experience and exposure seems to have helped Varma bag the Armani Junior deal.

It’s for some time now,and increasingly post-recession,that global brands have focussed on emerging markets like India,partnering with Indian business houses for marketing and distribution. If Genesis Luxury brought the likes of classic menswear by Italian label Canali,iconic British label Paul Smith,Italian bags and accessories by label Bottega Veneta as well as Jimmy Choo,then the Marigold group made Argentovivo and Christies from Europe; Poleci and Walter from the US alongside Judith Leiber accessible to Indian luxury shoppers. It was recently reported that Kumar Mangalam Birla’s Madura Fashion & Lifestyle is in talks with Giorgio Armani SpA to set up stores for Armani Jeans in India. Birla is also negotiating with upmarket British clothier Hackett,which works in the niche luxury segment,to come to India with them.

Adding to the increasing list of tie-ups is designer Manav Gangwani,who is said to have signed a business agreement with Italian designer Roberto Cavalli. A store would open in India in May 2012. Gangwani,who was spotted at the designer’s Menswear Fall Winter 2012 show in Milan,is tight-lipped about his business hand-shake with him. “Yes,I am bringing the brand (Roberto Cavalli) to India but it’s confidential and too early to give out details,” is all he says for now.

Not just global luxury labels but international fashion designers who work with smaller segments are exploring Indian retail by choosing to showcase their work through tie-ups with Indian counterparts. Combined interests have brought together jewellery designers New York-based Miriam Salat and Delhi-based Radhika Chanana.

The latter retails women’s accessories under the label ICE Accessories and Salat is the co-designer for red carpet staple Bochic. “We have come together owing to our shared sensibilities,” says Chanana.