Monday, September 08, 2008

Kenzo debuts in India; wants to woo the sari



Kenzo, the luxury label of Japanese origin now owned by LVMH, opened shop in India at the luxury mall Emporio last week. And Jean Keller, the brand's wholesale commercial director, was at hand to launch the store and spin stories about how Kenzo wants to permanently endear itself to the Indian woman.

In an interview to Business Standard, Keller said, "We are in discussion to start a range of saris. Kenzo did the kimono, so why not the sari? Kenzo is a multi-cultural brand."

The interest in the sari, apart from being a pragmatic approach towards design and silhouette, also shows an astute (astute because few other luxury brands have been able to understand this so far) understanding of how the Indian woman consumer spends.

Points out Keller, "Women here still prefer to wear Indian designers. The Indian designers are very strong in that segment and are strongly established."

You don't say, Sherlock.

The brand hopes to introduce its entire range in India in the next five years. To begin with, the Delhi store will stock men's ready-to-wear, accessories and accessories for women.

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Update
The brand has simultaneously opened a Mens store at the JW Marriott in Mumbai as well.

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