Savile Row bets big on India

UK-based premium menswear brand Savile Row has high expectations from the Indian market. "In next 3-4 years India would be our second biggest market and we expect it to be the leading market in next 8-10 years," Jeffrey Doltis, managing director, The Savile Row Company, told Business Standard.

Doltis stressed that Savile Row would become an integral part of the Indian high street and that the country has the potential of becoming a global fashion destination.

The UK-based menswear brand entered India in 2005 through a licencee agreement with Forbes Gokak. "Currently Savile Row has 30 stores in India and we plan to open 15 stores this year. The company intends to introduce luxury wear made-to-order suitings and shirting under the luxury brand 40 Savile Row. In the US and the UK the trend is towards luxury tailoring and we see a good growth potential in India too", said Doltis.

Savile Row would be launching three flagship stores in India that would offer luxury made to order facilities. The company would also introducing ladies wear under the Savile Row brand to tap the growing branded women's wear segment.

Doltis said that the domestic and international companies have recognised India as one of the growing luxury markets.

On asked about the company's hopes of India becoming the next fashion capital, Doltis said "India with its rich culture and high standard of education is an exciting fashion market for the future. India is more vibrant as the market offers exquisite materials, creative ideas and scope to experiment with bright colours and local artisans who could define future fashion trends."

Forbes Gokak, The Savile Row's India partner has identified fashion students from Mumbai and would be grooming them to offer design inputs for the company's merchandise.

The UK-based Savile Row operates in 22 countries and this year will be entering the Singapore and Dubai markets.