Lanvin, started by French designer Jeanne Lanvin, is the latest in a long line of global luxury brands to open shop in India. Charu Sachdev, whose company TSG International is the local partner for Lanvin, spoke to Archana Jahagirdar.
Why did you decide to bring this brand to India?
Lanvin is one of the most revered couture brands and, with Albert Elbaz at its helm right now, the brand is exceptional. So it was a natural step for us to bring the brand here. Also, some of the most high-profile people around the world wear it.
For example, Nicholas Sarkozy wears it and, in the past, Francois Mitterand wore it. Closer home, Vijay Mallya wears it. From Hollywood, Katie Holmes, Demi Moore and Julia Roberts wear this brand. People who really understand fashion wear it.
Do you think Indians will respond favourably to Lanvin?
Once buyers here get authentic information about the brand, I am sure they will react positively to it. The consumer here is going to be treated in exactly the same way as he is in the West.
What products will India see from Lanvin?
Our buying team has an India focus. Lanvin knows how to provide an entire range of products while keeping the essence of the brand intact. We will get the entire range for both men and women. Lanvin is famous for its lounge wear for both men and women, something that you wear when you step out to the supermarket and still want to look trendy.
Will Bollywood stars be caught wearing Lanvin?
Worldwide, we do not do celebrity dressing; similarly, here too we won't do it. But we do look forward to Bollywood stars as our clients.
Indians are notoriously sensitive to price points. How will that affect Lanvin?
At the initial phase, we will explain why the product is priced at the price point that it is. A shirt, for instance, is available anywhere, so why buy an expensive shirt? Everyone is price point sensitive.
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