The grant from Reliance Industries Limited, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), recently announced its decision to invest in Abraham & Thakore Exports Pvt Ltd for a majority stake. The company said it is “seeking to leverage its subsidiary Reliance Brands Limited (RBL)’s deep understanding of the affluent Indian customer and their influence over digital, retail, marketing and supply chain platforms, to enhance the brand’s global appeal. Abraham & Thakore in the fashion and lifestyle category”.
Launched in 1992 by David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, they were soon joined by Kevin Nigli, who became the famous “&” in Abraham & Thakore (A&T). A&T unlocked the potential and power of Indian handlooms by approaching them modern and meaningful through weaving and design intervention in unconventional, even nonconformist ways.
A&T’s interpretation of Indian textiles began with loungewear and home collections sold first at The Conran Shop in London and later at renowned international stores such as Liberty, Browns, Harrods and Selfridges. For almost 15 years, the brand mainly sold in international stores before coming to India with their first fashion show presentation.
The brand is strongly rooted in the philosophy of understanding the cultural construction of fashion. Not only is an Abraham & Thakore Ikat saree part of the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, but in 2015, the brand’s creations were chosen for Fabric of India, V&A’s first major exhibition showcasing the rich, versatile and dynamic world explored of Indian handmade fabrics. Each collection continues the exploration of developing a quiet and modern design voice, while at the same time building on the rich traditional vocabulary of Indian design and craft. Its strong cultural language gives it a unique resonance in different schools of thought and markets.
“Abraham & Thakore’s interesting use of materials and fresh take on traditional textile techniques have resulted in a very distinctive design signature for the brand. As Indian luxury customers undergo a generational shift in consumption, there is an increased appreciation for Abraham & Thakore’s timeless design, and we are excited to partner with the brand to bring its unique expression of Indian craftsmanship to consumers around the world.” Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited.
“Abraham & Thakore are delighted to partner with RRVL, the company responsible for redefining India’s luxury landscape. Through this partnership, we will expand the brand’s presence and bring together both fashion and lifestyle collections, including home furnishings and loungewear,” said David Abraham.
The design trio, David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli will continue to lead the creative direction of the brand.
RRVL was the largest and most profitable retailer in India with the widest reach. It was ranked among the fastest growing retailers in the world in Deloitte’s 2021 Global Powers of Retailing Index. It ranks 53rd in the list of Top Global Retailers and is the only Indian Retailer to be in the Top 100.
RBL began operations in 2007 with a mandate to launch and grow global brands in the luxury to premium segment of fashion and lifestyle. Current portfolio of brand partnerships includes AK-OK, Armani Exchange, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, Dune, EA7, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, G-Star Raw, Gas, Giorgio Armani, Hamleys Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Replay, Ritu Kumar, Salvatore Ferragamo, Satya Paul, Steve Madden , Superdry, Scotch & Soda, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Tumi, Valentino, Versace, Villeroy & Boch and West Elm. RBL currently operates 1,596 doors across 680 stores and 916 shop-in-shops in India.
In May 2019, RBL marked its first international foray by acquiring British toy retailer Hamleys. Worldwide, Hamleys has 215 doors in 17 countries.
RBL also has shares in Indian couture brands Manish Malhotra and Raghavendra Rathore.
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