Louis Vuitton in the Land of Gandhi 

Louis Vuitton. Just hearing the name of the famous French brand, is enough to catch most of us dreaming of their classic yet fashionable luxury bags.  A dream, that, until recently, was only affordable for Indians during their travels throughout Europe and to Dubai.

Fortunately, Louis Vuitton took the gamble of opening their first shops in Delhi, India in 2003.  This gamble certainly paid off as there are currently five shops in India: two in Delhi, one in Bangalore, and two in Mumbai.

“The potential was incredible at the time and is still important in India,” pointed out Mr. Lavital, Director of Public Relations for Louis Vuitton for Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, as well as the former PR Director for Louis Vuitton India.

While these shops were not open until 2003, Louis Vuitton began doing business in India a lot earlier. Throughout the 1900’s, the Maharajahs would travel to Paris to meet Monsieur Vuitton himself or his descendents, George and Gaston, son and grandson of Louis Vuitton, and purchase enormous collections of suitcases as gifts for their daughters’ marriages.

Is there possibly a connection between the Maharajas of the last century and today’s society, which tends to be drawn to luxury brands?

According to ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), the luxury Indian market is valued today at 14.7 billion dollars, and at the end of 2017 it should be at about 18.3 billion dollars. We would love to think that this could be a reflection of the flourishing time period of Maharajas, a part of their legacy to India. In a country that juggles its traditions and its modernity, LV is exceptional because it does not seek to replace the independent Indian designer.  Instead, it looks to incorporate the traditional accessories and the magnificent fabrics for sarees. LV was able to strengthen its presence by respecting the Indian culture and its traditions.  In doing this, LV has pioneered the luxury market for India and is proud to appear today as India’s leading luxury brand.