Raymond plans international foray
raymondindia.com
Our Mumbai Bureau (fe)
21 OCTOBER
AT A time when the Indian market is being swamped by international fabric brands, Raymond Ltd managing director Gautam Singhania is planning an international launch of the Raymond brand.
"The opportunities are tremendous," said the 34-year-old managing director who recently took charge at Raymond Ltd. The idea is that if Indian fabrics are launched in international markets, the foreign brands would be forced to protect their own backyards instead of coming into India, feels Mr Singhania. However, no decision has been taken as yet and the issue is being debated internally, it is learnt.
Meanwhile, Raymond Ltd today launched an exclusive range of fabrics aimed at the super premium category, called the "Chairman's Collection". The collection marks the creation of a new category in the Indian worsted fabric industry. "Only 250 pieces of suit lengths will be created in order to maintain the exclusivity," said Mr Singhania. The product will be available only in 23 outlets out of the more than 225 exclusive Raymond Shops.
The suit lengths have been priced at Rs 39,000-45,000, but will not be sold like normal fabrics. Each suit length will come encased in an environment-friendly paper, complemented with a specially crafted leather suit cover, a set of genuine horn buttons, viscose lining material and a co-ordinated silk tie which would complement the shades of the suit length.
The blends of this collection have been chosen by Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania. The fabric has been crafted from super 150s pure new wool and fine cashmere, and the range features suit lengths which are lightweight and have an extra smooth finish. The collection is a product of Raymond's product design, development and manufacturing teams.
The finest micron wool, combined with cashmere, specially selected from the fleece of Mongolian goats raised in high altitudes goes into the making of these fabrics. "It is a misnomer in India that wool is warm," said Mr Singhania.
The fabrics are given either the classic 'clear' or 'flannel' finish. The designs include the traditional chalk stripe, pearl or coloured pin stripe, sharkskin, fine herringbone and the classic Prince of Wales checks. |
