Oh joy, we’ve arrived!” exclaims the signage outside the brand new Kate Spade boutique at New Delhi’s upscale DLF Emporio. The excited squeals from ardent bag ladies inside the store, however, are much louder. Store manager Vandana Dahiya says that her team hasn’t had much respite from delighted shoppers since the opening. The popular American accessories and apparel brand opened their first boutique in India last Friday (April 14th) in partnership with Reliance Brands.
Welcoming the brand Darshan Mehta, CEO of Reliance Brands, says, “I am confident that Kate Spade’s iconic personality will resonate with the Indian woman. We are looking forward to our partnership with them.” One of the most recognised handbag brands in the world, handbags are spotted on global trendsetters like Sarah Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller and Jessica Alba just as often as they are at champagne brunches across India. Its floral, feminine clothes are also ubiquitous at red carpets (The Duchess of Cambridge and Frieda Pinto are patrons among many others).
The eponymous brand began when its founder – Kate Spade – a former accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine set out on a quest for the perfect handbag. The brand debuted in January 1993 with just six handbag designs but quickly expanded to include shoes, stationery such as organisers and address books, eyewear and women’s clothes. Their first boutique was opened in New York’s artsy Soho district in 1996; as of 2017, the brand which was sold by its founder in 2007 to Liz Claiborne Inc. now has 315 stores globally. Chief creative officer Deborah Lloyd says, “I am inspired by the rich and colourful heritage of India and cannot wait to see how the Indian woman styles our collection. She understands and knows how to wear vibrant colours and bold prints. She is elegantly put together, sophisticated and appreciates a hint of whimsy.” Lloyd adds, “I look forward to traveling to India soon to experience its culture first-hand”.
The new boutique has a multi-room design which houses the Spring 2017 collection and bestsellers from the brand including a selection of leather and non-leather handbags, shoes, women’s ready-to-wear, jewellery, tech accessories, eyewear and stationery. Mehta tells us, “The new collection is inspired by Morocco, so earthy colours and textures inspired by desert landscapes.” We love the mix of a playful monkey motif on the minimalist handbag silhouettes that Kate Spade is famous for. We also loved the vibrant rose appliqué on the iconic Kate Spade tote and wallet. Handbag ladies can also look forward to bestselling sling bags, totes and wallets executed in the sleek lines and bright colours (including fuchsia and azure) that Kate Spade is famous for. The store is also quickly selling out on ballet flats in neutral hues, trendy block heels and iPhone covers. Their second store also in New Delhi (Select Citiwalk Mall) is scheduled to open early next month with plans underway for a Mumbai launch later this year.
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