DLF to purchase Ferragamo

According to Business Standard, DLF, India's largest realty firm, is eyeing the Indian franchise rights of the Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo.

The Italian brand's original franchise partner, Sports Station India, has decided to exit the business and instead concentrate on premium brands such as Levi's and Dockers. Sources close to the development confirmed that the franchise rights were being purchased for approximately US $3 million.

There is only one Ferragamo store in India in Mumbai, which opened in March 2006. Ferragamo is most famous for its hand-made leather shoes, besides its range of accessories such as handbags, men's ties and now even apparel.

It is not clear whether the franchise rights are being purchased by DLF or by the promoters. Sources say Pia Singh, the daughter of DLF promoter K P Singh, and her husband Timmy Sarna have been wanting to bring luxury brands to India at an individual level.

Quick news

Italian shoe and handbag company Tod's is the latest name to be added to India's growing luxury brand cache, with a store coming up in Delhi's Emporio by the end of the year.

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Fashion forward filmmaker Karan Johar had added yet another brand to his luxury endorsement kitty. This time it's for the watch brand Timond. The association will include advertising appearances, promotions and in-film branding. Earlier this year, Johar was also announced as the Indian brand ambassador for Alfred Dunhill.

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Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana has sought government permission to enter India through the single brand retail route with the Delhi-based DLF Group.

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If it's Vogue's launch in India, it's got to be in style. India's jet-set is all ready to fly down to the opulent Umaid Bhavan Palace in the desert city of Rajasthan to welcome the 17th edition of Vogue to India. The affair will take place on September 22 as publishers Condé Nast unveil the Style Bible here.