Ermenegildo Zegna invests in Raghavendra Rathore of India

Ermenegildo Zegna is an Italian luxury brand for mens clothing and accessories. And, it has bought a minority stake in India’s Raghavendra Rathore with the aim at expanding the luxury men’s brand as well as mature Indian luxury fashion market. Cooperating with Reliance Brands, the aim of Zegna’s investment is to elevate Raghavendra Rathore as a brand and business. Besides, this cooperation also sets an international playing field.

While there is not any information about the partnership, the huge potential is that the Indian label can grow its custom men’s clothing and accessories. Besides, it can enhance its customer engagement, as well as give more back-end support. Actually, they are reasons for opening more stores.

The CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna, Gildo Zegna said that they are strategic and not merely financial investors. With the investment in Raghavendra Rathore, it is the first step for an international fashion house to make an investment in the Indian luxury fashion business. Currently, Rathore, a famous Indian menswear designer, has 7 standalone fashion stores in India. Rathore was still growing with lots of upcoming designers selling wedding attire. However, over the years, they have benefited from the increasing number of younger shoppers. Meanwhile, Ermenegildo Zegna with its own menswear brand has 3 fashion stores in India, and all of them run by Reliance Brands. Zegna has grown in India for more than a decade through the cooperation with Reliance Brands. And, this Italian luxury label currently has 513 outlets in more than 100 countries.

Reliance Brands has over 40 international brands, including the luxury, high-premium, bridge-to-luxury, and upscale-street lifestyle brands. Some famous brands are Gas, Marks & Spencer, Diesel, and Steve Madden. According to a study, Reliance Brands accounted for about 46.6% in Genesis Luxury Fashion last year and Genesis Luxury Fashion operates brands like Canali, Armani and Michael Kors.