Post Diwali and Dussehra, the festivities continue as the mood swings on an ascendant and the indulgence of the festive shopping continues unabated. Festive 2011 witnessed quality and selective buying but the penchant for necessities and alluring products and services doesn’t seem to be waning. Titan Industries Ltd. posted amassive 37% jump in revenues in Q2, which signifies the strong strength in consumer demand in India.
Hermes, the French fashion conglomerate, showcased its fabulous French hospitality in China for the launch of its new eclectic timepieces. And a very select chosen few, including Karishma Karer, were nominated by ETHOS for this fab trip. The French seem to be developing an obsession with India and Ted Lapidus also showcased somemust-have collections.
Well, the F1 fevermay have abated a bit but themagic of the speed demons hasn’t! Richard Mille presents an exclusive tete-a-tete with Felipe Massa where he talks about his passions including driving and his tryst with time.
First-amongst-equals amongst luxury brands,Cartier keeps themagic alivewith some astounding pieces that take your breathe away! Tissot keeps in tunewith the times all year round and unveiled some fantabulous affordable luxury pieces. The Tony Parker is a limited edition watch that can adorn your personal collections for years if not generations! Raymond Weil is known by its iconic Parsifal (or is vice versa?) and the iconic brand celebrated the 20th anniversary of the iconic Parsifal collections. For purists, the Panerai Luminor 1950 3Days – 47MMis as big as larger than life can get.
Closer home, Titan capitalised on thewedding season to launch theNebula Rambagh Palace collection symbolizing the best of Indian tradition amidst a lavish touch of glamour and panache. Action on the brand ambassador front too! Xylys chose Farhan Akhtar as its brand ambassador and also spoke about launching women’s watches. And woman of women, Katrina Kaif was chosen as Titan Raga’s brand ambassador.
Timex launched path-breaking ‘Intelligent Quartz’ technology in India with IQ watches.Citizen added a new dimension to time keeping with its technology meets hi-design proposition. Diesel pushed the tempo with Diesel Studio Mixer!!Giordano TimeWear displayed a symbol of love collection - Fall Winter 2011.
On the trade front, there is hectic development. Seiko appointed Sushumu Kawanishi as the new President of Seiko Watch India and the thespian is sure to take the global giant to great heights in India. Rolex Training Centre in Mumbai is attracting watch aficionados by the hordes. Q & Q highlighted its distribution and branding expansion plans.
With a recent report stating that the Indian luxury market of $ 6 bn now spreads beyond big cities, the best is yet to come. So grab this copy and go on a shopping junket that will last till Christmas if not New Year!
Happy Reading!
Sunil Karer
Editor