Designers and luxury brands enter India’s kids’ wear market

The kids’ wear segment that has traditionally been dominated by unorganized players, is now witnessing designers and international luxury labels making in- roads creating miniature versions of their designs especially for kids. And today’s brand and fashion conscious parents don’t mind spending to grab an expensive piece for their little ones.

From Vesace, Armani Junior to Fendi, global brands have found a dedicated customer base in India showing aspiration for luxury. Recently, designer Monisha Jaising launched a label called ‘MJ Kids’, marking a foray into the category. Even designer Jattinn Kochhar has been designing for kids after his children were born. His collection includes identical sets for the mothers and daughters and fathers and sons. And now ethnic women’s label Biba has launched its collection for kids.

Globally, the market for children’s wear is projected to reach 156 billion dollars (over Rs 9,65,000 crores) by 2015, according to Global Industry Analysts (GIA), a US-based market research company. In India, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) estimates the kidswear industry to be worth Rs 38,000 crores and growing at a compound annual rate of about 20 per cent to reach Rs 80,000 crores by 2015. While globally, the 8-12 years category tends to sell the most, in India the 0-2 years category has the maximum takers.