Hidesign brings in Braccialini to India

Italian brand Braccialini will be launched in India soon through

a joint venture with Hidesign, the Pondicherry-based leather bags and accessories maker. The Braccialini, founded in 1954, is already present in 40 countries with around 43 mono brand stores. As a part of the proposed JV, Hidesign will set up a new production line at one of its manufacturing units to make Braccialini bags and other leather items. Hidesign already has a joint venture with the Kishore Biyani-led Future Group to make bags and accessories under the brand Holii. It’s open to more business partnerships and joint ventures and will soon launch a new collection designed by Italian Alberto Ciaschini at existing Hidesign stores and also open exclusive Alberto Ciaschini stores. The company currently has four manufacturing sites located at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh and down South.

Hidesign President Dilip Kapur says they are expanding the brand portfolio, and are also aggressively going in for retail expansion. It’s looking at a direct presence in the international market. In the US and European markets they were selling through distributors for long. But now they want to change the way they work there and are looking to establish direct presence. Markets in Asia and Africa too are their focus. They are setting up and expanding retail reach in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka by opening exclusive outlets. He said the company is also preparing to set up an office in Kenya this year.

Braccialini was established in 1954 by Roberto and Carla Braccialini. In 1987 it entered into a license agreement with English stylist Vivienne Westwood for production and distribution of accessories. Its range of products includes handbags, shoes, small leather goods, scarves, silks, gloves, watches, eyewear, umbrellas and custom jewelry.