Louis Vuitton looking for bigger brand play in India

Luxury label Louis Vuitton, is gradually gaining momentum

in the country. A rise in the number of affluent Indians and those willing to shell out money on luxury fashion brands are leading to foreign labels like Louis Vuitton betting big on millions of upwardly mobile Indians.

The company is now putting in efforts to reach out to new clients and young professionals, who earn well and can afford to purchase branded items. It expects young professionals to be its loyal customers in the next five to 10 years.

Since opening its first India store at New Delhi's Oberoi Hotel in 2003, Louis Vuitton, has grown on to operate five stores in the country. The product portfolio includes accessories, jewellery and travel-related product line, which begin at about Rs 25,000 and goes up to a few lakh rupees. Except for its ready to wear clothing line, the brand sells most of its international line, with women's handbags being the most selling category.

Founded in Paris in 1854, Louis Vuitton started its journey with travel products and gradually started producing fashion and accessories. Today, the brand is a part of French luxury group LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which also has a portfolio of more than 60 brands including Thomas Pink, Fendi, Kenzo and Bvlgari. Plans are afoot to open new stores in India.