NY fashion brand Kate Spade to enter India

New York-based fashion label Kate Spade will now be available in India as the brand has inked a partnership with Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Brands. The fashion brand has a huge appeal among women, especially its handbags. Kate Spade will come with Michael Kors in India.

The brand will open standalone stores before the end of the year. Kate Spade will be the 18th international brand in Reliance’s portfolio. The others include Hamleys, Diesel and Steve Madden. Through this brand, Reliance will be targeting younger consumers who are sophisticated and well travelled. Darshan Mehta, president and CEO of Reliance Brands said that they didn’t want to over distribute the brand, and that it targets women who are not so focused on sporting the logo. For Kate Spade, expanding into India is an important step as they continue to progress along the geographical expansion axis of growth. As Craig A Leavitt, CEO, Kate Spade & Company says, they see long term growth opportunities in India.

On NYSE, Kate Spade has diversified into home and apparel categories following in the footsteps of Ralph Lauren. Kate Spade markets accessories and apparel under two brands: Kate Spade new York and Jack Spade. In India, its handbags will start at Rs 10,000.