Insiders at Apparel Search are seeing many luxury marketers, including fashion houses eyeing opportunity in India. Due to stagnant growth in the U.S. market, coupled with rapid growth in the Indian population's wealth and a desire for luxury living, India has become a key area of interest for luxury brands. Many notable fashion houses have already opened up retail destinations in India—among them are Cartier, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Indian luxury consumers are primed and ready for new luxury concepts that will set them apart from their peers.  “What affluent Indian consumers are looking for today is cutting-edge products and services that put them a step ahead of their competition,” says Amit Dutta, founder of Luxury Hues—India’s first management consultancy firm.

Indian business house, TSG International recently introduced several luxury fashion brands, including Alberta Ferretti and Jean-Paul Gaultier to the Indian marketplace. TSG's plans also included the launch of dedicated, standalone Alberta Ferretti and Jean-Paul Gaultier boutiques opening up throughout 2009. Following the opening of a Moschino store in Mumbai, more shops are also scheduled to debut in cosmopolitan cities such as New Delhi and Bangalore.

In addition, British luxury fashion house Burberry opened its first landmark store in Bangalore early in 2009, and a flagship store also opened its doors in Delhi. India's first Versace boutique also opened in an upscale Mumbai mall. Apparel Search certainly expects more luxury fashion brands to follow suit.

Written by Regina Cooper.