Italian apparel heavyweight Versace is all set to enter the premium women’s wear market with its first store opening up in Delhi in March 2008. Versace is also foraying into the burgeoning jeans segment, signalling its intent of diversify in the fast growing domestic apparel market in the country.

The company first entered India with its formal men’s wear collection sold under the brand name Versace Collections and has a franchise agreement with Delhi-based Blues Clothing Co (BCC). “The growth of premium-end apparel market in the country in this decade has been phenomenal and Versace will try to capture the entire spectrum,” said BCC executive director Abhay Gupta.

“The decision to diversify into women’s wear (Gianni Versace) and casual jeans wear (Versace Jeans Couture) is a result of its success with Versace collections and the potential of the particular segments.

Versace’s existing women’s wear collection at its over-a-year-old boutique in Mumbai’s JW Mariott hotel is set to close down, which would make the Delhi store the only one in the country with a Versace Mainline collection.

The premium apparel segment is currently valued at Rs 2,100 crore and is one of the fastest growing sectors with a growth of 20 per cent year-on-year. Already, a host of big retailers like Guess, Esprit, Channel, Clarks, Mango, Aigner, Hugo Boss, Mark & Spencers, Trussardi and Tommy Hilfiger have built a retail presence in the country, mostly through the franchise route. With suits priced in the Rs 70,000-200,000 range, Versace’s collection sits at the top of premium brands.

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