American premium fashion brand DKNY to India American premium fashion brand DKNY, which shut shop in India, is planning to make a comeback, thanks to US clothing company GIII-Apparel Group, which bought the New York label’s parent Donna Karan International from French luxury group LVMH. DKNY, which entered India in 2009 in partnership with DLF Brands, the retail arm of real-estate company DLF, operated several stores across India till the beginning of last year. Beginning with its stores in Kolkata and Mumbai, the brand shut its outlets before exiting the Indian market.
While head of DLF Brands, Tim Sarna confirmed that DKNY is no longer with DLF, sources said, GIII is in talks with dealer partners in India to relaunch DKNY and introduce another premium brand from its portfolio, US footwear maker GH Bass. However, it has started operations in India by recently setting up Harley-Davidson brand stores in the North East. GIII, which is a designer, marketer and manufacturer of branded apparel and accessories, including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Levi’s, is bullish on India, said the sources, as the country presents an opportunity for bridge-to-luxury brands. Even Sarna of DLF Brands, which parted ways with several premium brands, including Salvatore Ferragamo and Giorgio Armani, had told that it wants to focus on less premium brands.
