Italian luxury brand, Stefano Ricci finds a new home at the Trident Hotel in the posh locale of Nariman Point in South Mumbai. Surrounded by luxury stores, Stefano Ricci made a grand entrance to the hotel, well-known for its affinity towards catering to bespoke, high-quality goods to customers. The new space is decked with rows of silken ties arranged according to colour, suit jackets lined up in perfect lines, polished leather loafers lie on shelves, while showcases are filled with monogrammed silk masks and men’s accessories. Previously, the brand had its flagship store at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. The grand opening of the store was hosted by Jackie Manglani and Boney Kapoor with friends and family present.
Mr.Boney Kapoor & Mr.Jackie Manglani in Stefano Ricci pathanis at the store launch
From Italy to Mumbai, the private family-owned Italian luxury lifestyle brand brings its signature aesthetic to every inch of the store. Stefano Ricci is known for its tailored suits, leather goods and accessories like belts, cufflinks, ties and wallets. In a conversation with Jackie Manglani, President, Stefano Ricci- India, LuxeBook learnt about the local twist the Italian brand provided, and what was next for the brand in India.
“For the first time, an Italian brand is doing an Indian waistcoat, made from silk,” said Manglani. Stefano Ricci launched a collection in time for the festive season which included a waistcoat printed with Indian-style motifs and stylish pathani kurta sets. Available in white and powder blue, the pathani had metal button details, made with fine fabric. “We are trying to bring the best of Italy to India, and also try and localise things,” said the India President of the brand.
Mr. Jackie Manglani in a Stefano Ricci India Jacket
Manglani believes that the Indian consumer is changing its ways, people are more conscious of fashion, due to a growing awareness. The discerning consumer is ready to spend when the product is of high quality. Stefano Ricci caters to that consumer, typically aged thirty and above, with their range of suede, cashmere jackets, leather bags, and small leather goods.
In addition to a growing focus on quality goods, Manglani also elaborates on dynamic trends in the Indian luxury menswear market. “The next big thing is that Indian men are paying special attention to their outfit,” said Manglani. While the Indian woman has always been elegant and beautiful, whether she is dressed in a saree or pantsuit, yet Indian men have been behind. Manglani rejoiced at the fashion consciousness rising amongst men in the country. He sees this trend reflected in categories across the store, and even in their newly launched lifestyle goods section. Stefano Ricci’s interior design arm is also on the rise, as loyalists of the brand invite them into their homes, to give it an elegant and refined look. “It is becoming more of a luxury lifestyle brand rather than just a clothing brand,” said Manglani.
Stefano Ricci store
That is precisely the long-term goal of Stefano Ricci in India- to position itself as a luxury lifestyle mainstay. While there are no plans to launch in any other cities, the brand has a store in Delhi’s swanky Oberoi Hotel as well, and Manglani plans to prioritise the growth of these two stores. For the coming year, Stefano Ricci has exciting launches in the pipeline. In April 2022, the brand is set to release Stefano Ricci champagne and wine, contributing to their growing lifestyle category.
L-R: Mr. Boney Kapoor, Mr. Javed Akhtar, Mr. Jackie Manglani
Those who want to get their dose of luxurious elegance can make use of Stefano Ricci’s bespoke services for clients in cities like Hyderabad or Calcutta, as their team flies to the cities in order to deliver the products personally. For the lucky ones in Mumbai, head to Stefano Ricci’s newest opening of a store right by the shore.
