Ever wondered what’s in a name? More than just words, names have the power to shape perceptions, stir emotions and influence the way we think.
When you visit a high-end shopping street or browse an e-commerce site, you see many impressive brands. It's easy to assume that brands with foreign-sounding names like Louis Philippe, Allen Solly, Lakme, Da Milano and Peter England are international brands. After all, their names give that impression, and they might have been your favourites for years. But what if you found out that these brands are actually much more Indian than you think? It's not your fault for thinking they were international. The branding strategies in the Indian market are so effective that the names never let you guess that these brands are completely Indian, from their roots to their tip.
So let's talk about some of the famous Indian brands which we have till now considered as international brands.
(Image Souce: Screen Shot: GIP)
The name may sound European, but this brand is completely Indian like us. Launched in 1989, this brand is a subsidiary of Madura Fashions and Lifestyle and a division of the Aditya Birla Groups. This brand is known for its impeccable tailoring and is India's premium menswear brand with an international feel.
(Image Source: Screen Shot: Allen Solly Website)
Allen Solly, founded in 1744, in London by William Hollin & Co Ltd, came under Indian ownership in the late 20th century. After being acquired by Madura Garments in 1993, and later becoming part of the Aditya Birla Group in 2001, Allen Solly has established itself as a popular Indian brand for its fashionable men's wear collection. Allen Solly is known for introducing the concept of 'Friday dressing' to India, the brand has become a preferred choice for working professionals.
Another brand that you might think is foreign, but is actually Indian. Monte Carlo is a leading Indian woollen wear brand from Ludhiana-based Nahar Group. Founded in 1984, the brand initially gained popularity for its winter wear. Today, Monte Carlo offers a wide range of apparel including premium fashion and sportswear for men and women, proving that Indian brands can also set global fashion trends.
Peter England and Indian! You must be thinking that this brand cannot be Indian, right? Peter England was founded in the United Kingdom in 1889, but now it has become an Indian trademark under Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited. Today, it is one of India’s largest menswear brands, known for its stylish and sustainable clothing.
(Image Source: Lakme Website)
Lakme, owned by Hindustan Unilever, is an iconic Indian cosmetics brand. It was started in 1952 as a subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills. The name of the brand is inspired by the famous French opera 'Lakme', which is a form of the goddess of wealth 'Lakshmi'. The main objective of establishing Lakme was to end India's dependence on foreign beauty products. Currently, it is a leading brand in the cosmetics industry, which maintains its Indian identity while also making its presence felt globally.
(Image Source: Da Milano Website)
With its fine leather products, 'Da Milano' may seem like an Italian brand at first, but it is a completely Indian brand. Founded by Indian entrepreneur Sahil Malik, Da Milano has been selling high-quality bags for over two decades and has carved a niche in the fashion industry. Founded in 1989, and later expanded by Sahil Malik, the brand specialises in premium leather bags, accessories and home decor items.
Zodiac is a premium men's fashion brand that offers great shirts, trousers and accessories. It was launched in 1954, and is headquartered in Mumbai. Due to its international appeal and excellent quality, many people mistake it for a foreign luxury brand, but it is also an Indian brand which people rarely consider international.
Established in 1980, by Arvind Limited, Flying Machine is India's first domestic denim brand which many people mistake for an international brand. With its attractive designs and youthful vibe, it competes with international denim giants.
Van Heusen, a brand which originated in the US in the 1880s, entered the Indian market in 1990 under the Aditya Birla Group. It offers a wide range of casual and stylish business wear for men and women.
Titan is often considered an international brand due to its presence in more than 30 countries but the truth is that Titan is a purely Indian brand which was established in 1984 as a joint venture between Tata Group and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation.
Raymond, which began its journey as a small woollen mill in Thane in the year 1925, has today become one of the most prestigious textile and apparel brands in India. Famous for its exquisite suits and elegant fashion, Raymond has played a vital role in shaping India's apparel heritage.
La Opala, a foreign sounding name, is actually an Indian brand, founded in 1987. It is a leading manufacturer of glass tableware in India. Often mistaken for an international brand, La Opala introduced the opal glass technology in India and today holds a prominent position in the global glassware industry.
(Image Source: Royal Enfield Website)
Royal Enfield, with its original British heritage, is the oldest motorcycle brand in the world that is still in production today. It was acquired by Indian conglomerate Eicher Motors in 1994. Currently, these motorcycles, famous for their distinctive thumping sound, are manufactured in India and are loved by bikers around the world. This iconic brand is now owned by a Chennai-based Indian automaker.
Along with these brands, there are many other brands available in the market, with their global appeal and sophisticated branding, which are Indian and most Indians consider those brands to be foreign brands. So, the next time you buy a product that looks 'international', take a closer look—who knows, it might be 'Proudly Made in India'!
