A Melange of Style & Elegance

Da Milano, which was primarily involved in exporting leather bags, started emphasizing on retailing leather products since 2000. What was the inspiration for you to venture into retail?

Da Milano’s journey began with a flagship store at Connaught Place in 1989 – a store that has emerged as an icon destination and a one-stop shop for all leather products in India. The fact that our products were acceptable and embraced at fashion destinations of the world, bolstered confidence to take these to the niche and discerning clientele in India. The inspiration was – ‘Make in India and made for India’ – words of today that had resonated and echoed at Da Milano in the early 90’s.

Since then, what are the changes you have observed in the luxury retailing market in India?

Da Milano believes that every market has a traditional ethos – an ethos that reflects the nation’s culture. While most accept that fashion in luxury emanates in the West, Da Milano believes in blending the West with the Orient that meets client aspirations and provides them a signature style, that is in sync with geographies and emerging fashion statements of the area. Da Milano has successfully evolved to do this and has been a part of this development and change that manifests in its range and array of offerings that has made retailing an experience to revel with ambience and facilities.

What percentage of your sales comes from exports and from domestic and international sales?

Majority of our sales now come from retail – 85 per cent of these are driven by our stores. The rest come from channels such as corporate and online.

What new products or segments you are targeting next?

Product innovation is at the heart of our strategy. In addition to leather bags and a wide range of Da Milano leather accessories, Da Milano will also retail a wide range of leather shoes for men and women and an array of fashion leather apparel.