Balenciaga, the renowned luxury fashion brand, has made its grand entrance into the Indian market with the opening of its first store at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This significant milestone was achieved through a partnership between Reliance Brands Ltd., led by Isha Ambani, and the French luxury brand, Balenciaga, now owned by Kering.
The Jio World Plaza, spearheaded by Reliance Industries under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani, has quickly become a prominent luxury shopping destination in India, housing over 20 high-end brands, including Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex. The Plaza, which integrates the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, the Jio World Convention Centre, and the Jio World Garden, has now added Balenciaga to its impressive roster.
The opening of Balenciaga’s store at Jio World Plaza was celebrated with a lavish event and fashion show hosted by the Ambani family, marking the introduction of the brand’s exclusive collection of expensive shoes, bags, accessories, eyewear, and jewelry to the Indian market.
Balenciaga’s store at Jio World Plaza embodies the experiential “Raw Architecture” concept, with stained and aged concrete panels on the walls and cabinets, brushed concrete flooring reminiscent of sidewalk tiles, and industrial-style ceilings featuring exposed bulbs. The store’s design pays homage to Balenciaga’s rich history and innovative approach to fashion.
Isha Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail Venture Limited, expressed her excitement about bringing Balenciaga to India, noting that the Indian luxury customer base has matured and is increasingly using fashion as a form of creative self-expression.
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a key player in the premium fashion and lifestyle sector, is entrusted with the task of launching and building global brands. In addition to Balenciaga, RBL’s portfolio of brand partnerships includes Armani Exchange, Burberry, Coach, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, and many others.
The addition of Balenciaga to the Jio World Plaza’s lineup further cements its position as a luxury shopping destination, offering Indian consumers access to some of the world’s most renowned brands. The Plaza not only showcases international brands but also highlights the craftsmanship of top Indian brands, creating a unique retail experience.
Balenciaga, founded by the Spanish-born Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 and established in Paris in 1937, has consistently defined modernity and elegance through its mastery of techniques and innovative use of fabrics. With the appointment of Demna as artistic director of the collections in 2015, the brand continues to uphold the vision of Cristóbal Balenciaga, offering women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, eyewear, and a fragrance for women. As a subsidiary of Kering, Balenciaga remains a symbol of luxury and innovation in the fashion industry.
