Tag: United Colors of Benetton

  • Atul Projects builds its brand with new marketing head

    Atul Projects builds its brand with new marketing head

    MUMBAI: Looks like Atul Projects just got a solid foundation for its next big story. The Mumbai-based real estate developer has appointed Piyush Niljikar as its head of marketing, signalling a brand reboot built on creativity, strategy, and legacy.

    With over 15 years of experience across advertising and real estate, Piyush brings a blend of creative and commercial flair. He’s led campaigns at Creativeland Asia and WYP Worldwide, shaping brands such as Mercedes-Benz India, Godrej Cinthol, United Colors of Benetton, Zee5, Arrow and TAJ Group. In real estate, his standout achievement was driving a sell-out in just 18 months at CCI Projects, followed by an award-winning stint at Ashwin Sheth Group, where he led the buzzworthy Spot The Orange Dot campaign.

    “Piyush’s deep understanding of brand building and integrated marketing aligns perfectly with our vision of redefining luxury living through innovation and quality,” said Atul Projects managing director  Aakash Patel. “His leadership will be key in amplifying our brand presence and delivering impactful, customer-centric campaigns.”

    On his new role, Piyush said, “Atul Projects has a proud legacy built on trust and transparency. I’m thrilled to shape a brand narrative that resonates deeply with homebuyers while driving real business growth.”

    As Atul Projects expands its residential footprint across the MMR region, Piyush’s appointment marks the start of a new chapter, one where legacy meets modern marketing muscle, and every campaign is built to last.

     

  • Technology is central to our strategy: Abhinav Kumar

    Technology is central to our strategy: Abhinav Kumar

    Mumbai: BAGLINE House of Luxury Bags has announced the opening of its second store in Pune, enhancing the city’s vibrant shopping scene. Located on Jungli Maharaj Road in Deccan, Pune, the store offers an exquisite range of luxury bags and accessories for Pune’s discerning consumers.

    Each brand of theirs offers unique qualities and functionality, ensuring our customers discover the perfect blend of style and utility for both daily use and travel adventures.

    Indian Television caught up with Brand Concepts Ltd Whole-time director and CEO Abhinav Kumar where he shared a brief overview of his journey and much more.

    Edited excerpts

    Could you share a brief overview of your journey with Brand Concepts Ltd and how you came to lead Bagline?

    My journey with Brand Concepts Ltd. began in 2007 when I co-founded the company along with Mr. Prateek Maheshwari, to revolutionize the luggage and travel gear industry by infusing it with fashion. Drawing on a strong foundation in luxury brands and a deep passion for the retail industry, we initially focused on character licensing before strategically shifting towards building a fashion-forward portfolio. This portfolio now includes iconic global brands like Tommy Hilfiger, United Colors of Benetton, and Aeropostale, Juicy Couture alongside our innovative brands, The Vertical and Sugarush.

    BAGLINE, House of Luxury Bags, launched as a retail destination for Brand Concepts Ltd., to transform travel gear and bags into a premium lifestyle accessory. Leading BAGLINE has been an inspiring journey, as we’ve successfully positioned it as a leading multi-brand retail destination, offering premium and fashionable travel gear to discerning customers across India. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness BAGLINE’s growth and its emergence as a significant player in the Indian retail landscape.

    Bagline has become one of India’s leading multi-brand retail destinations in the Travel Gear and Lifestyle Accessories domain. What were the key strategies that contributed to this success?

    BAGLINE’s success as a leading multi-brand retail destination in India’s Travel Gear and Lifestyle Accessories domain can be attributed to several key strategies:

    Fashion-forward portfolio: We aligned with global fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, United Colors of Benetton, Juicy Couture and Aeropostale, transforming luggage, handbags and accessories into stylish lifestyle products.

    Design excellence: By blending functionality with aesthetics, our in-house design team ensures our products resonate with contemporary trends and consumer aspirations.

    Omnichannel expansion: We’ve integrated digital technology into our retail model, offering a seamless shopping experience across online platforms and physical stores, including innovative digital stores.

    Sustainability focus: Incorporating eco-friendly practices in our operations and product lines has appealed to environmentally conscious consumers, setting us apart in a competitive market.

    What are some of the major challenges you have faced in expanding the brand’s reach across India, and how have you addressed them?

    Expanding BAGLINE’s reach across India has presented several challenges, particularly in catering to the diverse consumer preferences across different regions. We’ve addressed this by implementing a hyper-localized strategy, our licensed brands used GLOCAL strategy following those guidelines we customized our product offerings and marketing efforts to resonate with Indian tastes. Establishing a strong supply chain, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, has also been challenging. To tackle this, we’ve formed strategic partnerships with local distributors and logistics providers to ensure efficient product delivery. Additionally, our digital transformation initiatives have played a crucial role in streamlining operations and enhancing our reach in these markets.

    How has technology played a role in enhancing your product offerings and customer experience?

    Technology is central to our strategy, enhancing both our product offerings and the customer experience. We’ve integrated advanced analytics to gain deep insights into consumer behavior, enabling us to personalize product recommendations and marketing initiatives. Our e-commerce platform utilizes AI-driven tools for intuitive navigation, effortless product discovery, and streamlined checkout processes. We have also integrated Quick Commerce and Endless Aisle store formats to mirror our phygital strategy, ensuring a seamless and efficient shopping experience. Our digital stores offer an omnichannel experience, allowing customers to explore our complete inventory, bridging the gap between online and offline shopping.

    How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business operations and product development?

    At Brand Concepts Ltd., sustainability is a key pillar of our operations and product development. We’ve integrated eco-friendly practices across our business, including the use of recycled and sustainable materials in our products and minimizing plastic consumption. Our manufacturing processes emphasize energy efficiency and we are committed to further reducing our carbon footprint by optimizing our supply chain and logistics. We’ve also transitioned to biodegradable and recyclable packaging, ensuring our practices align with the growing demand for eco-conscious choices among our consumers. Our approach not only supports environmental conservation but also strengthens our brand’s resonance with fashion-forward, sustainability-minded customers.

    What are some of the current trends you see shaping the future of the travel gear and lifestyle accessories industry?

    Several trends are driving the future of the travel gear and lifestyle accessories industry. To start, the shift towards integrating fashion into luggage and accessories is gaining momentum, with companies like Brand Concepts leading the way in transforming traditional travel gear into style statements. This trend is evident as more people move away from conventional black and grey bags, opting instead for vibrant colors and unique designs that enhance their airport look. There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical production, as consumers seek brands that reflect their values. Additionally, the adoption of smart technology in travel gear, such as GPS tracking and smart locks, enhances functionality and security. The industry is witnessing a rise in versatile, multi-functional products designed to meet the demands of today’s dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles. Lastly, the digital-first approach is reshaping consumer interactions, with e-commerce and social commerce becoming crucial channels for product discovery and purchase.

    What are your top priorities for Bagline over the next five years?

    Over the next five years, our top priorities for BAGLINE include adding more international brands to diversify our portfolio and expanding our reach through exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) and dedicated Bagline stores. We’re focused on increasing market share while building strong brand loyalty, which we aim to boost through an enhanced loyalty program that encourages repeat purchases. Innovation in our product line, particularly with a focus on sustainable and eco-conscious products, is crucial to our strategy. Additionally, we are committed to digital transformation at every touch point, both in B2C and B2B channels, to create a seamless and modern customer. 

  • Arjun Rampal stars in Bagline’s ‘EVOLVE’ campaign as brand ambassador

    Arjun Rampal stars in Bagline’s ‘EVOLVE’ campaign as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Bagline- ouse of Luxury Bags, the multi-brand retail store which specialises in travel gear and lifestyle accessories and features international brands like Tommy Hilfiger travel gear, United Colors of Benetton, Aeropostale, is delighted to unveil its newest campaign, ‘EVOLVE’. This new campaign is in partnership with Bollywood superstar and style icon Arjun Rampal. This exciting campaign marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the world of fashion, travel gear, and lifestyle accessories.

    A premium destination for luxury bags, Bagline has gained recognition for its commitment to delivering trendy, innovative, and high-quality products. Specialising in travel gear, handbags, and lifestyle accessories, the brand has over 35 stores across 20 cities in India and a strong online presence, making its products accessible to a wide audience.

    Its latest campaign ‘EVOLVE’ is more than just a fashion endeavour- it’s a celebration of individuality and the diverse preferences of modern India’s discerning clientele. Rooted in the belief that customers seek a multitude of choices to express their unique style, this campaign empowers individuals to make a fashion statement with confidence. Arjun Rampal, who is known for his impeccable style, perfectly embodies Bagline’s fashion philosophy. His association with the brand adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to the campaign, making it a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts.

    As part of the EVOLVE campaign, Bagline will introduce the latest Fall/Winter 2023 styles of Tommy Hilfiger Travel Gear, ensuring that customers have access to the latest trends in the industry. Additionally, the brand will showcase a new collection of Travel Gear from United Colors of Benetton (UCB), offering customers top-quality accessories and luxury bags such as trolleys, backpacks, crossbody and duffle bags, that combine style with functionality.

    The ‘EVOLVE’ campaign will be launched during the highly anticipated World Cup, maximising its reach and impact among a global audience of fashion-conscious individuals. Bhargav Krishna, the creative genius behind the campaign, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to Bagline’s marketing efforts. His innovative concepts and keen understanding of advertising have contributed to the campaign’s distinctive appeal. For the stunning campaign visuals, Bagline collaborated with renowned photographer Arjun Mark, whose work captures the essence of the campaign beautifully.

    “We are thrilled to have Arjun Rampal as the face of our ‘EVOLVE’ campaign for Bagline,” said Brand Concepts Ltd whole-time director and chief executive officer Abhinav Kumar. “Arjun’s style, charisma, and his ability to effortlessly redefine fashion align perfectly with our brand’s vision. With ‘EVOLVE,’ we aim to inspire our customers to embrace their unique style and make a statement with our diverse range of luxury bags.”

    Arjun Rampal shared his excitement about the campaign, stating, “Bagline’s ‘EVOLVE’ is a celebration of individuality and style, something that I take very seriously. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and making a personal statement with your fashion choices. I am proud to be a part of this journey, and I hope that this campaign will inspire everyone to express themselves authentically through fashion.”

    To explore the latest Tommy Hilfiger travel gear styles and new UCB travel gear collection, visit Bagline’s stores and online platform.

  • United Colors of Benetton opens milan fashion week with a poolside fashion show – the color wave

    United Colors of Benetton opens milan fashion week with a poolside fashion show – the color wave

    MUMBAI: Color Wave is the second fashion show by the historic Treviso brand. United Colors of Benetton, under the artistic direction of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, offers a Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show inspired entirely by the sea. The location is the historic Piscina Cozzi swimming pool, a masterpiece of ’30s architecture, the perfect setting for conveying the French designer’s message: “Dive into fashion week with Benetton and enjoy the final days of summer, à la piscine”.

    The sea, water, and sailing are the timeless themes of the United Colors of Benetton style, interpreted here as a metaphor for a voyage among the most beautiful and characteristic ports of the Mediterranean, from St. Tropez to Hydra. A palette of pastel hues, pink, lilac and pale blue – “Bajac pastels”, as JCDC calls them – is the leitmotif used to create a wardrobe of cult items. A fine marinière, a waxed peacoat, a perfect pullover, a chic, dynamic office look, a mix ‘n’ match unlined men’s suit for an easy bon ton style are the key items Benetton offers for a cosmopolitan global public of any age and gender.

    In addition to the poudre hues of the company’s historic colour palette, we find every possible shade of blue, from marine blue to fine cobalt and the many délavé blues created with natural mineral dyes – all in a homage to The season’s must-haves are white sweatshirts and maxi T-shirts printed with images from Oliviero Toscani’s advertising campaigns. “I wanted to create an exhibition in motion, to show even the younger crowd the revolutionary nature of Oliviero’s work, which is part of the brand’s heritage”, explains JCDC.

    Popeye the Sailor Man also makes an appearance in the collection, serving as a “green” ambassador, putting his famous strength to work to protect the oceans. His image appears on T-shirts, dresses and sweatshirts in a variety of digital prints: sustainability is a very important issue for Benetton, whose research laboratories have developed natural, non-toxic dyes and innovative products made of ecological materials, such as a trench coat made of paper and recycled fibres.

    In a world of short-lived trends, UCB offers a unique vision of well-made fashions designed for everyone. Drop anchor in a port of health and beauty, dive into a world of zest and dynamism, find a safe haven in timeless style: let’s all go for a dip in Benetton’s Color Wave pool before the autumn begins and our sailor's tan begins to fade!

  • This Independence Day, United Colors of Benetton celebrates #UnitedByHarmony

    This Independence Day, United Colors of Benetton celebrates #UnitedByHarmony

    MUMBAI: Taking forward its legacy of addressing purposeful subject through #UnitedBy series, United Colors of Benetton presents a thought provoking digital film #UnitedByHarmony to showcase how a simple act of compassion and mutual understanding can allow a nation as diverse as India, to co-exist in harmony and peace. United Colors of Benetton commemorates India’s 73rd Independence Day by spreading this simple yet powerful message of uniting the nation through simple acts of harmony with a heartwarming digital film. Inspired by a true story of a Delhi resident, Sania Ahmad, showcases a simple yet profound act of inter-faith harmony that takes place in a Muslim locality during the Hindu festival of Navratras. The film recognizes the thoughtful and honest effort of a girl who in her own little way is spreading a powerful message. Through this the brand intends to inspire the whole nation and create a path for national integration!

    The film opens with a view of a fully lit and decorated Hindu temple wherein a group of individuals, clad in traditional clothes sing religious songs accompanied with musical instruments, at a high volume. Suddenly everyone stops and takes a pause, when one of the elder members takes a look at his watch and urges the others to do so too. A hush falls upon the temple as the devotees go quiet in the middle of the ‘bhajan’. As the film progresses, it indicates, that the sudden silence was exercised by the large Hindu devotees in the temple to allow the ‘Azaan’ (Islamic call to worship) from the nearby mosque to be heard by the devout Muslims without any disturbances. The film ends on this emphatic and graceful note that when there is a genuine intent to respect and co-exist in peace, all it takes is simple thoughtful acts like these to bind the diverse social fabric of this nation in unity, harmony and empathy. 

    Speaking about the film, Mr. Sundeep Chugh, CEO, Benetton India Pvt. Ltd, said: “As we mark India’s 73rd Independence Day, we are still striving to achieve holistic unity and peaceful co-existence. There are many Indians who work tirelessly to keep together the social fabric of our nation, #UnitedBy is a salute to their efforts.

    Benetton’s new campaign, UnitedByHarmony is our heart-felt and sincere attempt to showcase how each one of us has the power to stand up against the divisive landscape by simply being thoughtful and respectful towards others who might have a different belief system than our own.

    Benetton strongly believes in highlighting the social causes and knitting the diverse colors of India together promoting national integration! We will continue to celebrate the true heroes of our nation with our iconic series of #Unitedby.”

    Crafting a strong journey, Benetton India released its first India centric short film #UnitedbyPlay three years ago on Independence Day 2016, using the two biggest influences in a country that is obsessed with hero worship – Cricket and faith. #UnitedbyPlay was followed by an emotional video #UnitedByFaith that was released in 2017 depicting the endearing story of an unsung hero – Noorul Hasan, a Muslim resident in Lucknow who gave up a part of his house to restore an abandoned old Hindu temple that he shared a wall with. In 2018, Benetton India once again took a strong stand for ‘Unity’ showcasing the different perspectives of two generations as they explore the concepts of diversity and national unity through their campaign #UnitedByHope. 

    #UnitedByHarmony, as a campaign urges the citizens to share their story of harmony, peace and brotherhood on the social handles of Benetton India- one of which in turn will stand a chance to become the next film in the #UnitedBy series 2020

  • United colors of benetton celebrates  Fashion, colors & music with youtube sensation bhuvan bam

    United colors of benetton celebrates Fashion, colors & music with youtube sensation bhuvan bam

    MUMBAI: Indian comedian, singer, songwriter and YouTube sensation Bhuvan Bam celebrates fashion, music, colors and all things fun with United Colors of Benetton at Select Citywalk in Delhi. The evening marked the reveal of popular music magazine – Rolling Stone India’s July 2019 issue, featuring Bhuvan on the cover in a complete Benetton look from the brand’s eclectic Spring Summer 2019 collection.  The magazine issue was unveiled by the cover boy Bhuvan himself along with Sundeep Chugh – CEO & MD of Benetton India

  • United Colors Of Benetton celebrates valentine’s day with #UnitedByColors

    MUMBAI: Celebrating its core values of diversity, inclusivity and equality, United Colors of Benetton marked the first Valentine’s Day, following the decriminalisation of Section 377 with #UnitedbyColors. The new communication was unveiled by Uri actor Vicky Kaushal in the new Spring Summer 2019 collectin of the brand.

    Commenting on the occasion, Benetton India CEO and MD Sundeep Chugh said, “Benetton is an all-encompassing brand and inclusivity lies at the very core of our being. 14th of February this year deserves a special celebration as it marks the victory of love, hope and persistence. At Benetton, we have always believed in the philosophy of Love is Love and Fashion for All, and this is our unique way of celebrating our philosophy with our customers – the true brand custodians.”

    Infusing the evening with the right dose of style and energy was the national sensation Vicky Kaushal. Sharing his excitement on the special occasion and styled in Benetton’s latest high-on-style collection, Kaushal said, “Benetton is the perfect example of a brand that recognises the need to be inclusive and reflects the broader changes in society. The new collection is a celebration of diversity in love with colors. I am happy & proud to be a part of this initiative by Benetton India to celebrate Love is equal for all.”

    The event also marked by the reveal of United Colors of Benetton’s Spring Summer’19 collection. The collection consists of a variety of classic designs in florals, stripes, quirky tees and bold prints in an array of colors and high-quality fabric. This season’s collection is all about mixing up colors and prints, with pastels making a rich recurrent story and warm shades that are reminiscent of the autumn gone by. The Spring Summer’19 collection encapsulates the essence of Italian fashion with contemporary prints, dynamic denim themes and fun soft floral prints.

  • UCB appoints Jean-Charles de Castelbajac as artistic director

    UCB appoints Jean-Charles de Castelbajac as artistic director

    MUMBAI: Fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has been appointed artistic director of the United Colors Of Benetton men’s and women’s collections.

    UCB chairman Luciano Benetton said, “We are happy to welcome Jean-Charles de Castelbajac into our big family. His experience, charisma, and ability to forecast tomorrow’s social and fashion trends will constitute a great asset for our brand.”

    Castelbajac has a long career that spans from design to painting, advertising and street art. He debuted in the fashion world in 1968, when he launched a brand created in collaboration with his mother. He then went on to inspire fashion trends such as the “anti-fashion” movement and the alternative use of objects to decorate garments.

    In 1974 he co-founded Iceberg. In 1978 he founded Maison Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, which he left in 2016. Over the years he has also collaborated with Max Mara, Ellesse, Courrèges, Rossignol, and Le Coq Sportif. Born from a mix of punk and pop, his style is characterised by the use of strong colors and pop icons, the mix of old and new and a whimsical and irreverent touch.

    “An iconic brand, United Colors of Benetton envisioned the world of today: a pop, colorful, affordable and universal fashion, enhanced by Oliviero Toscani’s powerful images,” commented Castelbajac. “United Colors of Benetton and I have always had a similar take on fashion, characterized by the passion for knitwear and the love of pop and rainbow colors.”

    Castelbajac and Benetton also share a passion for contaminating fashion with art. In his career, the French designer befriended and worked with artists such as Andy Warhol, Miguel Barcelo, Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, M.I.A and Lady Gaga. His creations have been displayed at New York’s Institute of Fashion and Technology, London’s Victoria&Albert Museum and the Galliera Museum in Paris. In 2018 he was guest artistic director at the Paris Biennale.

    “Thanks to social networks, fashion today is visible to everyone. But it remains affordable only to a few,” Castelbajac said, adding, “Together, United Colors of Benetton and I will seek to create tomorrow’s wardrobe, bringing beauty and style to everyday life, at prices that everyone can afford.”