Jewelry: Messika opens a new chapter in India

With its recently opened store in New Delhi, Messika is setting its sights on India, a particularly promising market in the beauty and watchmaking-jewelry segments.

 

Messika is now turning its attention to India and the jewelry market, particularly for men.

 

The opening at The Chanakya, a prestigious luxury mall in the heart of New Delhi, was an opportunity for the House to invite its friends and supporters, including Bollywood star Ishaan Khatter, who was already present at the Cannes Film Festival.

 

This geographical expansion was made possible with the support of Ethos Lifestyle, a newly created subsidiary of Ethos Limited, India’s leading distributor of luxury watches.

 

Parisian chic in New Delhi

 

Messika has chosen New Delhi as the base for its presence in India. It is the political capital of the country, but also the second largest (16.3 million inhabitants) and richest city in India after Mumbai. The boutique is located in the prestigious Chanakya Mall.

 

The jewelry house occupies a 68-square-meter open-plan boutique that combines Parisian chic with modernity. The space brings together iconic pieces from both the jewelry and high jewelry collections. The boutique also showcases certain pieces from the Move collection.

 

The golden marble façade, textured wallpaper, and refined lounge area all contribute to creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.

 

© Messika

 

“Making my debut in India has always been a dream of mine, and the fact that it coincides with the House’s anniversary makes it all the more special — it’s truly a dream come true,” ” said Valérie Messika, founder and artistic director of the eponymous House, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The executive, who was also present at the opening ceremony, recalled the special place the subcontinent holds in the world of jewelry: “Returning to India, the birthplace of extraordinary gems and one of the world’s largest diamond cutting centers, has always had a special meaning for me.”

 

Messika India 2
© Messika

 

Bollywood star

 

Ambassador and guest of honor for Messika at the opening ceremony, Ishaan Khatter, a 29-year-old actor, shone with his presence and his Messika Move necklace.

 

From left to right: Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter and founder and artistic director of the eponymous maison Valérie Messika © Messika

 

The young man made a name for himself in 2018 with his role in the film Dhadak, a romance set against the backdrop of the palaces of the Maharajas in Rajasthan. Despite criticism, the film proved to be a commercial success, grossing over 110.11 crore rupees (US$13 million) worldwide.

 

Ishaan Khatter recently starred in season 1 of The Royals, a Hindi-language romantic comedy produced by Netflix and released on May 9. The pitch? A prince meets a girl who runs India’s first luxury establishment. The encounter between these two worlds is steeped in ambition, conflict, and romance, once again set against the backdrop of Rajasthan.

 

 

Strategic partnership

 

Also present at the inauguration was Pranav Shankar Saboo, CEO and Managing Director of Ethos Limited, India’s largest and most important distributor of luxury watches, who shared his ambitions for the opening of a lifestyle subsidiary: “This launch was not just about opening the doors to a new store, but also about opening the doors to a new chapter. At Ethos Lifestyle, our mission goes beyond watches: we want to introduce India to the world’s greatest houses, embodying their values and passion, while setting new standards in luxury retail and meaningful partnerships.”

 

Founded in 2003, Ethos Limited has experienced exponential growth over the past two decades. Today, the company is present in more than 24 Indian cities, consolidating its position as a leader in the luxury retail sector.

 

Ethos Limited offers an extensive portfolio of more than 70 high-end and luxury watch brands. At the end of May 2022, the Indian company reached a major milestone by becoming the first luxury watch retailer in India to go public.

 

The Indian luxury jewelry market is expected to reach a projected revenue of $1,477.7 million by 2028.

 

Read also > Jeweler Messika joins the Comité Colbert

 

Featured photo: © Messika

Picture of Victor Gosselin
Victor Gosselin
Victor Gosselin is a journalist specializing in luxury, HR, tech, retail, and editorial consulting. A graduate of EIML Paris, he has been working in the luxury industry for 13 years. Fond of fashion, Asia, history, and long format, this ex-Welcome To The Jungle and Time To Disrupt likes to analyze the news from a sociological and cultural angle.

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