Latest news with #Paul&Shark
Fashion United
3 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Paul & Shark launches kidswear
Paul & Shark is now also catering to younger audiences with its first kidswear collection. The Italian brand launched its first junior collection for children aged four to 16, Paul & Shark announced on Friday, May 30, 2025. Created in partnership with kidswear specialist Altana Società Benefit, the collection debuted for the SS26 season. This expansion of the product range is part of the company's comprehensive expansion strategy. 'The launch of the junior line is an important step for us and demonstrates the great work we are doing both commercially and in terms of communication,' said chief executive officer of Paul & Shark, Andrea Dini. 'We are increasingly an international and complete brand, aimed at men, women, and now also children and teenagers, offering them elegant and high-performance total looks with pure Italian style.' For its youngest customers, Paul & Shark focuses on pieces made from materials such as cotton and linen, as well as a colour palette of blues, greens, and light orange, inspired by the sea and its surroundings. The range extends from accessories to outerwear and includes knitwear, polo shirts, T-shirts, trousers, and swimwear. Credits: Paul & Shark This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Mint
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Why global luxury houses are looking beyond Bollywood for brand ambassadors
Gift this article Luxury French house Chanel, Italian menswear label Paul & Shark and homegrown wellness brand Kama Ayurveda (owned by Spanish beauty and fashion conglomerate Puig) have recently announced Indian faces as their global ambassadors. While beauty, jewellery and watch brands have long worked with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the real game-changer was the appointment of actor Deepika Padukone as Louis Vuitton's global ambassador in 2022. It was more than just a celebrity endorsement—the move reflected how legacy luxury brands were making India a central part of their global narrative. Luxury French house Chanel, Italian menswear label Paul & Shark and homegrown wellness brand Kama Ayurveda (owned by Spanish beauty and fashion conglomerate Puig) have recently announced Indian faces as their global ambassadors. While beauty, jewellery and watch brands have long worked with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the real game-changer was the appointment of actor Deepika Padukone as Louis Vuitton's global ambassador in 2022. It was more than just a celebrity endorsement—the move reflected how legacy luxury brands were making India a central part of their global narrative. Soon, Alia Bhatt became Gucci's global face. A year later, in 2023, Sonam Kapoor was named Dior's ambassador. Chanel followed suit, tapping in Gen Z favourite Ananya Panday as its face earlier this year. These women, all actors with global visibility and massive social media reach, represent a new era of brand ambassadorship, shaped by glamour and influence. But the celebrity choices of Kama Ayurveda (Gauravi Kumari of the royal family of Jaipur) and Paul & Shark (cricketer K.L. Rahul) hint at a willingness to look beyond Bollywood. Also read: Clickbait takedowns are ruining fashion criticism in India K.L. Rahul is the first Indian athlete to be named a global ambassador for Paul & Shark The film star legacy The recent increase in the number of Indian brand ambassadors has more to do with economics than ethnicity. As consumption in China, the luxury industry's former darling, continues to slow, financial instability in Europe deepens, tariffs rattle the US market, and Russia remains embroiled in conflict, India has emerged as luxury's great hope. 'The answer lies in our economic momentum and the shrinking growth curves of China and Europe. Add to that a generation of Indians exposed to elevated lifestyles through global travel, and it's clear why the world's biggest brands are paying attention," says Archana Jain, chief executive of PR Pundit Havas Red. Her company has worked closely with brands such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Estée Lauder. Plus, the rise of the Indian diaspora. According to a 2025 report by the German Economic Institute, Indians rank as the 'top immigrant earners" in Europe's largest economy. From New York to Hong Kong, Indians today are among the top luxury spenders. Hence the added bonus of an Indian ambassador, who becomes a connection to the global audience. Traditionally, Bollywood has been the obvious choice. 'It's a strategic yet safe choice. Star power opens doors," says Deepika Gehani, luxury consultant and former vice-president at Reliance Brands Ltd. On Chanel's choice of Panday, she says, 'Today, every brand is eager to target the younger Gen Z audience." The selection of personalities like Gauravi Kumari (she's also the face of Jimmy Choo) and K.L. Rahul could be a disruptor. 'Bollywood alone can no longer shape India's cultural narrative," says Gehani. 'Today's discerning consumers demand authentic, meaningful stories. Brands must adopt a multi-dimensional approach." That's one of the reasons luxury brands are looking towards regional cinema personalities as well, says Jain. Premium brand Onitsuka Tiger has associated 'with Rashmika Mandanna who works in Telugu and Hindi cinema to widen appeal," Jain offers an example. Arjun Mehra agrees. He's the former chief business officer of Condé Nast India and founder-chief executive of C&C Talent, which represents celebrities including Gauravi Kumari, her brother Padmanabh Singh, and Sara Tendulkar. 'No one can deny the power of Bollywood in celebrity endorsements. However, I believe brands now look closely at the ambassador's audience," he says. 'If their target audiences are only a fraction of the ambassador's audience, the brand may not derive ROI (return on investment). Also, some of the actors' IG grids are not suited to luxury brands." Even in the West, brands have traditionally gravitated toward actors. But when a brand has a more athletic edge—like Rolex with Roger Federer or Prada with Wang Qiang—sports stars become just as desirable. Jain says, 'Virat Kohli (who has previously worked with German carmaker Audi) would be a great fit for a luxury brand—perhaps a watch brand like Tudor." Choosing royalty may seem niche, but Indian royals have long had a legacy with European luxury brands. India's erstwhile maharajas were once among the most important clients of maisons like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Louis Vuitton. And socially popular royals will continue to be sought after by luxury brands, believes Jain. 'Royalty certainly adds a dimension of luxury but it's not enough in itself," says Mehra. 'Whether it's Bollywood, sport, music, royalty or any other field, the overall package, audience and brand alignment are important." Seeking mass appeal As luxury brands expand into tier-two and tier-three cities, there's still a need for ambassadors with mass appeal so, of course, Bollywood will remain the easy choice. Jain hopes a luxury watch brand might soon look towards a leading CEO instead of an actor or a sportsperson. 'By diversifying and incorporating multiple touchpoints, a more robust brand presence and meaningful connections with the target audience can be created," she says. Jain suggests a more measured approach for brands launching in India: 'When a brand arrives in a new country, they initially set up presence in one or two cities in the first year. I would not recommend a full-scale engagement with a celebrity as a brand ambassador until the brand has scaled its presence. Brand ambassadors are valuable if they align with the brand values and are able to foster goodwill." To illustrate her point, she offers the example of Chopra's association with Bvlgari. Their partnership started in August 2021—just a month before the brand launched its modern take on the mangalsutra. 'The compelling story of the mangalsutra needed a contemporary Indian woman with a global appeal to imbue Indian values and emotions into that narrative," says Jain. As India's role on the global luxury stage rises, brands are looking to connect with the country on a deeper level. Whether it's a royal, a cricket icon, a tech company CEO, a writer, or a musician with a taste for high fashion, it's time for brands to embrace a different approach—one that reflects the richness and diversity of India. Often it's the disruptors who make the most noise. In the process, they leave a lasting impact when entering a market. Dress Sense is a monthly column on the clothes we wear every day. Sujata Assomull is a journalist, author and mindful fashion advocate. Also read: Do fashion collaborations give both brands an edge? Topics You May Be Interested In
Mint
11-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Punit Balana tells how to build a wardrobe that celebrates traditional crafts
Designer Punit Balana recently opened his first store in Delhi, in Ambawatta complex in Qutub Gardens. The 1,600 space, designed by Balana, reflects his eponymous brand's design philosophy of giving Jaipur's textiles and crafts a modern twist. The launch of the store, which features arched doorways, custom terrazzo flooring and antique brass accents, marks 10 years of the Jaipur brand. In an interview with Lounge, the designer, born and raised in Jaipur, talks about the new store, his new collection, Johari 2.0, and completing 10 years in the fashion industry. Edited excerpts: How was the process of conceptualising the Delhi store? I infused every inch with my signature details, from terracotta pink and olive tones to arches, coin embroidery on curtains, and 'chandi tila" work on the mirrors. Everything, right down to the crafted cushions and lighting, was handmade in our Jaipur studio. Also read: Cricketer KL Rahul is Paul & Shark's global brand ambassador Why did you choose Qutub Garden as the store's location? It's an area rich in heritage and history, which resonates with our design ethos. The blend of old-world charm with contemporary luxury felt like the perfect canvas for our Delhi debut. The label clocks in 10 years. How's been the retail journey? Retail has been a big part of our journey. From Jaipur to Mumbai to now Delhi, each new store has been a milestone. I've learnt how essential it is to adapt - whether it's to customer preferences or the retail landscape. How's been the process of repurposing the age-old craft techniques of bandhini and and Kalamkari into contemporary creations? I'm a huge fan of Indian traditional craft, especially the prints and textiles from Jaipur. Bandhani has always been a staple, and for our summer line, we've really pushed ourselves, merging Kalamkari techniques with Mughal-inspired motifs to create a whole new print language. It's about making these age-old crafts feel relevant, wearable and globally appreciated. The brand's always been about signature Jaipur hues like pink and mint green. Will you ever do a monochromatic collection? That would be a great creative challenge! As long as the craftsmanship and soul remain, the colour story can evolve. Let's talk about your new collection, Johari 2.0. What was your moodboard? The original Johari collection in 2024 was one of our most appreciated and well-received drops and I felt there was still more to explore. Johari 2.0 carries forward that same design language, but with newer silhouettes, fresh colour stories, and evolved embroideries. What advice would you like to offer those who want to build a craft-based closet? We live in a country rich in textile, craft, and hand-made excellence. The kind of artisanal work India can produce is unmatched globally. That's why, as a designer and as a custodian of craft, I believe it's important to honour this heritage. Don't just buy a piece because it looks good, pause and ask: What's the craft behind this? Where's the fabric from? If we begin to respect our own craft, the world will follow. A meaningful closet should be a blend of beauty and story, not just trend. Is there a method to your creative process? I don't travel for inspiration, but I find that travel always ends up feeding my creativity. Every time I come back from a trip, I feel like a new person recharged, more imaginative, and ready to dive back into work with fresh energy. I observe, absorb and evolve through these experiences. Travel is less of a visual reference and more of an emotional reset for me. Do you see yourself venturing into couture/decor categories anytime soon? Fashion, architecture, and decor are all deeply connected and as a creative person, I've never believed in boundaries. I don't plan too far ahead; I follow what excites me in the moment, whether that's couture, pret, or a completely new category. If the right opportunity comes and it feels right and challenges me creatively, I'm always ready to explore. For me, joy is in the process and new categories offer fresh wings to fly. Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Also read: From granny chic to Gen Z-approved, why it's the summer of tweed
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
KL Rahul is Paul & Shark's global brand ambassador, a first for India
After Italian athletes such as basketball player Danilo Gallinari, swimming champion Nicolò Martinenghi, and former Formula 1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi, Italian luxury apparel brand Paul & Shark has a new, more relatable global brand ambassador for its Indian fan base. Announced last week, cricketer KL Rahul is the brand's first ambassador from India. A label known for its affinity towards the sea and the outdoors, Paul & Shark's CEO Andrea Dini says 'the sea is in our DNA and always will be'. He says the brand draws inspiration from the 'timeless allure of the ocean — its majesty, its contours, and its shifting colours'. 'The sea is our main source of inspiration, it guides our creative choices and our projects. We create collections using recycled fibres, continuously research new technologies to significantly reduce our water consumption, and develop dedicated initiatives to protect the oceans and their ecosystems,' says Andrea, adding that their deep connection with the ocean is reflected in each of their garments: T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, trousers, beach wear, and more. As for KL Rahul, this is not his first fashion-forward collaboration (Puma, Police) but he says all the brands that he is associated with are 'more of a partnership than mere campaigns'. 'With Paul &Shark, there is a much deeper alignment on values. It's all about an overall lifestyle. The emphasis on heritage, craftsmanship, and long-term storytelling definitely sets it apart,' he says, adding that the brand's fabric, the fit, the make is what drew him to Paul & Shark. As for design ideas he plans to bring on board as a part of the association, Rahul says he wants to explore silhouettes that blend classic Italian tailoring with Indian climate sensibilities. '…More breathable yet structured apparel. Also, I am looking at injecting a bit of sport-inspired detailing into everyday luxury wear adding subtle nods to performance without compromising on elegance. And, maybe co-creating a capsule that reflects my personal staples,' he adds. Continuing with the announcement of the new brand ambassador, Andrea is now focussing on new store openings in cities such as Moscow, and Dubai, among others. Also on the cards are summer resort activations and advertising campaigns in coastal towns in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. A trend that Paul & Shark is known for. The brand's recent SS25 campaign, for instance, was shot in Miami by Italian photographer Giampaolo Sgura, and styled by Italian fashion editor Anna Dello Russo. 'It tells the story of a summer among friends, naturally spent by the sea, full of adventure, connection, sport, and shared moments. The sea remains at the heart of our narrative, it's the common thread running through everything we do,' concludes Andrea.
Fashion Network
05-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Paul & Shark names cricketer KL Rahul as brand ambassador
Italian luxury clothing brand Paul & Shark has onboarded cricketer KL Rahul as its first-ever Indian athlete global ambassador. With this association, the brand aims to make deeper inroads in India which is a key market for the brand's international distribution network. As part of the partnership, KL Rahul will feature in a campaign endorsing the brand's spring/summer 2025 collection across Paul & Shark's global platforms. Commenting on the association, Andrea Dini, CEO of Paul & Shark in a statement said, 'KL Rahul's journey as an athlete, his international appeal, and his distinct sense of style makes him a natural extension of our brand's values. This partnership is not just about fashion – it's about celebrating a way of life that merges sport, travel, and contemporary elegance.' KL Rahul added, 'Paul & Shark just gets my style. The brand is effortless, sharp, and never trying too hard. It stands for quality and quiet confidence, which is exactly how I see fashion too. Being the first Indian to represent them globally makes it even more special, it feels like the kind of partnership that just fits.' Founded in 1976, Paul & Shark has a joint venture partnership with Reliance Brands Ltd in India. It operates three stores across Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, along with five shop-in-shop doors and digital presence on Ajio Luxe.
