Allen Solly to Peter England: Popular fashion brands you didn’t know were actually Indian

The idea of Indian fashion probably gives you a vision of celebrated ethnic brands with an array of iconic and sparkling ensembles, which are indeed made for the stars. Yes, India has a range of A-list designers who are known for their artistic vision, but there are many popular fast-forward brands that have secured a safe place in the heart of the nation and are often mistaken for being on international grounds. Here are some popular fashion brands that are highly successful in the Indian market and have solely Indian roots.

Almost all middle- and upper-middle-class families swear by this Indian footwear brand like butter chicken and rajma chawal. Back in 1931, a Czech shoemaker came to India and started his business in the far reaches of Kolkata. The company has its operations based in Batanagar, where the shoemaker's whole family looks over this popular footwear company. It is the brand from which most of us purchased our first pair of school or canvas shoes. Made in India, Bata has become a sense of nostalgia for some and is still a hit in the footwear world.
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If you’re looking for a classic and stylish clothing brand for men but do not wish to put a dent in your wallet, then Peter England should be your go-to. It is a top choice for men who prefer looking sharp while staying comfortable. Having a vast range of ensembles from casual to professional aesthetics, the brand was launched in India in 1997, where its supplier used to export khaki trousers for British soldiers. Since 2000, the Aditya Birla Group has acquired the brand, and it has become the largest menswear brand in India.
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Raymond is known for its timeless sophistication and elegance, with a legacy that spans over 11 decades. This renowned Indian brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality in menswear and was started in 1925 as the Raymond Woollen Mill near Thane Creek. Taken over by Lala Kailashpat Singhania in 1944, it eventually opened its first retail store in 1958 and has not looked back since. Expanding into new sectors like FMCG and now real estate, the expansion tells a lot about its successful journey.

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Monte Carlo is another modern Indian clothing brand that has been consistent in delivering a range of ensembles filled with comfortable, stylish, and iconic looks. Known to be one of the best Indian fashion brands, it was founded in 1984 by Oswal Woollen Mills Ltd and opened its first store in 2005. Each piece of clothing offers high quality and reliability, with a wide range of winter wear and ethnic clothing as well.
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This might come as a surprise to many, as for the longest time, people used to think of it as an international product. With more than 3,900 stores across the globe, this brand was founded in 1744 and is the first Indian fashion brand to introduce workwear for women. Acquired by the Aditya Birla Group in 2001, this premium Indian clothing brand boasts modern sophistication and style, while it also focuses on premium pricing and caters to upper-middle-class and upper-class urban men.
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Mufti is one of India’s top clothing fashion brands for men, known for its commitment to quality and for resonating perfectly with Indian men seeking a unique identity. Launched in 1998 by Kamal Khushlani, who initially transported the clothes on his bike to sell them, the company focused on casual dressing inspired by the colonial-era armed forces and penetrated the modern market by releasing jeans, shirts, and other apparel.
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Flying Machine is a brand launched in 1980 by Arvind Ltd's garment division, where it became the first homegrown denim brand with roots deep in India's textile industry. It emerged at a time when the brand was the only one in the country that created its own jeans, which quickly gained popularity. Indian-made, affordable denim became a hit in the market, and the brand next focused on e-commerce, and now it’s creating stunning ranges that abide by Gen Z aesthetics.
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