RELIANCE RETAIL VENTURES LIMITED (RRVL ABRAHAM & THAKORE EXPORTS PVT LTD

 Mumbai, March 01, 2022: RELIANCE RETAIL VENTURES LIMITED (RRVL), a subsidiary of

Reliance Industries Limited and the holding company of all retail companies within the group, has

invested in ABRAHAM & THAKORE EXPORTS PVT LTD for a majority stake. RRVL seeks to

leverage its subsidiary RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED’S (RBL) deep understanding of the

affluent Indian customer and their heft across digital, retail operations, marketing, and supply

chain platforms, to build brand Abraham & Thakore’s global appeal in the fashion and lifestyle

category.

Launched in 1992 by David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, they were soon joined by Kevin Nigli

who famously became the “&” in Abraham & Thakore (A&T). A&T unlocked the potential and

power of Indian handlooms by approaching them with modernity and meaning through weaving

and design intervention in unconventional, even non-conformist ways.

A&T’s interpretation of Indian textiles started with loungewear and home collections that were first

sold at The Conran Shop in London and later in global stores of repute such as Liberty, Browns,

Harrods, and Selfridges. For almost 15 years the brand mostly retailed predominantly in

international stores before coming to India with their first fashion show presentation.

The brand is strongly rooted in the philosophy of understanding the cultural construct of fashion.

Not only is an Abraham & Thakore Ikat sari a part of the permanent collections of the Victoria &

Albert Museum, but in 2015 the brand’s creations were chosen for Fabric of India, V&A’s first

major exhibition that explored the rich, multi-faceted and dynamic world of Indian handmade

fabrics. Each collection continues the exploration of developing a quiet and modern design voice

while simultaneously drawing on the rich traditional vocabulary of Indian design and craft. Its

strong cultural language gives it a unique resonance in different mindsets and markets.

“Abraham & Thakore’s interesting use of material and fresh take on traditional textile techniques

have crafted a highly distinctive design signature for the brand. With Indian luxury customers

undergoing a generational consumption shift, there is heightened appreciation of Abraham &

Thakore’s timeless design, and we are excited to partner with the brand to bring its unique

expression of Indian craftmanship to consumers globally,” said Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance

Retail Ventures Limited.

“Abraham & Thakore is excited to partner with RRVL, the company responsible for redefining

India’s luxury landscape. Through this partnership we will be extending the presence of the brand

and bring together both fashion and lifestyle collections which will include home furnishings and

lounge wear,” said David Abraham.

The design trio, David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli will continue to lead the creative

direction of the brand.

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ABOUT RELIANCE RETAIL VENTURES LTD (RRVL):

RRVL is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd and the holding company of all the retail

companies within the Group. RRVL reported a consolidated turnover of ₹ 1,57,629 crore ($ 21.6

billion) and net profit of ₹ 5,481 crore ($ 750 million) for the year ended March 31, 2021.

Reliance Retail is the largest and the most profitable retailer in India with the widest reach. It has

been listed among the fastest growing retailers in the world in the Deloitte's Global Powers of

Retailing 2021 index. It is ranked 53rd in the list of Top Global Retailers and is the only Indian

Retailer to feature in the Top 100.

ABOUT RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED (RBL):

Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) is part of India's largest private sector company, Reliance

Industries Limited (RIL) that had a consolidated turnover of $73.8 billion in the year ended 31st

March 2021. Making RIL the highest ranked Indian company in Fortune’s Global 500 list of

“World’s Largest Companies”.

RBL began operations in 2007 with a mandate to launch and build global brands in luxury to

premium segment across fashion and lifestyle. Its current portfolio of brand partnerships

comprises AK-OK, Armani Exchange, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali,

Coach, Diesel, Dune, EA7, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, G-Star Raw, Gas, Giorgio

Armani, Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade New York, Michael

Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Replay, Ritu

Kumar, Salvatore Ferragamo, Satya Paul, Steve Madden, Superdry, Scotch & Soda, Tiffany &

Co., Tory Burch, Tumi, Valentino, Versace, Villeroy & Boch and West Elm. RBL today operates

1,596 doors split into 680 stores and 916 shop-in-shops in India. In May 2019, RBL marked its

first international foray by acquiring the British toy retailer, Hamleys. Globally Hamleys has 215

doors across 17 countries.

RBL also has equity investments in Indian couture brands Manish Malhotra and Raghavendra

Rathore.

Press Contacts:

RELIANCE RETAIL

Manish Bhatia

manish.b.bhatia@ril.com

RELIANCE BRANDS LTD.

Surabhi Negi

Surabhi.Negi@ril.com