Date:07/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/10/07/stories/2006100701660500.htm

Back `India pillar of Benetton's future'

Sravanthi Challapalli

Chennai , Oct. 6

Apparel major Benetton group of Italy sees India as a "pillar of Benetton's future." The group, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, draws much inspiration from India's colours, says Ms Gagan Singh, Managing Director, Benetton India.

To kick off the celebrations, Benetton is having a fashion show in Paris next week. Paris is where Benetton opened its first international store in 1969, and the group sees the French capital as a talisman that will help its business in the future, Ms Singh said, speaking to Business Line.

A month-long exhibition, Les Yeux Ouverts (Eyes Open to the World and the Future), organised by Fabrica, Benetton's communications research centre, will be housed at Paris' famed Centre Pompidou, a hi-tech, modern art museum. Fabrica promotes art and talent of young artists and researchers across the world through design, music, cinema, photography, publishing and the Internet.

The fashion show on October 10 will showcase Benetton creations on the catwalk for the first time. The dominant theme will be wool, Ms Singh said. The event will be held in support of the World Food Programme, a United Nations initiative to fight starvation.

Benetton, which is present in 120 countries and has 5,000 stores worldwide, sees India and China as the "shining stars" of its future, Ms Singh said. Sales are growing at a steady 30 per cent every year. The company aims to increase the number of stores in India to 100 early next year from 80 now. It is making inroads into Tier II cities as well, Ms Singh said.