Italian brand Missoni will take its colourful knitwear designs to Asia with the lunch of a China store in June.

Apart from its main collection, Missoni also plans to set up 15 to 20 monobrand and multibrand stores for diffusion lines in China over the next four years.

The Italian brand, established by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in 1953, also plans to make an Indian foray via partnership with a local franchisee.

Angela Missoni, daughter of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, whose visit to India has been well publicised, said the company is planning to enter the Indian market with more focus on accessories.

Missoni CEO Alberto Piantoni believes that color, which is the hallmark of the brand, fits well into the Indian market.

“We feel this lifestyle would fit the Indian people and that we have a great opportunity here because we feel very close to the Indian people in terms of culture and sensibility. We think this is a good reason to introduce the brand into the Indian market.”

Missoni in India is likely to be operated by India’s Infinite Luxury Group with whom it is currently in talks with.

“We explored the market and then prepared the business plan. There is a trail, we start talking to each other, mainly about values, about the idea of life, and we feel comfortable with these people. But of course, from this to establish a business takes time. You have to fit 100 per cent, otherwise it is not possible,” said Piantoni.

Missoni’s business growth was recorded at 12 – 15 per cent last year with three to five per cent accounted by the US market. This year, Missoni hopes to achieve at least 10 per cent business growth.

GB