Top Luxury Brands Find New Markets in India

Miami Beach, FL (PRWeb) February 23, 2007 -- A thriving economy and a burgeoning upper class have led to the expanded presence from luxury brands such as Versace, Vuitton and Ferragamo in India. Luxury markets are expanding in virtually every sector within the region, including US based premium fitness and lifestyle brands. South Beach-based elements™ fitness, a premium lifestyle brand for women, has recently launched in India in a big way, with 20 locations
announced over the next 4 years.

By 2010 India will have over 250,000 families with an annual income of $1,000,000 dollars or more. The Indian economy is experiencing a huge amount of economic growth, and is on track to mirror China's economic explosion in recent years. In the past, brands such as Liz Claiborne and Pierre Cardin tested India's waters to find poor consumer response. However, that attitude has changed quite rapidly with wealth on the rise among Indian families.

Luxury is derived from the Latin word, luxus, meaning indulgence of the senses, regardless of cost. Luxury brands and services are prestige products characterized by high-involvement decision making that is strongly related to a person's self-concept. With "luxus" in full force, 2006 saw the entrance of Gucci, Versace, and Christian Dior arriving on Mumbai's shores. This year commenced on a luxurious note with Armani entering the country as well. With luxury good space in such high demand, developers have begun to create the first of its kind luxury mall concept called Emporio, devoted to luxury and high-end goods and services.

According to Ferruccio Ferragamo, CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo Italia, "India, like China is living a fantastic, incredible growth. The artistic and social life in India seems enthusiastic. India is a land of promise for luxury goods makers, a sleeping giant whose potential is now only beginning to emerge."

Successful Indian businessmen and women are not waiting idly for luxury to come to them. A reverse trend has emerged where these successful entrepreneurs are bringing luxury to India. Such is the case of a prominent Indian businessman who made the decision to seek out and bring luxury fitness and well-being to Bombay.

He discovered elements (www.elementsforwomen.com) and has plans to open 20 locations throughout the region, including flagship locations in Bombay (Mumbai). elements™ differentiates itself from other
fitness and lifestyle brands by offering a premium fitness experience, as well as the latest developments in fitness equipment including SmartCard technology by HUR, and Gravity™, a pilates and core-strengthening innovation.

"Premium brands are growing exponentially in many service sectors and elements™ was developed to give a woman a premium fitness and healthy living experience," commented Brand Strategist Chris Palumbo, "It is very exciting for us to see the elements™, 'movement' grow internationally. To be chosen as a business partner in India is a very significant milestone for elements™, and we understand that many Indian women are cosmopolitan, and want the best in
fitness and lifestyle."

The hip and stylish elements™ brand continues to attract international attention... from a mention in Forbes magazine online, to new flagship clubs announced in London, Chicago, and New York. Upcoming brand expansion includes a new online web club, with an all-star fitness and diet Advisory Panel, including Nike's Lisa Gaylord, TV's Dr. Fabian Lopez, and the Nutrition Twins. Over 25 club locations are now under development in the U.S., as well as the international
brand expansion.

For more information visit www.elementsforwomen.com.

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