VisionPlus India

Calvin Klein and Nike eyewear in January 2003. Despite losing Luxottica, our collaborations with Marchon and Marcolin enriched our brand portfolio, propelling us forward. Gradually, we launched the other brands from Marcolin: Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli and then Tom Ford at a later stage. In 1998 we launched Spencer and Sterling eyewear brands as we needed to create our own identity. They became an instant success all over India. VP: How does brand Sterling as a company align with a global giant like Marchon? What has your collaborative experience been so far? KP: Sterling became a distributor of Marchon in 2002. Over the next decade, Sterling introduced other Marchon brands in India like Calvin Klein, Nike, Lacoste, Fendi, Michael Kors, and Kong, London and Italy. Skylark Optical Company, started importing Luxottica brands in India in 1990. In 1991 Sterling became the exclusive distributor of Luxottica and introduced Vogue Eyewear in India. Our partnership with Luxottica thrived, and we started introducing brands like Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino Genny, Persol, Moschino, Sergio Tacchini, and Brooks Brothers exclusively for the Indian market. Luxottica acquired Rayban in 1999, got a factory and distribution network set up in India and took back their distribution from Sterling in May 2002. VP: How does a distribution company deal with losing brands like this? KP: The important thing in life is that nothing is permanent. While we have the brand, we need to ride the bandwagon and enjoy the journey. Losing Luxottica was tough, teaching us not to rely solely on one company. Luxottica's acquisition of Rayban prompted diversification. Marcolin came to India looking for a distributor and we joined hands with them in 1999. In 2000, we launched Dolce & Gabbana for Marcolin in India. Sterling tied up with Marchon, USA, and launched THE IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE IS THAT NOTHING IS PERMANENT. WHILE WE HAVE THE BRAND, WE NEED TO RIDE THE BANDWAGON AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY 27 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION