Haresh Tharani, an Indian-born financier now living in New York City, bought the Bill Blass brand in 1999 and in January, Indian textile maker GHCL paid US $18.5 million for Virginia-based linens producer Dan River.
Reese's new line, 'Plenty' is made entirely in India, as is some of the Bill Blass fashion design, especially items with beading.
Dan River will now outsource a chunk of its manufacturing to GHCL's India operations.
Indian companies have also grown into a big manufacturer of linens, especially for smaller lots.
Bombay's Welspun India, which for the past five years has made higher-priced towels and sheets for brands such as Nautica, Fieldcrest Cannon, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Welspun India, last year offered $70 million for the bankrupt Pillowtex, the largest U.S. home-furnishings manufacturer but fell short of the winning bid, although the company is on the prowl for other U.S. deals.
Indian entrepreneurs are getting comfortable managing businesses overseas, and fashion is just following the trend the Indian tech industry sets.
Because of India's poor infrastructure, it's difficult for apparel makers to meet the tough delivery schedules required by mass-market retailers.
By actually owning upscale brands, Indian companies guarantee work for their factories that specialize in smaller lots and in works as in intricate embroidery which are perfect for startups and niche designers who want fewer but more exclusive pieces.
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