13 August 2008
MUSCAT -- Indian fashion brand Gatsby Collections has entered the Oman market with the opening of its first showroom in Dhofar Building, Ruwi High Street.
Rafiq Sait, managing director, Gatsby Collection, spoke to Times of Oman during the opening of its first store in the Middle East.
What made you chose Oman as the location for your first store in the Middle East?
Oman has a fast-growing fashion market and we think it is an affordable place to incubate in. That is why we chose Oman as our first centre here in the Middle East.
What can Gatsby boast that its competitors cannot?
Gatsby has been in the garment industry for the last four generations. Our greatest strength is that we offer a multi-brand clothing range and have our own in-house designers.
We also offer custom-tailoring to our customers, all under one roof. Shopping at Gatsby is guaranteed to be a value-for-money experience. While custom-tailoring has been our biggest forte to date, we have been very selective in the brands we work with.
At Gatsby we work with brands and designers, who we believe, like our customers, are unique. We believe that each individual's measurement and fitting is much like their fingerprint, unique and different. It is moulded on the basis of one's needs and with intricate detailing to quality and finish.
Why men's fashion? Isn't women's fashion more the rage these days?
I am a good men's person, not a ladies person. We have been in this business for several years, and are comfortable with it.
How has fashion for men evolved over the years?
Men's fashion has evolved greatly over time. Earlier, men used to dress in just one way. Now, however, there is an awareness among men about dressing according to the occasion and so there are categories like club clothing, casuals, formals etc. The fabric choice available for all this is also enormous.
Who are the target customers for Gatsby?
Our target customers are men on the move managers, businessmen and those who need to dress right. Those who don't compromise on quality and the product. We cater to those men who are looking to make a style statement with their clothes.
How fashion conscious is the Middle East, as compared to the rest of the world?
The Middle East is influenced a lot by Europe. There is a sizeable population here, which is fashion conscious. They like to be fashionable and dress according to what the occasion demands. I would say it is a fast growing market.
What are your future plans?
We are already getting a fantastic response in Oman. Even as we speak, people are getting their suits tailored here. From here, we plan to open more centres in Oman and then move onto other places in the AGCC region.
MUSCAT -- Indian fashion brand Gatsby Collections has entered the Oman market with the opening of its first showroom in Dhofar Building, Ruwi High Street.
Rafiq Sait, managing director, Gatsby Collection, spoke to Times of Oman during the opening of its first store in the Middle East.
What made you chose Oman as the location for your first store in the Middle East?
Oman has a fast-growing fashion market and we think it is an affordable place to incubate in. That is why we chose Oman as our first centre here in the Middle East.
What can Gatsby boast that its competitors cannot?
Gatsby has been in the garment industry for the last four generations. Our greatest strength is that we offer a multi-brand clothing range and have our own in-house designers.
We also offer custom-tailoring to our customers, all under one roof. Shopping at Gatsby is guaranteed to be a value-for-money experience. While custom-tailoring has been our biggest forte to date, we have been very selective in the brands we work with.
At Gatsby we work with brands and designers, who we believe, like our customers, are unique. We believe that each individual's measurement and fitting is much like their fingerprint, unique and different. It is moulded on the basis of one's needs and with intricate detailing to quality and finish.
Why men's fashion? Isn't women's fashion more the rage these days?
I am a good men's person, not a ladies person. We have been in this business for several years, and are comfortable with it.
How has fashion for men evolved over the years?
Men's fashion has evolved greatly over time. Earlier, men used to dress in just one way. Now, however, there is an awareness among men about dressing according to the occasion and so there are categories like club clothing, casuals, formals etc. The fabric choice available for all this is also enormous.
Who are the target customers for Gatsby?
Our target customers are men on the move managers, businessmen and those who need to dress right. Those who don't compromise on quality and the product. We cater to those men who are looking to make a style statement with their clothes.
How fashion conscious is the Middle East, as compared to the rest of the world?
The Middle East is influenced a lot by Europe. There is a sizeable population here, which is fashion conscious. They like to be fashionable and dress according to what the occasion demands. I would say it is a fast growing market.
What are your future plans?
We are already getting a fantastic response in Oman. Even as we speak, people are getting their suits tailored here. From here, we plan to open more centres in Oman and then move onto other places in the AGCC region.
By Anita Joseph
© Times of Oman 2008
