Freida Pinto Rocks At Cannes

Freida Pinto’s red carpet looks at the Cannes film festival this year was a sure show stealer and has confirmed the fact she has transformed into quite a fashion diva. Donning a pink Michael Angel gown on the first day and the lime green Atelier Versace number on Day two, the Slumdog Millionaire star’s sartorial choices this year shows that she has come a long way from the time.

The 27-year-old actress’ pink strapless gown with a thigh-high slit for the premiere of Moonrise Kingdom was in keeping with this year’s red carpet trend set by Angelina Jolie with her famous slit-gown at the Oscars. A striking black sequin Versace gown, again with a slit, was Pinto’s wear for the Opening Night Dinner. For both day and night her hair was pulled back in a bun, keeping makeup and accessories minimal.

She went for haute couture on the second day too. Pinto’s lime green sheer lace gown with a thigh-high split for the Rust and Bone premiere was right off the Atelier Versace Spring 2012 runway.

India To Get Five More Marc Cain stores

Germany-based women’s fashion brand, Marc Cain, plans to add five more stores in India as the country is witnessing an increase in demand for luxury brands. Currently the brand has two stores in Mumbai and plans to open another one to cater to the niche clientele. Marc Cain Franchise Stores owner in India and the UAE, Punit Agarwal informed that plan is to open the first store in South Mumbai. Delhi will get two stores while Hyderabad and Bangalore will get one each.

An estimated investment for each store has been made at least Rs 3-4 crores, hence a sum Rs 20 crores has been set aside for the five stores. The German company posted 100 per cent annual growth for the last five years and Agarwal expects Rs 30 crores worth sales from the new stores within a year. The company also plans to open stores in Kuwait and Qatar.

Peter England to foray into bags segment

Peter England, the leading brand from Madura Fashion and Lifestyle and part of Aditya Birla Group, is making plans to venture into ethnic wear, body spray, footwear and home furnishing businesses during the next three years. The company, a strong player in the men’s wear category has already entered into the non-apparel business with the launch of PE (Peter England) bags aimed at the mid-market segment.

The luggage line branded as ‘Companions’, would be retailed between Rs 1,000 and Rs 4,000. The collection would have small bags, laptop back packs, laptop cases, duffel bags, one-dayers and sleeves, refreshed with every season. Peter England is entering the luggage market currently dominated by Samsonite and VIP. But it feels that Peter England will not directly compete with these brands since it is not focussing the serious travel segment. The company plans to target the youth segment and expects their geographical reach to help it differentiate from others. The brand has a presence across 700 towns with 525 exclusive outlets and 2,000 multi-brand stores. It intends to add around 100 stores in 2012-13.