Time To Consolidate

Guess, one of the world’s most recognised fashion watch brands, is admired for look and functionality alike! The brand entered India in 2006 and today has affi rmed itself as the leader and pioneer in the watch industry. In an open dialogue with BoF, Ivana Perovic Shah, CEO, AP Group, the Distributors & Retailers for Guess Accessories for India, discusses the brand’s decade-long presence in India and the way forward.

- Namita Bhagat

Guess Watches has completed 10 years in India. Can you summarize its journey?

Ivana Perovic Shah (IPS): Guess watches was launched in India in 2006 and over the course of the last 10 years, has firmly established itself as the leader and pioneer in the watch industry. Launched exclusively in the country with Watches of Switzerland; today it has its retail presence across 17 standalone Guess stores, 107 shop-in shops in leading department stores ( such as Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Ethos), online portals, and all leading multi-brand watch retailers. The brand is also poised to launch its e-tail platform for Indian consumers soon.

Over the years, Guess watches has seen some major creative milestones in the country with the launch of its best-selling timepieces like the Blue Rigor and the animal print collection. Most recently, the brand released their first ever smart watch Guess Connect in 2015.

Elaborate on the evolution of creative direction for the brand.

IPS: Evolution of creative direction for Guess watches is closely linked with the Guess brand. As the Guess brand stands for all things young, sexy and adventurous, it evolves year on year, season to season as the leader in fashion. The brand evolves with its customers. As the frontrunner of fashion, Guess watches introduced animal prints to the fashionistas. It was also the first in making blue the new black. It patented Indigo Blue and created the Blue Streak collection. Of late, Guess watches introduced athleisure looks with splashes of colour, keeping the brand hot and fun.

Which are the designs/watches you reckon as the best-sellers?

IPS: Guess watches is known for fashion forward designs. Every season we have a best seller; Guess Animal Print Gold watch for ladies and Guess Blue/Rose Gold Rigor for men have been the topselling timepieces of all time.