No, Van Heusen is not originally an Indian brand. It was founded in 1921 in the United States, under the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (now known as PVH Corp). The brand is renowned for its premium workwear for men and women. However, Van Heusen entered the Indian market in 1990, where it has since flourished under the stewardship of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), a division of the Aditya Birla Group. ABFRL holds a perpetual license to operate the brand in India.
Van Heusen Brand Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Van Heusen |
| Origin | United States |
| Established Year | 1921 |
| Owned By | PVH Corp globally, ABFRL in India |
| Primary Products | Workwear, Athleisure, Casual Wear, and Accessories |
| Presence in India | 97 retail stores as of 2023, with the highest concentration in Uttar Pradesh |
A Rich History
- 1881: Moses Phillips and his son Isaac began selling woolen shirts in Pennsylvania.
- 1919: The Phillips-Van Heusen partnership was formed, leading to the brand’s iconic soft-folding collar patent.
- 1921: Van Heusen launched its first advertising campaign for “the World’s Smartest Collar.”
- 1950: Endorsed by personalities like Ronald Reagan, Van Heusen became synonymous with power dressing.
- 1974: The brand received a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth.
- 2005: Van Heusen became the world’s largest-selling dress shirt brand.
India Presence and Growth
Van Heusen entered India in 1990 and established itself as the No. 1 premium lifestyle brand for workwear. ABFRL manages the brand alongside other prominent names like Allen Solly, Louis Philippe, and Peter England. Today, Van Heusen caters to a wide audience with sub-brands such as Van Heusen Woman, VDot, and Van Heusen Sport, targeting women, younger men, and casual wear markets respectively.
Van Heusen also ventured into athleisure and innerwear, offering stylish yet functional clothing that addresses evolving consumer lifestyles. The brand’s innovative approach and understanding of the Indian market have helped it stay ahead of competitors.
Awards and Recognitions
Van Heusen’s excellence has been acknowledged with awards like:
- IMAGES Most Admired Fashion Brand of the Year (2021) for innerwear.
- IMAGES Most Admired Women’s Westernwear Brand (2011).
- Lifestyle Event of the Year (2012).
Brand Philosophy
Van Heusen stands for “Fashion for the Professional”, blending style and substance seamlessly. Its premium yet affordable range appeals to professionals and young consumers, making it a trusted name in modern workwear and beyond.
With its innovative designs, superior quality, and relevance, Van Heusen remains a benchmark in the Indian fashion industry, catering to the diverse needs of urban professionals and fashion enthusiasts.
