Reliance Industries subsidiary, Reliance Retail, has invested in designer brand Abraham & Thakore for a majority stake for an undisclosed amount, aiming to build the fashion brand’s “global appeal” in the fashion and lifestyle category.

The 30-year-old brand was launched by David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, who were then joined by Kevin Nigli, the famous ‘&’ in Abraham & Thakore (A&T). The brand is known for approaching Indian handlooms with modernity and meaning through “weaving and design intervention in unconventional, even non-conformist ways”.

Starting with loungewear and home collections, A&T’s items were first sold at The Conran Shop in London before being introduced at other global stores, including Liberty, Browns, Harrods, and Selfridges. The brand retailed predominantly in international stores for 15 years before coming to India through its first fashion show presentation.

“A&T’s interesting use of material and fresh take on traditional textile techniques have crafted a highly distinctive design signature for the brand,” said Isha Ambani, director at Reliance Retail. “With Indian luxury customers undergoing a generational consumption shift, there is heightened appreciation of Abraham & Thakore’s timeless design.”

The design trio, David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli will continue to lead the creative direction of the brand after the investment.

“Through this partnership, we will be extending the presence of the brand and bring together both fashion and lifestyle collections which will include home furnishings and loungewear,” said David Abraham.

Reliance Retail’s partnership follows its sister company Reliance Brands’ acquisition of several Indian designer brands during the past few months, including Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna and Manish Malhotra.