Okonkwo Prelims

(Joyce) #1
The idea of creating luxury and prestige fashion accessories for a broad
consumer group, which André Ross provides today, was sowed in 1998
when Ross recognized the growing market potential and need for fine
bespoke luxury accessories. He teamed up with a business partner and set up
an atelier in Paris manufacturing only made-to-order goods for a highly
select clientele. As their orders and waiting lists grew, their business
inevitably expanded. This prompted the skilled craftsmen to review their
business practices and strategies and the result was the expansion of their
bespoke luxury accessories business to accommodate a larger proportion of
the luxury consumer market. They launched this new business as André Ross
in 2004.

Brand concept


The André Ross brand has its foundation in designing and producing highly-
crafted bespoke products for a highly sophisticated clientele. This bespoke
heritage base has been transferred to the production of a range of accessories
for a broader luxury consumer group. This simple proposition that bespoke
luxury accessories can be made available to a wider luxury market forms the
essence of the brand.
This brand core was developed from the recognition that the world’s fash-
ionable women invest in stylish accessories that combine fine materials with
intricately crafted hardware. For this reason, André Ross’ products are made
using luxurious leather and fine materials, accompanied by hardware coated
in high-quality solid 23-carat gold.
André Ross has also made its brand synonymous with product customiza-
tion through providing bespoke goods for a broad customer base. This brand
strategy is highly relevant in the current global luxury market as it is an effec-
tive means to addressing the luxury consumers’ increased demand for indi-
vidualism and recognition.
Despite its relatively young existence, the products of André Ross are
sought-after and collected by luxury connoisseurs and an elite consumer
group. The brand’s consumers are also known for their devotion and loyalty.
These results are from a well-defined brand concept and positioning; and an
effectively managed brand strategy. André Ross recognizes branding as one
of its core competences and therefore makes branding the springboard of all
its strategies.

Products and retail


André Ross also places great emphasis on its product development as one of
its key success factors. The products are designed through internal creative
talent and external consultants and designers with outstanding experience. In
some aspects, such as hardware production, the brand also partners with

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luxury fashion branding
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