5 Indian Brands That You Thought Were International, But Surprisingly They Aren't

5 Indian Brands That You Thought Were International, But Surprisingly They Aren't

When we think of premium fashion, motorcycles, and cosmetics, we often assume that the best brands are international. However, India has several homegrown brands that are so well-marketed and globally recognized that many people mistake them for foreign companies. Here are five Indian brands that you probably thought were international but are actually Indian-owned.

1. Royal Enfield – The Classic British Motorcycle, Now Fully Indian

Royal Enfield’s history dates back to 1893 in England when it was initially a British company producing motorcycles and bicycles. However, in 1955, the brand made its way to India when Enfield India began assembling bikes in Chennai. By 1994, Indian company Eicher Motors took over Royal Enfield, making it a completely Indian-owned brand. Today, Royal Enfield is one of the most popular motorcycle brands worldwide, known for its powerful engines and iconic thumping sound.

2. Allen Solly – From British Roots to Indian Fashion Giant

Allen Solly was originally founded in 1744 by William Holin and Company Limited in the UK. However, in 1993, Madura Garments, an Indian company, acquired the brand and later became a part of the Aditya Birla Group in 2001. With its premium and casual wear, Allen Solly is now one of India’s most recognized fashion brands, proving that Indian companies can successfully transform and expand global labels.

3. Peter England – An Indian Brand with an English Name

Despite its name, Peter England is an Indian brand under the Aditya Birla Group. While the brand was founded in 1889 in Ireland, it entered the Indian market in 1997 and quickly became one of the most trusted menswear brands. Peter England is now fully Indian-owned, producing high-quality shirts, trousers, and formalwear for Indian consumers.

4. Lakmé – An Iconic Indian Cosmetics Brand

Lakmé may sound French, but it is a truly Indian brand. It was established in 1952 by the Tata Group at the request of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who wanted an Indian cosmetics brand to reduce the dependency on foreign beauty products. In 1996, Tata sold Lakmé to Hindustan Unilever, an Indian subsidiary of Unilever, and today, it is one of India’s leading beauty and cosmetics brands.

5. Van Heusen India – International Branding, Indian Ownership

Van Heusen was originally established in 1889 as an American brand under PVH Corp. (Phillips Van Heusen Corporation). However, in India, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited owns and operates Van Heusen India. The brand is widely popular for its premium and stylish clothing, making it one of India's top menswear and womenswear labels.