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In March 2022, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, acquired a majority stake in Abraham & Thakore Exports Pvt. Ltd. (A&T). The purpose was to take A&T’s global appeal with traditional craftsmanship wider and bigger.
The trio of David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli were given full control on creative direction post the majority stake holding of the Abraham & Thakore label by RRVL.
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There was rapid retail expansion of Abraham & Thakore. Ten Flagship stores were opened. But somehow A&T lost the sheen in front of other acquisitions by Reliance Brands Limited and RRVL. Extension line of Home Furnishings too were introduced under the Abraham & Thakore label.
But things changed so drastically between Abraham & Thakore and RRVL that the marriage broke off just short of three years in December 2025. The founders of the label – Abraham & Takore bought back majority shareholding from RRVL. Consequently A&T is no longer a subsidiary of Reliance Industries.
Reliance Retail Ventures Limited and A&T relationship had gone south. Reasons probably were lower than expected sales or too much interference in creative decision making. I have known David abraham for two and half decades. He is a no-nonsence man and and he, Thakore and Nigli always placed high premium on their intrinsic style, minimalist aesthetics and valued India’s rich textiles and handcraft, which they wove into global silhouettes. The brand never believed in overdriven hype and marketing.
The great news is that now Abraham & Thakore have found an investor in one of India’s experienced and powerful Fashion Insider who knows the label since its inception. The new partner has immense influence within the Indian fashion industry as well as has all the right access in the global fashion market. I am not at the liberty to disclose the new partner but a formal announcement will happen soon. A&T must be happy and the feeling showed in the collection they showcased at India Men’s Weekend 2026 in Jaipur.
Abraham & Thakore are also the Creative Directors at Satya Paul, a brand owned by Reliance Brands Limited. The appointment happened in 2024. Now we got to see how long this relationship last.