Sahil Malik The Visionary Entrepreneur behind India’s Luxury Handbag Brand, Da Milano

Sahil Malik, an enterprising third-generation entrepreneur, embarked on a remarkable journey that culminated in the creation of Da Milano, India’s premier luxury handbag brand. After graduating from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, Sahil pursued a marketing course in London. It was during this time that he encountered premium handbag stores, a concept relatively foreign to India at the time, and this experience planted the seeds for his entrepreneurial venture.

Crafting a Niche in the Luxury Handbag Market

In the year 2000, Sahil founded Da Milano with a mission to cater to the discerning tastes of India’s niche clientele. India lacked home grown premium women’s handbag brand stores, leaving consumers dependent on international labels to fulfill their desire for luxury handbags. Da Milano was born to bridge this gap, offering a unique blend of elegance, quality, and affordability.

From the outset, Da Milano set itself apart by providing a “lifetime warranty” for all its products. This commitment to post-sale service has been instrumental in fostering trust among customers, a factor that has earned the brand immense praise. Sahil firmly believes that building trust is essential, and exemplary after-sales service is the key to achieving this trust.

Expanding Footprints: From Delhi to Pan India

Sahil’s family was already entrenched in the leather goods export business, providing a smooth transition into handbag production. Da Milano inaugurated its first store in the bustling shopping district of Connaught Place in Delhi. During the initial years, Da Milano concentrated its efforts in expanding its presence within Delhi, a strategy that enabled Sahil to closely observe client acceptance. The brand’s target audience was discerning and niche, setting it apart from mass-market competitors.

The Da Milano philosophy revolves around securing prime real estate for its stores, taking a page from McDonald’s playbook. Sahil firmly believes that the location of a store should be strategically chosen to ensure maximum footfall from potential customers. As the brand continued to grow, it expanded to Chandigarh’s upscale Sector 17 market, marking its entry into Punjab.

Craftsmanship and Sourcing Excellence:

Da Milano‘s commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in its products. The brand operates manufacturing units in Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal, where a skilled workforce employs state-of-the-art machinery under the guidance of Italian technicians. The brand also boasts an in-house team of designers dedicated to crafting unique, elegant pieces.

The sourcing of materials is equally meticulous. Leather, the primary raw material, is procured from Italy and Brazil, ensuring exceptional quality. In India, the brand sources leather from Chennai. Other components, including hooks, buckles, chains, and more, are imported from China and Hong Kong.

Diversifying Product Offerings and Going Global:

Da Milano’s product portfolio extends beyond handbags, encompassing computer bags, backpacks, wallets, belts, money clips, briefcases, luggage trolley bags, and various accessories. The brand has expanded its presence beyond India’s borders, venturing into international markets like Kathmandu, Qatar, Bahrain, and Dubai. In 2020, it opened a store in the prestigious Dubai Mall, a testament to its global aspirations.

Adapting to Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to Da Milano, interrupting its upward trajectory. The lockdowns shuttered stores, prompting Sahil to explore a direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach. Despite initial reservations about selling high-touch products online, Da Milano adapted. When restrictions eased for non-essential products, the brand witnessed a remarkable surge in customer demand, marking a swift recovery.

As India grapples with a second wave of COVID-19, Da Milano acknowledges the associated business disruptions but remains optimistic about the future.

The Road Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

Da Milano envisions a future of rigorous expansion, both domestically and internationally. Sahil is planning to launch another brand with a more mass-centric approach while Da Milano itself aims to establish a presence in the UK and Singapore by the end of the year. The brand intends to diversify its product range, introducing items such as travel kits and card cases.

Sahil Malik’s entrepreneurial journey, marked by unwavering commitment to quality and customer trust, has propelled Da Milano to its current stature as a leader in affordable luxury leather goods in India. His vision, dedication, and adaptability continue to drive the brand’s success story.