Independence Day: Popular brands always thought were foreign but are purely Indian

We Indians have long been captivated by foreign brands which, in turn, has discouraged local brands and they had to take the assistance of foreign names to break through.

Adopting brand names that vaguely sounds Italian, French or even British, here are brands you always believed were foreign but are purely Indian.

Louis Philippe: There’s no doubt that Louis Philippe is one of the world’s leading brands of men’s apparel. Named after King Louis Phillipe, who was king of France from 1830, the brand, which is owned by Madura Fashion and Lifestyle, launched in 1989 is purely Indian.

Royal Enfield: All things royal mightn’t always be British! In the real sense, Royal Enfield is a motorcycle company that’s based in Chennai and a subsidiary of Eicher Motors Limited, one of the leading auto manufacturers in India.

Monte Carlo: A company with an Italian name chosen simply for the Indian customer base, Monte Carlo is a 100% Indian woollen wear brand from the Ludhiana-based Nahar Group that is one of the leading clothing brands for men and women.

Peter England: Having England in its name owing to the Indian obsession with foreign brands, this brand is one of the most popular names in affordable menswear fashion in India. In reality, it is part of Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, belonging to the Aditya Birla Group.

Jaguar: Always charming with British aura and elegance, Jaguar is a brand owned by Indian conglomerate Tata. So, if you ever thought Jaguar is from one of Europe or Asia’s giant car manufacturing companies, it is purely Indian.

Lakme: Founded by Late JRD Tata, this cosmetic brand with a large fan base is completely Indian and only derives its name Lakmé which is the French form of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth).

Pantaloons: Actually owned by the Aditya Birla Group of India, Pantaloons has expertise in affordable fashion for men, women and children. However, the name sounds too French to be Indian.  

Allen Solly: Though not founded by an Indian, Aditya Birla Group acquired this brand in 2001 so as of the date it’s 100% Indian. Allen Solly describes their clothes as 'Friday dressing', or chic office wear.

Park Avenue: No doubt, the Raymond Group-owned Park Avenue is one of the most popular names in Indian fashion.

HiDesign: This leather goods brand may sound foreign but it is purely Indian. This Pondicherry based promising brand is a leading provider of leather goods in India.