Hermes, that French luxury label that we all hate to speak of about for fear of a mispronunciation (and yet dream of owning), is here. But going by the number of socialites flaunting their Rs 4 lakh-plus priced Birkin handbags, they’ve always been here.

Mumbai is not their agenda presently, as the fashion company opens its first Indian boutique in the plush arcade of the Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi, with Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, as neighbours. The next stores are likely to be opened in Bangalore and Kolkata.

Patrick Thomas, their charming CEO with an Irish name, came down to launch the Delhi boutique, gently assuring us that he is “very French”. But like most of the world, Hermes especially, is having a huge India moment. Its chief designer Jean Paul Gaultier brought out a line last season (Spring-Summer) inspired by India’s royalty and vivid colours, and even used the sultry Lakshmi Menon as their model in all their international campaigns.

“The objective is to become Indian in India. We are here to sell objects, not fashion,” shares Thomas, 61, explaining why, despite two ongoing fashion weeks and a global recession there is no clash of interest with the timing of their launch.

The store is beautifully packaged with a representative presence of all that the brand is renowned for. There are items from JPG’s Indo-phile Spring-Summer collection as well as pieces from their newer Autumn-Winter collection. Luxurious cashmere shawls, priced at Rs 72,000, rub shoulders with their famed Birkins, elegant Kelly bags (Rs 3 lakh), fine china, watches and perfumes and accessories like ties (Rs 8,800) and their collector-item silk scarves (approximately Rs 17,500). “Every scarf has its own story to tell and we have about 18 to 20 designers and four Indian designers who bring in a dash of Indian sensibility,” smiles Thomas.

The global financial meltdown has become a cause of worry in the luxury industry, but Christian Blanckaert, Executive VP, International Affairs for the brand, assures that it will not affect their market in India.