Deepak Aggarwal: Crafting Fashion Waves with KAZO in India

One company, KAZO, has made a name for itself in the competitive Indian fashion market by skilfully fusing global trends with a dash of traditional Indian style. But few may be aware that Deepak Aggarwal, the Founder, CEO, and Managing Director of KAZO, is the face behind this well-known brand.

Deepak’s foray into the fashion realm began in 1991 when, post-graduation, he chose to chart his own course rather than follow the family business. Starting a small garment export house marked the initial steps of his entrepreneurial journey. Over 15 years in the export business, Deepak identified a significant gap in the Indian market — the absence of affordable, high-street, international fashion wear. This realization fuelled his vision, and in 2007, KAZO was born with an initial investment of around Rs 40 lakh.

KAZO swiftly emerged as a symbol of modern, chic fashion that resonates with the dynamic Indian woman. Deepak’s passion for fashion, coupled with a keen business acumen, guided KAZO’s trajectory. Today, the brand boasts a robust presence with a turnover of Rs 100 crore and over 170 points of sale spanning 70 cities in India. What sets KAZO apart in the crowded fashion landscape? Deepak attributes the brand’s uniqueness to its design studio based in Milan. This global perspective allows KAZO to bridge the gap between ever-evolving trends and premium occasion wear. The brand’s collection embodies uniqueness, dynamism, and a vibrant personality, redefining fast fashion in a distinctive manner.

The fashion industry’s shift towards sustainability is a pivotal trend, and KAZO is actively participating in this movement. The brand prioritizes the use of sustainable materials, including the best cotton, recycled polyester, and eco-friendly fabrics. KAZO’s manufacturing units incorporate solar panels, promoting renewable energy and reducing environmental impact. With a goal to source 80 percent sustainable materials by 2025, KAZO is aligning itself with eco-conscious values. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, especially for a brand with a significant offline retail presence. However, KAZO’s success during this period can be attributed to strategic decisions, aggressive merchandising, and a relentless focus on expansion. The brand opened 20 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) in the past year, showcasing resilience and adaptability.

Despite its success, KAZO faces challenges, particularly in securing the right retail spaces and brand mix in malls. Deepak acknowledges the need to establish KAZO as an international western wear brand amid the dominance of established global names. The future, however, holds exciting prospects. Deepak envisions expanding KAZO’s footprint to over 500 points of sale across India. Additionally, diversification into beauty, footwear, furniture, home décor, and ethnic wear is on the horizon. International expansion, with a foray into the UAE, is also part of KAZO’s ambitious plans.

Deepak Aggarwal’s journey from export houses to the helm of KAZO exemplifies the fusion of passion, business acumen, and a keen understanding of market dynamics. As KAZO continues to set fashion trends, Deepak’s vision of empowering women to embrace their individual style with confidence and courage propels the brand forward. In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian fashion, KAZO, under Deepak’s leadership, remains a beacon of style, elegance, and innovation.