French fashion house Hermes, which operates in India in a joint venture with Khanna Retail promoted by Neelam Khanna, plans to roll out an India-centric fragrance by 2012.

"Keeping in mind Indian preferences, we are looking forward to launch a perfume specific to India by 2012," said Jean-Philippe Collin, regional director, Hermes perfume, India & Middle East. He, however, did not divulge details of the launch plan. This is not the first time that the French fashion house has chosen India as its theme. It had chosen 'Indian Fantasies' as it theme for its collections in 2008 when a team of experts visited India and came up with India-inspired products.

"What resulted was a host of India-inspired products, such as a new perfume 'Garden of the Monsoon' which was reminiscent of Kerala’s freshness after monsoon, and Hermes scarves with Indian patterns on them. Keeping in mind the excellent response we received from the luxury loyalists for the collection, we are motivated to introduce a new fragrance just for India," said Collin.

Hermes also plans to expand its retail presence with a boutique in Mumbai by next year. The brand opened its first boutique in New Delhi's Oberoi Hotel. “Mumbai is the next destination and the boutique would be in a high street location. Hermes has been well accepted in India over the last two years," said Khanna. Collin added there has been 20 per cent increase in the perfume business so far. "India has huge potential for growth. Our target is to sell 3,000 bottles of perfumes by 2012."