The Hidesign Timeline

 

1978

A BABY IS BORN

Hidesign begins with a two-person artisan workshop. The first markets are small alternative shops in Australia and the United States reflecting the brand’s rebellion against uniformity and mass production.

 

1982

HIDESIGN IN UK

Hidesign starts in UK and quickly becomes a counter culture icon in the independent stores.

 

1984

SOLID BRASS BUCKLES

Commitment to craftsmanship and ecology leads to the development of our new solid brass buckles – no more zinc alloy electroplated buckles for Hidesign. Hidesign goes back to the old traditional skills of making bronze statues to sand cast solid brass buckles.

 

1985

FIRST DEPARTMENT STORE JOHN LEWIS

John Lewis in UK is the first department store to the carry the full line of Hidesign leather goods that now includes handbags and wallets, as well as weekend, toiletry and computer bags.

 

1988

HIDESIGN INTRODUCES GARMENTS

Hidesign successfully introduces leather garments including edgy jackets and thigh hugging long pants.

 

1990

FACTORY IN PONDICHERRY

Hidesign establishes its first custom designed factory in Pondicherry, India. This exciting milestone confirms our commitment to innovation, fashion, technical excellence and local community employment. The factory expresses the brand values of Hidesign: beautiful natural ponds and waterfalls encircle raw brick architecture designed by Ray Meeker.

 

1997

FIRST INTERNATIONAL EXCLUSIVE STORE IN MOSCOW

Hidesign opens its first exclusive international store in Moscow.

 

1998

SOUTH AFRICA

The emerging markets of Malaysia, South Africa, China and eventually India will become a major growth area for Hidesign.

 

1999

HIDESIGN LAUNCHES IN INDIA

Hidesign enthusiastically launches in India! Hidesign’s annual fashion shows to launch the new collection are a “Social Event”.

 

2001

AWARD WINNING AD CAMPAIGN

Marks the launch of our award winning campaign both in Europe and India.

 

2004

ALBERTO CIASCHINI JOINS HIDESIGN AS LEAD DESIGNER

Hidesign introduces new lead designer, Alberto Ciaschini of Italy. Our multi-cultural design team continues to expand on the Hidesign signature look – creating classic styles with a contemporary edge.

Alberto’s first bag designed for Hidesign – Ayesha named after Dilip’s daughter.

 

2007

THE AGE OF COLLABORATION

Hidesign begins collaborations with various internationally well known groups as a part of its growth and expansion strategy.

 

2010

HIDESIGN LAUNCHES ITS FLAGSHIP STORE IN PONDICHERRY, INDIA

Hidesign opens its four story flagship store at the heart of Pondicherry, with unique features like the Hidesign café on the top floor, museum pieces, heritage and story of Hidesign and art pieces.

 

2012

LAUNCH OF LUXURY COLLECTION BY HIDESIGN

Hidesign proudly announces its luxury sub-brand designed by Alberto Ciaschini and forging the best creative alliances to foray into a new arena of customers.

 

2013

HIDESIGN EXPANDS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO WITH SUNGLASSES

Hidesign launches its sunglasses collection and ensures its new product category speaks the same brand values of being natural, handcrafted & eco friendly.

 

2014

HIDESIGN CELEBRATES 35 YEARS WITH ICON COLLECTION

Hidesign launches some of its earliest styles to commemorate 35 years with the Icon collection, the Icon book and the travelling Icon exhibition.

 

2015

HIDESIGN LAUNCHES FOOTWEAR & STATIONERY

Hidesign increases its leather offering through category expansion into footwear with a focus on quality & comfort through vegetable tanned, leather lined shoes. Solid brass barrel pens and leather bound note books added to Hidesign’s gift range.

 

2016

HIDESIGN INTRODUCES EAST INDIA LEATHERS

The collection highlights Geographical Indicator G.I. marked East India Leathers uniquely vegetable tanned from Southern India.

 

2018

HIDESIGN MARKS 40 YEARS WITH HIDESIGNxKALKI

Hidesign collaborates with actor, poet, activist and fellow Pondicherrian Kalki Koechlin to co-design a collection.