Judith Leiber Couture brings crystals and whimsy to Delhi with their new store

Spanning a 70-year legacy, Judith Leiber Couture’s bags, clutches and miniatures have been red carpet staples, conversation starters that bring crystal-studded whimsy to any evening. Its famed minaudières, small evening bags sculpted into quirky, artistic forms, have long been considered objets d’art, cementing their status as coveted collectibles.

Closer home, the brand has re-entered India’s luxury retail space with a brick-and-mortar store at The Chanakya in Delhi. The brand’s first foray into the Indian market was over a decade ago, with the Marigold Group which opened a flagship store at DLF Emporio in New Delhi.

While the Delhi-versus-Mumbai fashion debate continues, the choice of Delhi felt natural, says Chandni Agarwal, chairman, managing director and founder of Sparsh India Couture, the retail arm of Sparsh Industries leading the India launch now. “Delhi has always been the heartbeat of India’s luxury landscape. It has evolved from consumption to curated appreciation; everyone here wants the best,” she says.

Minaudières by Judith Leiber Couture
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

With the Indian luxury market projected to touch nearly $14 billion by 2026, Chandni, who is also the India spokesperson for Judith Leiber Couture, notes that Delhi continues to hold the largest share. “With new luxury malls and evolving retail spaces, there’s little comparison with any other city right now,” she adds.

At The Chanakya, the intimate, compact store of 192 square feet— “like stepping into a jewel box,” as Chandni describes it — features a curated edit of signature silhouettes, including bow top handle bags and crystal-studded minaudières. The compact space, she says, was intentionally designed, as one in which customers can engage closely with the craftsmanship on each piece.

The sparkling minaudières on display take the form of French fries, cupcakes, London’s red phone booths, crowns, tiaras, espresso martinis and butterflies. There are also designs tailored for the Indian market, such as the Parrot Scarlet, Elephant Majestic, famously carried by Guneet Monga at the Academy Awards for The Elephant Whisperers, and the Ganesh Shri minaudières.

At the retail space in The Chanakya
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The curation reflects the Indian luxury consumer: someone who styles for both contemporary evenings and grand weddings, where traditional craftsmanship and overall styling come together.

Chandni believes the brand’s aesthetic aligns naturally with Indian sensibilities, especially among younger buyers. “We love celebration and ornamentation. While earlier generations leaned towards logos, Gen Z is driven by storytelling, versatility and emotional connection,” she says.

Parrot Bali minaudière
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Alongside the current selection, the store will see seasonal drops and India-exclusive pieces. “We’ll also respond to customer feedback and evolve the curation, while working with the brand on more India-specific designs,” Chandni adds.

Judith Leiber Couture is now at The Chanakya, Delhi. Prices upwards of ₹1.25 lakh.