The opening of Baccarat’s first boutique at The Chanakya in New Delhi last week marks a significant milestone in the French crystal-maker’s 260-year-old history. Laurence Nicolas, the brand’s CEO, speaks with Vaishali Dar about its product portfolio and vision for India, and how it stands out in the luxury retail landscape, among others. Edited excerpts:
What part of your product portfolio are you bringing to India?
Baccarat is the first French art de vivre (the art of living well) brand to open a retail store at The Chanakya in New Delhi. As a symbol of French luxury since 1764, the brand offers a unique experience through its exquisite crystal and iconic pieces crafted from refined materials, from dazzling chandeliers to home décor, gifting and barware collections—each creation reflecting a delicate balance between heritage and contemporary design.
What is your vision for India? What are the other cities you plan to expand to?
With a growing base of discerning, globally connected consumers, India is witnessing a cultural and generational shift towards luxury—one that values craftsmanship, heritage, and emotional connection. The rise in high-net-worth individuals, along with a renewed appreciation for art, design, and bespoke experiences, creates an ideal environment for a maison like Baccarat, whose timeless elegance resonates deeply. Following the inauguration of our first boutique at The Chanakya, we will open a new destination this summer on MG Road. From 2026 onwards, we plan to expand our presence to Mumbai, followed by other major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Will you also have an online presence or expand with physical stores only?
For now, Baccarat is exclusively distributed through physical retail in India, but we aim to expand our online presence in the future through our partner Chanakya/DLF.
Baccarat has an interesting connection with India’s erstwhile royals—the Maharajas of Kapurthala, Bikaner, Indore, and Baroda, who have been avid patrons of the brand. What took you so long to enter the Indian market?
Although our story with India began nearly 140 years ago, it is now that a new chapter begins. We took the time to find the right format, the right partner, and the perfect location.
Have you recalibrated your products to meet the unique sale and design requirements of the Indian market?
Key moments in Indian life—weddings, celebrations, and gifting traditions—offer natural opportunities to integrate Baccarat’s creations into meaningful rituals. India’s affinity for grandeur and symbolism aligns beautifully with Baccarat’s universe.
Do you also plan to introduce other luxury sectors like perfumes, hospitality into the Indian market and when?
Luxury fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian will soon bring the Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance to Indian connoisseurs with the opening of its first retail store in Delhi. Created in 2014 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Baccarat, this scent has since become a global icon, admired for its elegance, intensity, and unmistakable signature. Looking ahead, our ambition is to offer Indian clients an enriching and immersive experience of the Baccarat art de vivre. This includes refined hospitality initiatives, such as the Cristal Room by renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic in Hong Kong or our prestigious collaboration with chef Alain Ducasse at the heart of the Maison Baccarat in Paris. With chef Ducasse’s recent opening of a culinary school in Gurugram, we are attentively exploring how such synergies might allow us to bring a similarly elevated experience to India.
Are the ongoing tariff wars impacting your supply and demand globally in any manner?
The global context is challenging due to the lack of visibility and ongoing changes, but Baccarat remains well-equipped. We are therefore working on various scenarios aimed at limiting potential negative consequences, both for our clients and for the company itself.