Lotus Arts de Vivre is the legacy of German-born Rolf Von Bueren, who immigrated to Thailand in the 1960s and has made the Asian nation his home. Presently, this legacy is being continued by his son Nicklas Von Bueren who wishes to expand the presence of the brand in India!
Lotus Arts de Vivre has multiple stores across Thailand, USA, China, Malaysia, and Saint Barth, and two stores in India’s Mumbai and New Delhi. Taking inspiration from the region’s nature, culture, and mythology, Lotus Arts de Vivre creatively utilizes rare and auspicious materials like coconut shells, scarab wings, ebony, precious woods, sea shells, and teak to craft extraordinary art.
Lotus Arts de Vivre is all set to launch the all-new ‘Unleash Your Dragon’ Collection in March 2024 – to celebrate the Year of Dragon according to the Chinese Calendar and will be showcasing their spectacular designs in Hyderabad, followed by Mumbai and Chennai.
Q1. What factors led Lotus Arts de Vivre to choose India for expansion?
A1. With a family connection spanning over 40 years and a deep appreciation for India’s rich culture, we found the country to be a perfect fit. Our first shop in India opened more than 30 years ago, solidifying our ties and recognizing the immense growth potential.
Q2. How will your brand adapt to India’s unique cultural and consumer landscape?
A2. At the core of our brand is the emphasis on unique designs using local crafts and materials. Recognizing the cultural diversity of India, we plan to integrate more locally inspired pieces into our collections, ensuring our brand resonates with the Indian consumer.
Q3. What influenced your decision to enter the Indian market at this time?
A3. Our decision is deeply rooted in personal connections and frequent visits to India. These experiences serve as our primary form of market research, providing invaluable insights and reinforcing our confidence in entering the Indian market.
Q4. What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them during your entry into India?
A4. Educating new customers about the essence of Lotus Arts de Vivre and competing with larger luxury brands pose challenges. Our strategy involves a focused effort on emphasizing our unique designs, personalized engagement, and leveraging the active promotion by the founding family to build brand recognition.
Q5. What’s your strategy for positioning Lotus Arts de Vivre in the Indian market?
A5. Our global strategy remains unwavering – personal engagement, promotion through unique designs, and active involvement of the founding family in India. By spending time in the country, meeting our customers, and promoting our brand, we aim to position Lotus Arts de Vivre as a distinguished choice in the Indian market.
Q6. What opportunities make India an attractive market for your brand?
A6. India’s culture of luxury living and gifting aligns seamlessly with Lotus Arts de Vivre. We see opportunities to cater to a growing segment that appreciates luxury and unique designs, positioning our brand as a sought-after choice in the evolving Indian luxury market.
Q7. Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become increasingly important in the luxury industry. How does Lotus Arts de Vivre approach these aspects in your creations?
A7. I’ve noticed that the luxury industry is making a shift to try and incorporate sustainable materials, and often rely on various synthetic alternatives. Previously, we sourced 25 cm wide mother of pearl leaves for pearl creations, but today, they are only available in 15 cm. The diminishing availability of materials and the consideration of appearance pose challenges in maintaining sustainability. Balancing material costs while prioritizing sustainability remains an ongoing struggle for us.
Q8. Over the years, Lotus Arts de Vivre has gained a global following. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered while expanding your brand internationally?
A8. The immediate challenge of course was COVID and being relevant for the new generation. Our old and loyal customers, admirers are now at an age where they don’t buy so much. The next generation of course has a different worldview and buying patterns. The market has changed. More people prefer online and media platforms. But, our products are best perceived when touched and felt. We are happy to have events in Hyderabad and Chennai where we can provide customers with a unique experience, and show the new generation the grandeur of Lotus Arts de Vivre!
