The luxury culinary industry is a vast field to explore, and it is not only restricted to fine dining experiences, but also dinnerware. The world, as we know it, has become visual-focused, thanks to social media tools like Instagram and TikTok, where a brand’s aesthetics decide its value. However, visual storytelling has been a timeless part of the luxury culinary industry. From the art of plating to high-end tableware, tablescaping has existed since the time of royals, long before Instagram influencers took over reality. The discussion of royalty and tableware is incomplete without considering Thomas Goode & Co.
A brand synonymous with nobility worldwide, Thomas Goode is known for its bespoke luxury porcelain, bone china, and glassware. The storied brand was established in 1827 in London. Two royal warrants highlight the brand’s enduring relationship with the British Royal Family, underlined by their bespoke china for Queen Elizabeth II, and the creation of a dinner service for the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981. The brand, now, has Indian ownership.
Thomas Goode & Co first opened its doors in India in 2019 at The Oberoi, Nariman Point. To further solidify their position, the brand hosted an elegant afternoon event at The Oberoi, Nariman Point, Mumbai, celebrating the convergence of tradition and innovation. The event featured a collaboration with renowned designer Eeshaan Kashyap, who reimagined classic styles with a modern twist.
Set against the sophisticated backdrop curated by Eeshan Kashyap, the event brought together discerning guests, including high-profile socialites, design aficionados, and connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship including Maneka Thadani, Deepika Gehani, Aarti Surendranath, Vikram Raizada to name a few. The curated showcase reflected the brand’s ethos of unmatched quality and attention to detail, highlighting the artistry behind Thomas Goode’s iconic collections.
In an exclusive interview with Mrs. Reshma Khattar Bhagat, Director of Thomas Goode India, she gives us a peek into the dynamics of having an Indian ownership over this British heritage brand, and upcoming collaborations.
LuxuryFacts: What are Thomas Goode’s plans for the Indian luxury market?
Reshma Khattar Bhagat: Thomas Goode is all about bringing the timeless experience of British royalty into people’s homes, and in India, there’s such a deep appreciation for that feeling of grandeur. There’s a unique charm in how Indian consumers embrace luxury, and with Thomas Goode, we want to offer something extraordinary – bringing that elevated, royal experience to discerning homes. It’s about offering more than just products, but a lifestyle that is sophisticated and aspirational, perfectly suited to the Indian market.
How has the partnership with the Oberoi Group benefited Thomas Goode?
The Oberoi Group is synonymous with luxury and impeccable hospitality, which makes this partnership a natural fit for Thomas Goode. Their patrons are those who understand and appreciate the finer things, and this collaboration has helped introduce Thomas Goode to a highly discerning audience. Beyond that, their stunning properties provide the perfect backdrop for us to showcase the brand, making it easier to integrate Thomas Goode into the Indian market in a seamless, authentic way.
How is Thomas Goode’s distinct British heritage being blended with Indian culture?
Thomas Goode’s heritage is deeply British, but the beauty of introducing it to India lies in how we can fuse that elegance with the richness of Indian culture. It’s about taking two distinctive worlds and blending them in a way that feels both seamless and exciting. We’ve carefully curated our offerings to suit the Indian market while preserving the royal experience that Thomas Goode is known for. It’s a beautiful balance of heritage and innovation, allowing us to introduce something truly special to Indian homes.
Our products will continue to be manufactured in the UK and EU, ensuring that we maintain the impeccable craftsmanship and quality that Thomas Goode is known for.
Is Thomas Goode an Indian brand now since the ownership is Indian now?
Even though Thomas Goode now has Indian ownership, it will always remain a British brand at its core. It’s a legacy that has stood for centuries, representing British craftsmanship and royal lifestyle. While we are excited to introduce this legacy to India, Thomas Goode will continue to honor its roots and maintain the essence that has defined it since the 1800s, but we assure you there will surely be now some Indianness attached to the brand’s product offerings.
Where are the products being manufactured?
Our products will continue to be manufactured in the UK and EU, ensuring that we maintain the impeccable craftsmanship and quality that Thomas Goode is known for.
Are there any new products or festive collections launching soon?
We’re very excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Dolce & Gabbana collection. Stay tuned!
Is Thomas Goode collaborating with any other Indian designers or brands?
Yes, we’ve already partnered with Sabyasachi, and we have a few more collaborations in the works. We’ll reveal those details soon, but there’s definitely a lot to look forward to.
How does Thomas Goode plan to cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian consumers – specifically the newer generation?
Luxury never goes out of style, and that’s what makes Thomas Goode so special. No matter the generation, there will always be an audience for something extraordinary, something that stands apart. We believe that the newer generation in India, just like the generations before them, values uniqueness and craftsmanship, and Thomas Goode offers exactly that.
With the relationship between Thomas Goode and Oberoi Group, do we expect to see more Thomas Goode showrooms in other Oberoi hotels across India?
Yes, definitely. We’re thrilled to announce that the second Thomas Goode showroom will be launching in early December at The Oberoi, New Delhi, with the first one being in the Oberoi, Mumbai. This is just the beginning. We’re looking forward to expanding this presence across other Oberoi hotels in the near future.
