Indian fashion company Brand Studio Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. has launched its first retail stores in the Middle East, marking its official entry into the UAE market through a partnership with Rapheal Lifestyle.
Three stores in the UAE
The company opened three flagship stores — at BurJuman Mall in Dubai and at Sahara Centre and Mega Mall in Sharjah.
The launch was attended by Indian cricketer and Rapheal Lifestyle brand ambassador Sanju Samson. Cricket expert Aakash Chopra recently suggested that Sanju Samson could be a potential opener for India in the Asia Cup scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, 2025.
Brand Studio Lifestyle is known in India for its fashion brands Highlander and Tokyo Talkies. The UAE expansion aims to offer trend-focused yet affordable fashion for young consumers in the region.
This move follows the company’s swift offline growth in India, where it opened 37 stores in just nine months. Brand Studio Lifestyle is targeting a total of 75 stores across India by March 2026.
The collaboration with Rapheal Lifestyle includes plans for seven more stores in the Middle East by March 2026. The company also aims to expand through various distribution channels as part of a broader omnichannel strategy.
Highlander and Tokyo Talkies
Highlander and Tokyo Talkies have sold over 30 million units across 20,000 locations in India. The brands introduce more than 800 new styles every month, aiming to bring runway-inspired street fashion to everyday buyers.
Supported by a data-driven supply chain and a 300,000 sq. ft. logistics center, Brand Studio Lifestyle works with over 200 vendor partners. Its entry into the Middle East signals a shift from digital-first retail to a wider international presence.
Rapheal Lifestyle
Rapheal Lifestyle is the retail and consumer-facing division of the UAE-based Rapheal Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate involved in construction, glass and aluminium fabrication, film production, and movie distribution across the MENA region.
Led by founder and entrepreneur Mr. Rapheal Pozholilparambil, the company is expanding into lifestyle retail with a focus on accessible fashion and experience-led shopping.
“This is more than just a retail launch — it is about creating a lifestyle experience that’s affordable, accessible, and expressive,” said Mr. Rapheal at the store launch. “With Tokyo Talkies and Highlander, we’re not just bringing in fashion. We’re bringing in a whole new vibe.”
He added, “We are extremely happy to partner with Brand Studio Lifestyle which has a proven track record in setting benchmarks for young, fashion forward fashion.”
Rapheal Lifestyle’s future plans include rapid fashion fulfilment, new verticals in accessories and fragrances, and curated drop shipping for global luxury brands.
Brand Studio Lifestyle
Founded in 2015 and based in Bangalore, Brand Studio Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. is a fashion house behind popular youth-focused brands Highlander and Tokyo Talkies. The company launched its D2C platform Getketch.com in 2021 and currently operates 37 stores across India.
Shyam S Prasad, Co-Founder and CEO, said: “This is a defining chapter in our journey. With our entry into the Middle East, we are exporting a bold, confident Indian fashion identity to the world.”
The company follows a digital-first approach and uses a data-driven supply chain model to quickly bring new styles to market. Its product range includes men’s and women’s western and ethnic wear, with a focus on affordability and trend relevance.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
