Brands
LeEco launches Super TVs; to invest Rs 1330 cr in Indian content
MUMBAI: LeEco claims to have ushered in new era of content integrated TVs in India with the launch of its Super3 series of Super TVs. Now there are strong indications or rumours that the company is now contemplating a slew of partnerships with leading names in the media -entertainment industry for content aggregation.
Bolstering its content ecosystem seems logical for a company like LeEco that has been very vocal about its content proposition as its key differentiator. Now it appears to have seriously embarked on upping its content offerings across movies, drama, sports, games and more.
It is speculated that LeEco is already in discussions with local content producers and international studios for content tie-ups and has started work towards developing in-house shows and formats.At the Super TVs launch event, the company made its intentions clear about looking at investing close to $200 million (Rs 1330 crores) into developing content for India, including its own produced content, over the next two to three years. If this is to be believed, then LeEco will really raise the bar in the industry when it comes to content integration into devices like smartphones & TVs.
Currently LeEco claims that their Super TV users will get to access about 2000 Full HD/HD films from Hollywood and Bollywood, more than 100 satellite TV channels, 3.5 million songs (coming soon by software upgrade), and more than 50live concerts. Sources reveal that in the coming months, the global corporate will most likely acquire more than 1000+ hours of content and might offer more than 15 HD channels as part of Le Live to its users.
It is also expected that LeEco will expand its offerings from entertainment to include popular games Rumour has it that LeEco will introduce over 500+ games in the next few months for its Super TVs and mobiles, eliminating the need for console gaming. These seem like ambitious moves and if true, will certainly makeLeEco a game-changer in the OTT-Content business in India.
Globally as well, for its TV business, LeEco is reportedly significantly ramping up its activities. Last week it announced the US$2 billion acquisition of smart TV manufacturer Vizio. In a recent move, LeEco is also rumoured to be exploring a content deal with Netflix.
This looks like an interesting time for the Smart devices industry both globally and in India. And content seems to be king-pin to lead this charge into the future.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches accessories brand Maejoy
The Bollywood star’s lifestyle brand, built with Myntra and Exceed Entertainment, promises aspirational fashion without the high price tag
MUMBAI: Malaika Arora is not the first Bollywood star to put her name on a brand, and she will not be the last. But Maejoy, the accessories label she has launched in partnership with Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL) and talent outfit Exceed Entertainment, at least has a sharper pitch than most. The brand drops with 250-plus styles spanning handbags and lab-grown diamond jewellery, two categories that sit squarely in the sweet spot between aspiration and affordability, and lands on Myntra’s platform from day one, putting it in front of millions of shoppers without breaking a sweat.
The handbag range covers the full gamut: crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, workwear classics, backpacks and clutches, rendered in synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestone and metallic finishes. The jewellery line runs to rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets in silver, gold and rose-gold tones, set in 925 sterling silver with IGI and GCI certified lab-grown diamonds. The brand’s guiding philosophy, “The Joy of Being Me,” stakes its claim on individuality and self-expression; its three brand pillars, Authentic, Empowering, Accessible, are the usual suspects, though the lab-grown diamond bet is savvier than it sounds. Lab-grown stones now sell at a fraction of the price of mined ones, and the category is growing fast in India as younger buyers wise up to the arbitrage.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business, or through my personal style, I’ve championed the idea that fashion should be empowering yet effortless. The brand aims to democratise global fashion trends while offering women something that extends the feeling of luxury every day, be it a lab-grown diamond or a perfectly crafted handbag,” said Malaika Arora, founder of Maejoy
MJIPL, the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra, is putting its design and brand-building muscle behind the venture. Suman Saha, chief experience officer and head of house of brands at MJIPL, was bullish on the tie-up.
“Maejoy brings together Malaika Arora’s distinctive style perspective with a strong proposition in the accessible yet elevated accessories space. We believe the brand’s fashion-forward designs and thoughtful positioning will connect strongly with discerning consumers.”
Suman Saha, chief experience officer, head of house of brands, MJIPL
Afsar Zaidi, chief executive of Exceed Entertainment, the talent management firm that helped broker the deal, has worked with MJIPL before and was characteristically direct about what makes Arora an unusually bankable partner.
“Building celebrity-led brands requires a delicate balance of authenticity and market viability. Malaika is a rare talent who commands equal respect as a fashion icon and a savvy businesswoman. We are proud to facilitate this partnership that brings together her creative clout and Myntra’s brand-building excellence,” said Zaidi
Celebrity fashion brands live or die on one question: does the star actually wear it, or is the cheque the only thing they signed? Arora, who has spent three decades as one of Bollywood’s most-watched style references, has at least built a plausible case. Maejoy is live now on www.myntra.com and the Myntra app. The real test, whether shoppers buy the handbag or just the hype, starts today.
