Brune & Bareskin Founder Speaks of the Rise of Bespoke Leather in India

When you think of luxury, you often imagine Italian shoes, French handbags, or Swiss craftsmanship. But over the past decade, India has slowly carved its own place in this world of fine detailing, precision, and bespoke design. At the centre of this movement stands Tabby Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Brune & Bareskin, who, at just 25, took a bold step that would change the narrative of Indian craftsmanship forever.

Reflecting on his beginnings, the founder recalls the defining spark: “When I joined our family factory and started handling the accounts, one thing really struck me, the same products we were making were being sold internationally at prices that went from Rs. 10,000 in production to nearly Rs. 2.4 lakhs at retail. That was a defining moment. We had the resources, world-class craftsmanship, and a skilled workforce right here in India. So I thought, why not create our own brand, India’s first bespoke luxury label!” That idea turned into more than a brand; it became a movement. Over the past 10 years, this vision has transformed into a global story, putting Indian-made products on international red carpets and in the wardrobes of cricketing icons, film stars, and discerning customers worldwide.

Building a Global Identity

The path from a homegrown startup to an internationally recognised label wasn’t easy. But for Tabby Bhatia, the journey has been defined by milestones that validated the dream. “The defining moment was when our journey went from serving bespoke customers to achieving milestones like delivering to the BCCI team, receiving a special order from Reliance, making it to the Oscars red carpet, and opening flagship stores. Those achievements marked our true transformation,” he shares with pride. It was this transition from passion-driven beginnings to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global luxury brands that cemented the company’s identity. The founder emphasises that every leap came from sticking to the basics: personalisation, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

India’s leather industry has long been dominated by legacy names, but Tabby Bhatia saw a gap and thus came the idea of Brune & Bareskin. Younger buyers wanted something different — a blend of youthfulness, bold design, and accessibility without compromising quality. “We focused on bespoke services, hand-patina finishes, and bold designs that spoke to a new generation. At the same time, we made sure to offer the same international quality at bridge-to-luxury prices. That mix of youthfulness, personalisation, quality, and value helped us carve our own space,” he explains. This philosophy not only attracted first-time buyers but also turned them into loyal customers. Today, nearly three-fourths of the brand’s customers are repeat buyers. 

The Art of Bespoke and Patina

One of the most remarkable features has been its bespoke and patina services, offerings that make each piece a work of personal art. “The idea for Brune & Bareskin came from a simple realisation, people don’t just want to buy luxury, they want to own something that feels uniquely theirs,” says Tabby Bhatia. Customers are invited to co-create, choosing shades, initials, finishes, and even experimenting with daring colours. The founder notes how this service became more than a purchase, it became an experience. In a market where luxury often feels distant, this approach made customers feel connected and represented.

Leather craftsmanship is centuries old, but modern luxury demands both heritage and progress. As the founder puts it: “We make sure to keep the old techniques alive — hand-finishing, detailing, and the care that only a skilled artisan can give. At the same time, we bring in innovation with new treatments, colours, and designs to keep things modern.” The result? Products that carry the soul of tradition while still appealing to contemporary tastes. This balance has been the backbone of the brand’s DNA.

Before Tabby Bhatia founded his label, the family business had already built a legacy of manufacturing for global luxury houses. That legacy shaped not just the brand’s DNA, but its ambition. “When you’ve spent years crafting for global luxury houses, you learn the value of precision, quality, and timeless design. That experience shaped everything we stand for,” he says. It was also reinforced by national recognition — Tabby’s father, Mr Ranbir Singh Bhatia, was awarded the Best Exporter Award from the President of India. “That recognition gave him the confidence to expand, and it’s because of that vision and infrastructure that today we’re able to deliver world-class quality,” Tabby explains.

Collaborations That Speak Volumes

Over the years, collaborations have played a powerful role. Designing for BCCI, IPL teams, and personalities such as MS Dhoni and Hrithik Roshan not only tested their skills but also elevated credibility. “With BCCI, they wanted a very specific English tan shade across categories, which no other brand could achieve. For IPL, creating bright purple bags for KKR and yellow for CSK really tested our craftsmanship. Both projects were milestones we’re very proud of,” Tabby recalls. High-profile associations like these, he believes, are more than just publicity: “Celebrity and sports tie-ups build instant trust, but they also push our creative boundaries. It strengthens both our credibility and our craft.”

With over two lakh customers worldwide and a decade of excellence, Brune & Bareskin stands as a reminder that luxury isn’t only about heritage from the past, but also about daring to reimagine the future.