H&S stands as India’s pioneering luxury leather goods brand, created by the prestigious KH Group—a name synonymous with excellence in the global leather industry. Though relatively new, H&S has rapidly established a reputation for producing exceptional dress shoes and accessories for men, select accessories for women, with plans to expand their offerings soon. The brand is distinguished by impeccable craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and classic, elegant designs.

Founded by Mr. Hashim with the simple yet powerful question—“Why not offer the same world-class quality to Indian customers?”—H&S emerged with a clear mission to bring exceptional leather craftsmanship to the Indian market. This vision has flourished into a luxury brand with flagship stores in Chennai and Bangalore, complemented by premium shop-in-shop experiences across six major cities. The brand’s heritage of manufacturing for globally renowned fashion houses and designer brands underpins its unwavering commitment to quality.

At H&S’s core lies a dedication to superior material selection and artisanship. Each piece features leather chosen specifically for its exceptional texture, durability, and rich coloration. This pursuit of excellence has garnered a loyal following among discerning customers who appreciate authentic quality. While initially focused on premium footwear, the brand has evolved steadily while maintaining its foundational values of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.

TheGlitz sat down for a tête-à-tête with Mr. Abdul Wahab, the MD, to uncover the story behind H&S, India’s growing leather luxury powerhouse.

H&S- In Pursuit of Leather Excellence

TheGlitzMedia: Could you share a brief introduction about yourself and highlight the genesis of the brand’s journey?

Abdul Wahab: H&S launched in 2009 as an extension of the prestigious KH Group, aiming to bring world-class leather craftsmanship to Indian consumers with the same exceptional quality provided to major European and American brands. Backed by the KH Group’s experience manufacturing for Coach, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Massimo Dutti, and H&M, we maintain exacting standards in selecting premium leather for texture, durability, and rich colouration. Our skilled artisans apply decades of expertise to every product detail, earning loyalty from discerning customers who value authentic leather craftsmanship.

As the Managing Director of KH Exports, I oversee factory performance and operational excellence and am deeply involved in the financial management and strategic policy development.

TGM: How has the vision of brand H&S evolved over the years?

AW: Obviously, we began with footwear before diversifying into various leather goods, including bags, wallets, and SLGs. Custom shoe design remains central to the brand’s identity, with ongoing technological advancements enhancing our Bespoke Shoe Concept to deliver perfectly tailored footwear to our customer’s needs. Moving forward, we plan to expand our market presence nationally and internationally while maintaining its commitment to exceptional quality, personalised service, and innovative design.

TGM: What sets your leather craftsmanship apart from others in the market?

AW: H&S has pioneered bespoke footwear in India, introducing advanced technology with a state-of-the-art foot scanner from Japan. This innovation provides customers with a truly personalized fit, significantly elevating their experience. Our customized leather shoes allow you to express your individuality through footwear, offering complete control over the design process.

From choosing the perfect leather to selecting the desired colour and style, our expert team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Each pair of shoes is crafted to be truly one-of-a-kind, with personal touches like monogrammed initials, custom-designed patterns, or unique colour combinations. Our skilled artisans meticulously execute your design, ensuring that your customized leather shoes reflect your unique style, making every step a statement of your individuality.

TGM: Does your brand cater mainly to men, or do you offer products for both genders?

AW: While our brand primarily caters to men, we also offer a collection for women that includes handbags and shoes. We are actively working to expand and introduce more styles in the women’s category in the near future.

TGM: Can you highlight some of the best designs or products that the brand offers?

AW: We offer an exquisite range of leather products, featuring premium shoes, bags, belts, wallets, men’s jackets, small leather accessories, and much more. Each piece is crafted with attention to detail and designed to elevate your style.

TGM: How does the brand ensure that each piece meets its high standards of quality and excellence?

AW: We ensure that each piece meets its high standards of quality and excellence through a meticulous process. The leather and materials used undergo rigorous ISO standards testing. Additionally, the leather is processed using a state-of-the-art ‘Zero Liquid Discharge’ (ZLD) process, making it both sustainable and environmentally friendly. Throughout the production line, we implement several stages of quality control to guarantee that the finished product meets international standards. All shoes and sandals comply with BIS standards.

TGM: Which H&S pieces are you wearing as we speak?

AW: I am currently wearing customised shoes from the Umbria collection and carrying the Diamond Weave Laptop Bag.

TGM: What’s next for the brand after the Bengaluru store launch.

AW: From our initial focus on premium footwear, we’ve rapidly evolved under the stewardship of successive generations, each adding their unique vision while maintaining the brand’s core values. The brand’s foundation was laid by Mr. Hashim, whose decades of experience crafting premium leather goods for the international market led him to want to offer the same world-class quality to Indian customers.

Following the successful launch of our Bangalore store in Richmond Town, we’re poised for further expansion. Our robust retail presence already spans major cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, and Vijayawada. However, our journey is far from over. We’re dedicated to broadening our footprint across India, bringing our world-class products to even more customers. The Bangalore store opening reaffirms our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence in a rapidly evolving market.