Interview: Ketan Pishe, Partner of PN RAO, Men’s Suit Brand

An interview with Ketan Pishe, Partner of PN RAO, Men’s Suit Brand

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Ketan Pishe, Partner at PN RAO, a distinguished name in men’s tailoring. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs, PN RAO has set the standard for elegance in men’s suits.

Ketan offers unique insights into the brand’s enduring success, their approach to modern tailoring, and what sets their suits apart in a competitive market.

Can you start by telling us a bit about the history of P N RAO and what inspired its founding?

Ketan Pishe: The brand took wings in 1923 birthed by Late Shri Pishe Narayan Rao who started off as a women’s wear brand dressing up British ladies who went to the races, making 16 dresses apiece at the rate of 1 dress per race (Each season has 16 races).

Post attaining Independence when the Britishers started leaving the country, the eldest son of Late Shri Pishe Narayan Rao, Late Shri Panduranga Rao, learnt the art of pattern making of men’s suits and the rest is history.

The acceptability of P N RAO’s men’s suits for its craftsmanship, quality, and eye for details drew discerning customers from all corners of Bengaluru to the, at that time only store, on M G Road. Being closer to the customer, listening to customer’s feedback and perfecting the art of suit making.

In the year 2008, the first expansion happened with the second store opening in Bengaluru in Jayanagar.

What truly inspired him was the desire to offer something truly exceptional, unique and a
well-crafted suit to Indians. He aimed to serve the customers who valued both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

By focusing on quality and craftsmanship, P N RAO has built a reputation for excellence and continues to be a significant player in the Indian fashion industry.

P N RAO is known for its premium suits and accessories. What do you believe sets your brand apart from others in the industry?

Ketan Pishe: When it comes to premium suits and accessories, P N RAO has earned a unique place in the industry. What truly sets our brand and collection apart from the rest of the players is the unique blend of tradition, innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship.

We have always carefully selected the finest fabrics and employ skilled artisans to craft each garment. Every suit is a testament to our dedication to excellence, reflecting not just a product, but an experience of sophistication and elegance.

Our approach to customer service is truly personalized. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, we ensure that each client’s unique preferences are met with precision and care. Our goal is to provide not just a tailored suit, but an exceptional experience that leaves a lasting impression.

How do you stay ahead of trends in the highly competitive fashion and accessories market?

Ketan Pishe: We keep close track of fashion trends which helps us to combine cutting-edge designs while retaining our distinctive blend of traditional workmanship and modern beauty. We invest in research and development.

Our design team is always experimenting with new fabrics, techniques, and designs which corroborate with the latest fashion trends to push the limits of classic fashion. This spirit of creativity ensures that our collections are both contemporary and ahead of the curve. While we adapt to trends, we never compromise the artistry and quality that defines P N RAO.

How do you incorporate innovation into your designs and business practices?

Ketan Pishe: We design apparel by thoroughly studying current trends and consumer preferences. We invest in cutting-edge technology and research to investigate fresh materials, processes, and design concepts.

Our team routinely combines sophisticated textile technology and bespoke tailoring techniques to create outfits that are both fashionable and comfortable apparel.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with current technologies, we ensure that each piece is a one-of-a-kind blend of legacy and contemporary flair.

How would you describe the company culture at P N RAO?

Ketan Pishe: Our culture values innovation and promotes creativity. We believe in encouraging our staff to think outside the box and try new things. This culture of openness and experimentation enables us to remain ahead of trends and consistently create fresh, fashionable goods that resonate with our clients.

Every team member, from designers to tailors, is dedicated to providing high-quality clothes. Our culture is based on a profound commitment to providing great service and personalized experiences. This customer-centric strategy ensures that we develop long-term connections and continually exceed expectations.

Can you share a lesson or piece of advice that has been instrumental in your journey with P N RAO

Ketan Pishe: My father has seen, face to face the struggles and hardships of his father Late Shri Pishe Narayan Rao and his son Late Shri Panduranga Rao.

When I close my eyes and imagine the situation, this has taught me the importance of sacrifice for the greater good of all; step-up during hard times, roll-up your sleeves and get into the act”

How do you envision the future of P N RAO, and what message would you like to convey to your customers and industry peers?

Ketan Pishe: Our mission for P N RAO is to forge ahead adding more feathers to its cap. Grow beyond our current position and achieve greater milestones in the fashion industry and set a trail blazing example, through innovation and excellence.

At P N AO, we strive to create designs that combine timeless elegance with modern trends. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unwavering.

Our customer happiness is our first priority, and we are delighted to bring you even more inventive and elegant offerings tailored to your specific likes and preferences.

From a brand visibility perspective, our vision is to spread wings into Tier 2 and 3 cities and make P N RAO a household name and the first-go-to brand when one thinks of “fine garments”. 

Ketan Pishe’s perspective sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative spirit behind PN RAO’s success. His insights not only illuminate the brand’s commitment to quality but also highlight the evolving nature of men’s fashion.

As PN RAO continues to redefine elegance, Ketan’s expertise ensures that the brand remains a beacon of sophistication and style.

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