GQ India hits newsstands

GQ's India edition has hit newsstands, marking the men's title's 15th edition around the world. As reported here previously by Campaign India, the title, edited by former Reuters hand Che Kurrien, will be priced at Rs 100 and is looking to position itself as the lifestyle magazine for the affluent urban Indian male.
GQ India's first issue features actors Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Rampal and cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who have been shot by leading fashion photographer Pascal Chevallier.

Alex Kuruvilla, managing director, Condè Nast India said on the launch, "I am very excited to be leading Condé Nast's second iconic title launch into India. Across every industry, the Indian man is more powerful than ever, driving growth and prosperity, and attracting the world's most prestigious brands. With a disposable income of US$100,000 a year, the GQ India man is affluent, evolved, sophisticated and  knows he's a trendsetter—and enjoys  being ahead of the curve. It's time he gets a magazine he deserves."
Arjun Mehra, publisher director Condé Nast India said, "We have been inundated by requests from our advertisers to launch a world class magazine like GQ in India. There is a huge vacuum in the men's luxury market and GQ will bridge that gap. Our launch issue showcases over 120 pages of advertising supported by every major luxury brands."

For GQ India, Condé Nast intends to use above-the-line activities such as billboards across key cities and eye-catching point-of-sale displays. Like Vogue, GQ will be relying on the Living Media Group's distribution services.

Oona Dhabhar, marketing director, Condé Nast India said, "We need to reach the elusive, affluent Indian man to ensure that GQ is positioned as a must have for him. For the launch we will be using outdoors and television, where we will air a fun engaging French commercial that we have adapted for India.  I am sure the reader is going to connect instantly with the brand."