When British luxury tableware house Thomas Goode opened its flagship store at The Oberoi, New Delhi earlier this year, it was more than a routine retail debut.
For the nearly 200-year-old brand — renowned for gracing the tables of royalty and dignitaries — the move marked its formal entry into one of the world’s most dynamic luxury markets. For India’s hosts, collectors and wedding planners, it promised access to craftsmanship rarely seen on home soil.
A few months on, Thomas Goode is back in the spotlight, this time at the Vogue Wedding Atelier 2025 at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. The event, a showcase for high-end wedding services, fashion and design, proved the ideal stage for the brand to present both its heritage and its contemporary, bespoke creations for Indian celebrations.
Heritage rooted in craftsmanship
Founded in 1827 in Mayfair, London, Thomas Goode built its reputation supplying fine bone china, crystal and silverware to European royalty and aristocracy. Its archives include commissions for monarchs — from dinner services for Queen Victoria to bespoke sets for Indian princely states.
Today, that tradition of meticulous craftsmanship is paired with collaborations with modern luxury houses and an expanding international presence.
Dr Reshma Khattar Bhagat, Director of Thomas Goode, says bringing the brand to New Delhi was a natural step. “India is a place where craftsmanship and luxury have always been appreciated. Our heritage fits beautifully with the Indian love for artistry and detail — and our bespoke capabilities allow us to cater to everything from intimate dinners to grand weddings,” she explains.
The Delhi flagship: heritage meets hospitality
The brand’s first Indian store at The Oberoi, New Delhi, emerged from a partnership between BI Luxury — developers of Trident Residences in association with The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts — and Thomas Goode’s London headquarters.
The Oberoi, known for refined service and discreet elegance, was chosen deliberately to mirror the brand’s ethos. Inside, customers can browse classic porcelain patterns revived from the archives, contemporary collaborations with global designers, ready-to-purchase tableware, or commission bespoke designs.
From store to stage at the Vogue Wedding Atelier
If the flagship introduced Thomas Goode to Delhi’s luxury clientele, its appearance at the Vogue Wedding Atelier 2025 was about showing its potential in India’s celebration space.
The capsule presentation included an exclusive gifting section featuring Thomas Goode originals and partner collections from Dolce & Gabbana, Herend, Moser and Studio Glass.
“It was an honour to showcase Thomas Goode in India at the Vogue Wedding Atelier 2025, alongside distinguished Indian and international brands like Brioni and Elie Saab. The event was a celebration of craftsmanship, luxury and creativity — values at the heart of everything we do,” Dr Bhagat says.
Andrew Guest, Brand Director (UK), explains, “We have an area dedicated to gifting, showing Thomas Goode’s signature pieces as well as partner brands. We also have a bespoke area, because the real strength of Thomas Goode is our ability to create personalised tablescapes and interior products — whether it’s monogrammed glassware, custom dinner services, or tailored linen and leather accessories.”
A blend of past and present
At the centre of the display were six striking place settings blending heritage and modern design. Among them were reproductions from the archives, including a dinner service created for Queen Victoria — complete with an original sample plate — and tableware once made for Indian royalty such as the Maharaja of Baroda.
These sat alongside modern creations, including a set from Dolce & Gabbana. “We also have contemporary dinner sets, some from our own studio, ranging from simple to ornate decoration,” Andrew says. “That contrast — between timeless patterns and modern design — is part of what makes the Thomas Goode experience unique.”
Why India, why now
For Dr Bhagat, the timing of Thomas Goode’s Indian entry reflects more than market potential. She points to a growing desire among Indian consumers for products with a story, heritage and personal connection.
“It’s not just about buying something beautiful,” she says. “It’s about knowing where it comes from, who made it, and how it can be made to reflect your personality or your family’s traditions.”
Customisation sits at the heart of this appeal. Clients can co-create with the brand’s designers — from monogrammed china for weddings to glassware etched with a family crest or motifs drawn from personal history.
Adding to India’s wedding repertoire
Andrew says the response at the Atelier has been encouraging, with visitors intrigued by the possibilities. “Some have been excited about what they could do for their weddings, while stylists have shared ideas for table centrepieces and custom dinnerware to match their design mood boards,” he notes. “Even here at this show, there are no direct competitors for what we do — our level of craftsmanship makes us stand apart.”
For India’s luxury wedding market — one of the largest in the world — the bespoke approach is a natural fit. A custom-designed dinner service or unique table setting can become a talking point, even a family heirloom.
Dr Bhagat adds, “With our bespoke capabilities, we aim to cater not only to collectors and connoisseurs but also to those looking for unique creations for weddings, interiors and special occasions. It’s about creating something that feels personal and enduring.”
Craftsmanship as an edge
While India has no shortage of luxury brands, Thomas Goode’s blend of heritage, craftsmanship and personalisation is rare. Each piece — whether porcelain from leading European manufacturers, crystal from Bohemia, or silverware crafted by master artisans — meets exacting standards.
“Our history is part of what people respond to,” Andrew says. “When you hold a Thomas Goode plate, you’re not just holding porcelain — you’re holding a tradition that has served kings, queens and dignitaries for nearly two centuries.”
Looking ahead
Thomas Goode plans to build on the momentum from its Delhi flagship and high-profile showcases, with an eye on expanding bespoke services and exploring pop-up presentations in other cities.
For now, the combination of a permanent home at The Oberoi and the buzz from the Vogue Wedding Atelier is generating the kind of awareness that new markets demand.
“We are here to blend the heritage of Thomas Goode with the richness of Indian hospitality. That, to me, is the perfect pairing,” Dr Bhagat says.
