Celebrated Indian fashion icon Ritu Kumar, who is renown for dressing beautiful Indian brides and celebrities across the continent, spoke to Saudi Gazette in a an exclusive interview to the Middle East. Kumar said a new India is dictating its fashion preferences and celebrating a freedom of choice and budget. She is reportedly the first woman to introduce the ‘boutique' culture in India and was at a point the only leader in designer wear. Kumar explained the evolution of contemporary Indian fashion. “The modern bride's wardrobe has expanded to encompass traditional saris, cocktail saris, a bridal lehenga, suits ranging from traditional salwar-kameez to fancy anarkalis and finally a number of contemporary western outfits for day-to-day wear.” Kumar's Ramadan collection includes a beautiful selection of classic and modern styles. From elegant salwar suits and churidars to stunning lehengas and saris there is something to suit every taste and mood. The finest and most delicate fabrics such as silk, georgette, chinon and crepe, in a mix of colours, have been embellished with traditional embroideries. The outcome is a manifestation of Ritu Kumar's signature design heritage and legacy built over more than 45 years. “Ramadan is a time when people gather together to celebrate and share the blessings of the Holy month,” she said. It is also a time, when families exchange a lot of gifts especially new outfits to show their affection and generosity. No matter what the occasion - be it a family Iftar, corporate gathering, sohour party or Eid festivities, you are bound to find something to match your style or your loved one's this festive season at Ritu Kumar. Kumar said 45 years ago,when she had joined the fashion industry, it had no retail presence and that was every designer's biggest challenge. But now things have changed because of media and everyone has better access. At the age of 70, she now looks back and tells Saudi Gazette how it all started. “I always wanted to study the history of art and drama which I did when I went to American on a scholarship during my time at Lady Irwing. When I returned to Kolkata, I pursued a course in Indian history and art and was exposed to museology – the study of museums. This is when my interest in crafts began and from there onwards it developed into fashion designing.” She said the Indian fashion industry has undergone a sea of change since she started out 45 years ago. “Weddings these days are much more flamboyant than those of the past, which gives room to designers today to make one-of-a-kind bridal outfits. At the same time, there is a need for ready-to-wear bridal lines that are royal and regal in every way possible as every modern bride wants to wear the very best on her special day.” According to Kumar, weddings these days are much more flamboyant than those of the past which gives room to designers today to make one-of-a-kind bridal outfits. At the same time, there is a need for ready-to-wear bridal lines that are royal and regal in every way possible as every modern bride wants to wear the very best on her special day. Discussing trends, she said wearing contemporary and more stylized bridal outfits is the rage. “While it is great to follow the new fashion trends cropping up, there are many things to be kept in mind when choosing a more fashionable style over the traditional products as so much can go wrong if attention to the finer details is missing.” Kumar's personal style is a mix of kurtas, jeans, chooridaars, palazzo pants, tunics and of course saris.
Her new collection includes a mix of fresh and bright colors. “The fabrics are natural, the looks are crushed and more bohemian, the standard suit is giving way to the co-ordinates, there are many small items in the wardrobe next summer, like interesting scarves and crinkle skirts, layered all one over the other. A distinctive handwriting is left to the buyer rather than only the designer. Accessories are going to be important with baroque and vintage influences.”
