Bridal Bouquet

Back home,however,the Ritu Kumar show at the Chandigarh Fashion Week will open with a collection of black and gold. “These intricately worked garments give the feel of what could be described as India’s version of minimal dressing,” Kumar explains adding that for the line she’s worked with dapka,mukaish and a range of metallic embellishments. The silhouettes are equally varied and will portray the hugely skilled craftsmanship and the designer’s repertoire in evening gowns,chogas,long tunics,kutchi gathered coats worn over divided loose pants to give a kaleidoscope of images.

That line would be followed up with a white and silver collection. The high point of the line,as Kumar mentions,is the ‘Peshwas’ cut from a very fine khadi in off-white,woven in a long forgotten village in Bengal. Embellished with gota and silver trims to make up a study in aesthetics,the line will showcase gowns replete with diamond and zardozi work,the gossamer white on white chikan and more. The last half of the collection will begin with a soft pastel line — the peshwaz and lehenga are pure classics in a genre which is vintage Ritu Kumar with its use of subtle colours,intricate embellishments,dull gold and metallic threads,interspersed with a line of antique looking textiles. Interestingly,the designer’s revival work will be to the fore and it’s this splash of exuberance which will conclude the show. As Kumar puts it,“The colour and sensuous quality of what is exotic in Indian clothing I think will come through with a vigour and a sense of bindaas style which is rejuvenating the traditional conventional norm with its Bohemian take on fashion.” We can’t wait to watch!