Bollywood beauty Adi Rao Hydari walked the runway as showstopper for the designer dressed in an ivory chikankari lehenga worn with a short jacket…reports Tanya Banon
The grande dame of Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar, showcased her collection on Day two of FDCI Hyundai India Couture Week in association with Reliance Brands. The lexicon of the Ritu Kumar design aesthetic is so entrenched in Indian fashion, that it has become ubiquitous and synonymous with Indian Couture.
The OG of Indian design and the first revivalist of Indian craftsmanship and textiles, received a standing ovation for her collection which featured India’s rich textile tradition woven into modern silhouettes replete with intricate embroidery.
An amalgamation of vintage patina, burnished hues, metallic tones, a balance of motifs like paisleys, boots and flowers, were tastefully added to lehengas, dhoti pants teamed with jackets, saris, embroidery corsets under Maharaja coats stood testament to Kumar’s heritage and fashion repertoire. The country owes much of its design ethos to the revival work done by the first ‘barefoot doctor’ of Indian fashion.
Bollywood beauty Adi Rao Hydari walked the runway as showstopper for the designer dressed in an ivory chikankarilehenga worn with a short jacket.
The collection encapsulates a new feminine aesthetic through heritage textiles and nuanced classicism on dresses, jackets, capes, and anarkalis. The complexity of the glittering kasab and floral kashidakari are laid out with couture tailoring which makes the collection timeless and familiar while paving the way for what’s to come.
This season, Kumar’s legacy stays intact while the mood mirrors the style of today’s India.
The apparel is crafted with premium-quality fabrics that are lightweight and perfect for the summer, such as cotton voile, poplin, modal, rayon moss, and chiffon…designer Ritu Kumar interacts with Puja Gupta.
Lockdown and pandemic are not at all a hamper for fashion aspirants. Catering to an increasing trend of work-from-home, athleisure and an overall need for more relaxed casual wear, veteran designer Ritu Kumar has launched Label Basics under her fashion brand.
An interaction with Amrish Kumar, Managing Director of Label Ritu Kumar, to know more about the new collection and how it aims to cater to the ever changing consumer consumption patterns.
Excerpts:
The brand has always been known for the heritage prints and rich colors. Label Basics seems a change in direction and aesthetics, tell us more.
Over the past year and so, there has been a sharp shift in the way in which we dress. While comfort and function were attributes previously kept ensconced in our homes, they are now accepted in work and public, for often they occupy the same space.
As a brand, we understood that business models need to be agile and willing to accommodate such transitions. Our introduction of Label Basics, explores the new way of dressing comfortable and easy with elements traditional to the Ritu Kumar labelï high-quality fabrics, fascinating prints, patterns and seamless dressing.
With a new more extensive product line, Basics will now enjoy greater visibility in our portfolio with dedicated sections in-stores. We’re certain that the Label Ritu Kumar patron will resonate with this collection as well that brings together timeless style and comfort.
Elevated essentials and relaxed wear are the way in 2021. What does the new line have to offer?
Catering to an increasing trend of work-from-home, athleisure and an overall need for more relaxed casual wear, Label Basics are a perfect addition to any wardrobe. It is focused on versatile pieces that are stylish yet comfortable, this is the new must-have for the homebound generation. Think of fuss-free dresses, relaxed bottoms and easy co-ord sets all pointing to a sense of minimalism with well-cut, comfortable shapes and quality materials.
The apparel is crafted with premium-quality fabrics that are lightweight and perfect for the summer, such as cotton voile, poplin, modal, rayon moss, and chiffon. The placid and soft colour palette includes the summer classics ranging from blush pinks, tropical greens and sky blues, to deep hues such as monochrome blacks and browns. The line also offers a sharp price, making it more accessible to the average consumer and the consumer wrought by the pandemic.
Fashion is consumed very differently now. In your opinion, what is the priority?
As our lives shifted in the pandemic, so did fashion. Given the spike in working from home and an affinity to dress in athleisure, we’ve witnessed an increasingly functional approach being adopted to fashion dressing down stylishly has now become central to our work-from-home philosophy. While consumers enjoy innovation and new styles, purchases are being made very differently. There is an increased focus on durability, longevity, and sustainability as opposed to one-time-wear pieces. It is key to focus on these sensibilities stylish comfort and durability while providing the consumer with a friendly price point.
The past year was difficult for all. What have been your takeaways as a brand.
High functionality will drive the future of fashion. Clothes that are easy to transition from workwear and daywear to evening or travel wear. However, we can speculate what the future will look like but, at the end of the day, only time will tell how fashion will evolve in the next year.
WFH generation prefers comfortable yet chic clothing. What do you think is going to be some preferred looks?
Label Basics offer customers the best in quality and styles at sharp prices. Each product from this collection is fashioned from fabrics that are soft, lightweight and ideal for the summer, for working and lounging at home and dressed up for the evening with statement pieces and accessories. The summer-friendly maxi dresses synthese this philosophy with their innate comfort and style.
How would you define Label Basics in one line?
Label BASICS are fashion essentials for a seamless transition of work-from-home to out with elevated everyday essentials for day to day work and so much more, with an element of year-round style.
