A Celebration of Fashion and Art

Media News

Mumbai, January 22, 2010

Through the years Ritu Kumar has been synonymous with reviving crafts and textile techniques through a uniquely brilliant interpretation. Today her creations are part of an indigenous lexicon of design and have themselves become heirloom pieces. For the first time, since the 1980s, these heritage designs are being placed on display and are being made available through bespoke orders.

To mark the occassion, Ritu Kumar has invited two young talented artists Hanif Kureshi and Juhie Gupta, to develop their own interpretation of her unique handwriting, as installations created by them. Hanif Kureshi and Juhie Gupta are contemporary artists of our time. Juhie’s "Weave" symbolizes the complex randomness of a thought as it is woven in the mind of its creator, whereas Hanif’s ‘The Old and the New’ amplifies the plurality of today’s India. A blend of cutting edge experimental design with classical aesthetics.

Vogue India and Ritu Kumar are  celebrating this collaboration on 21st January 2010. These installations will be on view at the flagship Ritu Kumar store at High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai.

Says Priya Tanna, Editor Vogue India, "We are particularly proud of this collaboration for Ritu Kumar is not just a brand, but a name that has been symbolic and instrumental in dressing generations of Indian women. While it has been breathtaking to witness Ritu’s rich contribution to fashion, it is equally interesting to observe the progressive evolution of the label. Tonight’s coming together of classic and cool is like the meeting place for different generations of Ritu Kumar wearers."

For the first time in 25 years, creations from the House of Ritu Kumar will be available as a Bespoke Tailoring Service. "We are proud to display archival pieces that have never before been open to purchase. Iconic pieces with one-of-a-kind prints and colours, finest quality fabric, stunning embroideries and flattering silhouettes with unmatched attention to detail and finish", says Ritu Kumar.

Among these are wardrobes for Miss Universe and Miss World competitions, winners of the best evening gown and best national costume, worn by Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta. This is a unique opportunity to see all the pieces on display at one location in the city. Also on display will be the Festive Winter 2010 designs and a collection of modern coats which draw heavily from indigenous roots and marries well with a contemporary idiom, a quality which has been a trademark of the designer over the years.

Celebrating 40 years, Designer Ritu Kumar’s distinguished career has successfully nurtured the skills of craftspeople from across India, the richest textile heritage the world has seen. Vibrant tie-dyes of the Kutchh, the unsurpassed beauty of Kashmiri Jamavar, delicate Mukesh and Chikankari from Lucknow, the intricate Kalamkari’s of Andhra, mesmerizing weaves of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, exquisite Zardozi and metal embroideries of Bengal, have been brought together to create alluring outfits that celebrate the Indian woman : Spirited, Elegant and Feminine.

Today, Ritu Kumar is recognized as one of the finest aesthete of her time and has recently been awarded with the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, a Knighthood from the French cultural ministry.

For further information, please contact:

LinOpinion

Rajlaxmi Borkotoky

Mobile: +91 98921 22598

Email: rajlaxmi.borkotoky@loweworldwide.com