Ritu Kumar, the pioneer of Indian fashion, existed before anyone else. It is the pinnacle of a timeless style that, as Indians, we know to be lovely. We see ladies we admire wearing it, it makes us nostalgic for home, and we strive to wear it ourselves. It represents the real glitz and glamour of India to us.
The Ritu Kumar design style has become so ingrained in Indian fashion that you hardly even notice it when you are looking at it.
It’s the kurta’s layout design, the harmony of scale in the paisley and buti, the vintage patina of the vegetable color, and the dexterity of the babka gold thread curled around a floral motif. The first “barefoot doctor” of Indian fashion is largely responsible for the nation’s design ethos. While the atmosphere this season reflects the fashion of contemporary India, the legacy is maintained. The collection’s Dresses, Jackets, Capes, and Anarkalis showcase a new feminine aesthetic made possible by heritage materials and refined classicism. The intricate design of the shimmering Kasab and floral kashidakari is crafted with couture tailoring, making the ensemble both classic and forward-looking. Indeed, it is the original.