Tuesday, May 22, 2012 5:21 PM IST
Acclaimed designer Ritu Beri
Last Updated : 13 Feb 2012 11:02:24 AM IST
Ritu Beri (PTI Photo/File).
After having models scorching the runway in her collections across the globe, Ritu Beri, the veteran designer finally ventured down south. City Express catches up with the designer and speaks with her about her collection, Summerleas and life over the past 20 odd years.“The collection is inspired by our rich culture and heritage. The line comprises of opulent and elaborate silhouettes. The spirit is intrinsically feminine, romantic but flamboyant,” says the designer about her choice of theme. Beri’s collection that started on a milder note turned into a display of grandeur as the show proceeded. The colour palette varied from blood red, classic shades of black and grey, deep maroon, flashy fuchsia to green, tones of blush, pink and lavender mixed with deep, saturated tones of rose, berry, burnt rust and metallic shades with golden or silver tints. The silhouettes exuded a youthful charm, retaining a feel of grandeur.“I kept the silhouettes feminine and romantic and added hints of flamboyancy to it. The treatment of the clothes in terms of embellishments was done only to enhance the feminine appeal,” says Beri.Her line saw voluminous multi-layered skirts combined with bell sleeved tops that were finished with lace and frill, waist length jackets and over coats. Though on the whole the collection was appealing, there were a few sore thumbs. The choice of velvet and frills on patiala salwars were the least favourite among the audience.Beri says that her love for the city was the first enticing factor for her to be a part of the Blender’s Pride Fashion Week, Summer Showers 2012. It may have been destiny as she reiterates the fact that she was supposed to have visited the city during the same time that the show was scheduled to take place. “It was an impulsive decision and I said yes,” she informs.Speaking Beri asserts that though the Indian fashion industry has gone through a metamorphosis over the last few years, India’s rich culture and heritage has lured and seduced many leading international labels and designers.“Indian textiles and embroidery reflects our splendid past and also caters to the aesthetic sensibility of the west. Today our designers are constantly showcasing in various fashion capitals of the world. Indian fashion is recognised as one with tremendous potential for huge growth in times to come,” informs the designer.As the first Asian designer to head a French fashion house and the first Indian topresent a collection in Paris, she achieved a dream that many thought was only light-years away. “Paris was my dream since I was 10. I was mesmerised by the fashion scene there,” she says.In 1995, she presented a collection in India inspired by France after spending three months in Paris working with the guru of fine embroidery, François Lesage. She worked at the François Lesage earlier during the haute couture week in Paris. Beri remarks that Paris is one place where style is inspired and fashion thrives. “I was invited to present my collection at the Paris Fashion Week which was very exciting, a truly exceptional experience for me,” she raves.Reminiscing, Beri says that her journey so far has been fabulous. Back in the day, fashion was only a diversion of the elite. Initially, fashion was more to do with ritual dressing like a wedding, festival, etc. but now it’s more about being well dressed and trendy all the time. “My designs have always represented my journey as a human being, a true representation of all the influences that I have had in my life; most importantly in India and Paris. I have learnt a lot and evolved as a designer and even more as a person. I have come a full circle and know what I should do and more importantly what not to do,” she says.When City Express asked her, what she thought of herself, this is what Beri had to say for herself — Ritu Beri the designer, is a rebel, a pioneer with many firsts, loves taking risks and likes to make her own path instead of following anyone. A perfectionist who is easily bored by mediocrity. As a label my style is intrinsically feminine, romantic, chic, and elegant with a flamboyant twist. It is about enchanting a woman’s individuality and persona. I continue doing my usual work but I enjoy most doing challenging projects that are worth my time.Beri is negotiating with certain international brands for collaborations.“The fashion world is fascinating and the best thing about it is the many options available for creativity. I want to explore the impossibilities and work in an inspired mode only to satisfy myself and my passions. I love doing homes and furniture. I dream of writing many inspirational books,” she says.Speaking of books, Beri also recently launched one of the most expensive books in the history of Indian publications, Firefly: A Fairytale. “The book is about my experiences in the fashion industry. It is not an autobiography and I prefer to call it a fairy tale. The world I have captured through my fashion voyages. It is an exciting and inspirational book about my dreams to conquer the global fashion world. It illustrates unbelievable similarities between the various cultures of the world. There is a chapter dedicated to Paris, which has played an important role in my evolution as a designer. There were only 100 limited edition books that were printed. I sold them in Paris at Louis Vuitton stores at Champs-Élysées,” boasts Beri.
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