Couture queen
Swarleen Kaur

Ritu Kumar, the queen of the Indian haute couture, was awarded F-award — the best designer award by Wizcraft — in Mumbai recently. She has also been voted the best fashion designer of the country by the Outlook magazine.

This ace designer began her work with just four hand-block printers and two tables in a small village near Calcutta. Demonstrating the power of the work done by hand, she redefined the term fashion for Indians. She proved that work and embroidery done by hand could be as profitable and even more glamorous than that carried out by machine.

Her couture is known for its classicism, beauty and finesse. Ritu Kumar' s range of western and Indian apparel is all about tradition and individual talent. Being the first woman to introduce 'boutique' culture in India, Ritu can also boast of an international label.

"The fashion industry has matured for everybody's benefit," she said during her recent visit to Chandigarh. " Twenty years ago the fashion industry was lifeless with little growth. Now it has taken a new turn. Youngsters these days seek more freedom, freshness and fun." Ritu enjoys designing glamorous and seductive clothes for the young. "Be confident," is her counsel to the fashion-conscious people. "Good clothes can certainly impart a sleek and trendy look but grace comes from being beautiful from inside," she adds.

HOME