New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Ritu Kumar, the celebrated 80-year-old designer renowned for elevating traditional Indian craftsmanship, unveiled her latest collection, "Threads of Time: Reimagined," at India Couture Week. The collection, showcased by actor Bhumi Pednekar as Kumar's muse, celebrated the living artistry of Indian fashion and crafts. "Today, we are a formidable contender in the world of fashion and crafts. Unlike other countries where these are confined to museums, here we celebrate living craftsmanship," Kumar remarked during her post-show press conference.
"Threads of Time: Reimagined" prominently featured bridal and Indian wear alongside fusion outfits. The models were adorned in Kumar's signature gold embroidery, focusing on traditional reds, commonly associated with Indian bridal wear, along with fuchsia, baby blue, yellows, and various shades of mauve, reflecting a vibrant Indian wardrobe. From modern silhouettes to relaxed, comfortable clothing, the collection emphasized wearability. The models sported minimal accessories, and the music accompanying their walk symbolized a harmonious blend of Indian tradition and modernity, with tracks like "Aik Alif" by Saeen Zahoor and "Beat Goes On" enhancing the runway atmosphere.
Enhancing this celebration, Pednekar graced the runway in a golden lehenga set to the tunes of the sufi song "Chhap Tilak Sab Chhini Re," embodying the modern bride with intricate gold embroidery. Her ensemble was highlighted by emerald studs and bold lipstick, with a long, trailing cape replacing the traditional dupatta. "It's beautiful, rich, comfortable, and timeless, capturing my aesthetic perfectly," Pednekar commented on her outfit. She elaborated on her relationship with fashion, describing it as a form of self-expression that empowers her and challenges the status quo, resonating deeply with Ritu Kumar’s brand ethos.
Kumar, joined by her son Amrish Kumar, CEO of the Ritu Kumar label, emphasized the importance of creating collections with depth rather than following fast fashion trends. "Indian textiles are not solely defined by bridal wear. Our country has provided diverse clothing globally which necessitates adapting these textiles for both today's and tomorrow's world. Bridal wear is significant but not all-encompassing, much credit is due to emerging designers," she stated.
The prestigious fashion event, presented by Hyundai India in partnership with Reliance Brands, is set to continue until July 30.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)