Fashion philosophy that was Ritu Kumar...

Ever since I reached a "fashion conscious" age, Ritu Kumar fascinated me. I remember when I was 11 years old, and the cable was new and cool in India - I was addicted to this lifestyle show called Khoobsurat (meaning beautiful) on Zee Network. It gave beauty and health tips and my favorite - fashion forecast. One designer that definitely caught my fancy was Ritu Kumar. Her luscious lehengas, sensous saris and killer kurtas all had me floored, and the colors and workmanship she used - left my eyes popped up like a cartoon in front of the TV. I was only 11, but I had fallen in love with the fashion philosophy that was Ritu Kumar - and dreamt of wearing her for my wedding day (alas, that didn't happen due to a timing issue - but, that's another story - a long one at that).

Even today, I am more a fine silk, tussar (raw/wild silk) and cotton type of girl than chiffons and gerogettes - Throw me kanjeevarams and banarsi jamawar for traditional Indian wear any day darlings! And, in this spirit of celebrating my passion for fashion artwork, I would like to share some lovely images from Ritu Kumar's ensemble (salwar kameez only), who according to me is the super Goddess of retaining the art of ethnic Indian weaving, embroidery, and rich color explosions.

A black and orange suit with uneven hem kurti - perfect for a semi-formal event like dinners, birthday parties  

Silk zari suit with moti hand embrdoidery - good for formal to semi-formal events

Kota & dupion suit with all over kota duppata - good for casual events like lunches or house-warming day party

A full sleeve brocade choga (outfit) with antique zari embroidery - good for semi formal to formal events

Beautiful pink kota suit - perfect for semi formal to formal events like baby shower, wedding dinner

Ritu's work always reminds me of glorious and rich days of Maharaja's and Maharanis, when beauty was authentic and so was their pehnawaa (or dresses). She always seems to put me in a good mood - and, as I prepare to go to bed, I look forward to these yummy outfits in my dreams!

Hugs!