| Ritu Beri, a graduate of India’s National Institute of | | | | your appearance. My mother is beautiful and stunningly |
| Fashion Technology, an affiliate of New York’s F.I. | | | | dressed. I remember as a child, she lit up the army |
| T., is one of the foremost fashion designers of India. A | | | | evenings with not just her looks, but also (with) her |
| protégé of master embroiderer Francois Lesage, | | | | intrinsic style. I always loved to watch her dressing up. |
| Ritu launched her own fashion label in India 16 years | | | | Her pastel chiffons floated around her, and her |
| ago to rave reviews that haven’t stopped since. | | | | (elegant) pearls and diamonds were her trademarks. |
| Since then, she has dressed Hindi movie superstars | | | | My father, too, is an immaculate dresser and has a |
| such as Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta, and also | | | | great sense of color. With such fine examples, I had to |
| includes former President Bill Clinton and Hollywood | | | | be influenced, and I ended up wanting to dress up |
| actresses Nicole Kidman and Andie McDowell on her | | | | everyone like that. |
| client roster. After successful international showings in | | | | How have Indian designers moved up in international |
| Beijing, Morocco, New York and Washington, Ritu was | | | | fashion? |
| India’s first designer to show her luxe collection in | | | | Indian designers are at a nascent stage as far as the |
| Paris in 1998. Considered one of the 50 most important | | | | international market is concerned. The fashion design |
| people in India, Ritu Beri is down-to-earth, very | | | | industry in India is only about two decades old, (and) |
| approachable and a pleasure to chat with. Ritu took | | | | we have achieved quite a lot in such a short time. Our |
| some time to chat with Nirvana Woman this summer. | | | | designers are constantly showcasing in various fashion |
| Here are some her thoughts. | | | | capitals of the world, but for a designer to be taken |
| How do you think your style differs from other | | | | seriously in the international market, he/she should be |
| designers in India and abroad? | | | | consistent in showcasing the collection and be around |
| My designs represent my journey as a human being, | | | | each season. |
| of all the influences I have had in my life—and most | | | | Who are your favorite celebrity clients? |
| importantly, India and its cultural heritage. I then interpret | | | | Rekha (the Bollywood actress) is my favorite celebrity |
| this in my clothes. | | | | client—she is a true style icon. |
| How has designing changed for you since when you | | | | What advice would you give upcoming designers? |
| started? | | | | My only advice would be: Make the best use of all the |
| The Indian fashion industry has undergone a | | | | opportunities that come your way and learn as much |
| tremendous metamorphosis. Fashion was only a | | | | as much as you can. But always be original. |
| diversion for a small elite. Initially, fashion was more to | | | | What role do accessories carry in fashion creation? |
| do with ritual dressing, like a wedding (or) festival. But | | | | Ritu Beri Design carries a lot of accessories. I believe |
| now it’s more about being well dressed all the time. | | | | fashion is not just restricted to clothes. It goes deeper |
| Where do you go for your inspiration? | | | | into beauty, hair, footwear and accessories. |
| I believe that every new day comes with new ideas, | | | | Accessories add that extra dash of confidence that |
| aspirations and dreams. I take inspiration from life and | | | | reflects on the personality and which I think is more |
| things/people around me, and like any other form of | | | | important than just a beautiful outfit. |
| art, it requires (a large) amount of research…and | | | | Your work has moved from couture to interiors and |
| it’s a constant conquest to achieve something | | | | lifestyle designs. What are your future plans? |
| beyond the ordinary. | | | | After being in the fashion industry for over 16 years |
| Which of your designs are you immensely proud of? | | | | now and having showcased my collection in almost all |
| I am proud of all my designs. But my first line, which I | | | | the major fashion capitals of the world, I want to take |
| showcased at my graduation, called “The | | | | fashion beyond clothes and accessories into everyday |
| Maharanis of India,” has been my favorite collection | | | | life. “FireFly” was my first step in that direction, |
| so far, for sentimental reasons. Another collection | | | | and I am working on some more things, (which) I shall |
| which is very close to my heart is the one I | | | | be sharing with you soon. |
| showcased at the Buddha Bar in Paris. But my | | | | What advice would you give to the Nirvana Woman, |
| favorite is my last collection I presented at the Lido in | | | | someone living outside of India, but with tastes in the |
| Paris. | | | | eclectic and chic, as high-end couture? |
| How did you get into designing? | | | | I believe that one should always dress to feel yourself. |
| I come from a defense background [Ritu’s father | | | | The outfit should make you feel comfortable and |
| was in the Indian army]. Army parties are very formal, | | | | reflect your personality. One's own style is very |
| structured and British in their approach to dressing. The | | | | important. The dress for this season is intimate, |
| environment encourages you to be fastidious about | | | | personal and real. |