Ritu Kumar's summer collection 2002

	the-south-asian.com MAY 2002
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	Ritu Kumar's 2002 Summer Collection - a new look & a global statement by Surabhi Khosla The collection has a new energy and vibrancy Ritu Kumar’s 2002 summer collection takes a break from the past and re-creates an all-new look. For the designer it would seem that every season is an experience. Every collection a journey into the inner self where she discovers yet another aesthetic realm to draw her creativity from…. It seems over the past one year a certain boredom seemed to have set into the haute couture scene. That's why a number of top designers are busy re-inventing the head-turning seventies look in a very slick and contemporary way. Chic urban cuts, African geometric prints, stonewashed denim, Capri pants and lycra are all staging a comeback in no uncertain terms in the 2002 summer collections. Designers are back to techniques like exquisite embroideries in satin mix, plaited borders, metallic sequins, patchwork paisley, bandini motifs, mirror works and IKAT weaves. The colours are black and burgundy, indigo and khaki. Ritu Kumar too is taking a break from the past and re-creating an all new look along with her traditional wear. For the designer it would seem that every season is an experience. Every collection a journey into the inner self where she discovers yet another aesthetic realm to draw her creativity from. A realm that is new and off the predictable track. However, this time her collection is notably different from her past creations. Perhaps that has something to do with the inspiration she has got from her son Amrish Kumar who seems to have a predilection for the more trendy and international styles. Says Amrish, "As the world becomes a global village, tastes too are fast becoming eclectic, be it in music, arts, food or fashion. In Indian fashions, a subtle mix of traditional Indian modern wear is unmistakable." Keeping this philosophy in mind, the mother-and-son duo has launched a new line of garments called Label. It caters to the woman of today who, the designer says, " is becoming increasingly independent, discerning and global." The collection is a blend of international silhouettes with classic and timeless techniques, which retain the designer’s trademark style. It focuses on cut, colour, drape and feel of the garment aimed at today’s mobile lifestyle. Vibrant Designs The clothes have a new energy and vibrancy in them with colours like dark green, magenta and burgundy enhancing the young feel. The summer line is characterised by its chic urban cuts and use of denims, lycras and tensil mixes. For the more adventurous type, the collection also has an offering of brighter colours. These are teamed with Capri pants and matched with jeans to herald in a bright and tropical summer. The designer goes on to innovate with a combination of African geometric prints and stone washed denims. The printed jeans with their mix-and-match appeal are a wardrobe essential for any modern woman. These are presented in classic denim hues of indigo, khaki and black. Kumar also dabbles with black in evening and cocktail wears. But, her expertise in using traditional Indian textile design is reflected in the use of black and burgundy bandhni motifs and mirror work. But despite the fact that after so many years Kumar has tried to diversify her line, she still maintains that it is her traditional designs that have sustained her for so long in this field. She still has a strong penchant for zardozi, ornamental designs and bridal wear which form a part of all her collections. Ritu Kumar may have adapted to the changing face of fashion in the country but essentially her trademark style of using traditional Indian textile designs to create stunning wears is still very much alive. ____________________________ Disclaimer
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