Ritu Beri adds Punjabi tadka to the Delhi Couture Week

Ritu Beri adds Punjabi tadka to the Delhi Couture Week

What if you were to imagine a full-on Punjabi twist to a classic Victorian-style gown? Unimaginable as it may seem, Ritu Beri made it happen with all her panache and grace right here on day 4 of the Delhi Couture Week 2013 held in New Delhi's Taj Palace hotel.

While a gigantic Pipal tree with a golden trunk and golden leaves stood by the right side of the ramp, an enormous peacock statue constituted most of the area towards the left side. The show began with a model walking in with four other models holding a dupatta by its four corners over her head - thus enacting the scene of a bride entering her wedding venue. Her attire, an impeccable scarlet-red velvet Victorian gown with bold, wide golden borders ensured every trace of the modern Indian bride that Ritu had in mind. She wore an eye mask that covered most of her forehead and complemented the contemporary bridal look. "Indian brides are seen in veils so I wanted to take away the veil and add a little mystery to her appearance by introducing her wearing an enigmatic face mask," explained Ritu after the show.

But it wasn't just brides on the ramp. It was in fact a show that didn't leave out the other two very important members that make a family - the man and the children. Turbaned men in blazer-cum-sherwanis, dressed as grooms, walked in holding the hands of two little girls and one boy, alongside the sensuous models in their high on zardosi and embellishment lehengas. It was later revealed that one of the girls was Ritu's own daughter while the other girl was her niece. "My daughter has always wanted to be on the ramp. So this time I let her, my niece and a few of her friends walk the ramp," said she.

Collection and theme: An elaborate use of gota work, zardosi and crystal embellishments could be seen in jackets worn over fish-cut lehegas and ballroom gowns. Add to that the exaggeration of ruffles that made the gowns look like a full grown rose. A silver and golden ensemble stood out as one of the best garments along with a glittering knee-length gown worn over a shimmering silk patiala. The showstopper dress was an eye-grabber - a long, fitted gown with strong artificial collars and a flair that resembled an upturned martini glass (metal lining). "I am a Punjabi and this show was my attempt to go back to my roots," said Ritu adding further, "it may have gone a little over the top but couture is all about that. I was having a lot of fun with my designs." Ritu's partner in putting together the crystals and sequins were Gaurav and Gautam from the CTC group whose works are well renowned in the Indian ethnic fashion industry. Their excellence in showcasing the traditional Indian wear with Rity was exemplary. One cannot deny the loveliness of each garment showcased by Ritu Beri who is known to be most influenced by Parisian cuts but the question of comfort and the wearable quotient remained unanswered.

Music: It seems like a trend to have live musical performances on the ramp these days. For today's show, popular Punjabi singer, Jasbir Jassi was roped in to sing classical Punjabi numbers. "It was my dream to perform at a fashion show and Ritu made it happen. Punjabi music is not just about dhols. Punjabi music is loved by everyone in the world but we wanted to show the soothing, soulful side of Punjabi music as well," said he after the show.

Fabrics and colours: Indian weddings are all about rich fabrics and when it comes to bridal wear, people prefer fabrics that add weight to the overall gorgeous look. Ritu's collection was on similar lines where she used a lot of velvet in her lehengas, silhouettes and blazers. There was an elaborate use of silk along with laces as well. Regular bridal colours such as reds, saffrons and pinks dominated the collection but a lot of non-conventional hues such as purple, white, and silver were showcased as alternatives.

Prominent faces in the front row: BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, author and diplomat Pavan K. Varma, Minister of State for HRD Shashi Tharoor with wife, Sunanda Pushkar in tow, anchor Rajiv Makhni, and hair stylist Sylvie were seen occupying the the front row seats. Designer Manish Malhotra was also spotted cheering from the among the crowd that included several other socialites
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