Ms Ritu Beri
Fashion Designer Ritu Beri Design Pvt.Ltd.
"My inspiration comes from what makes my generation tick," gushes Indian-born, globally admired designer Ms Ritu Beri, epitomizing her passion for the nascent world of fashion.
Graduated from Delhi University in 1987, Ms Beri launched her illustrious career in fashion arena with her first sell out line called Lavanya in 1990.
She learned fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, affiliated to F.I.T. New York. She is the first Asian designer to head a French fashion brand, Scherrer.
By her distinctive style in fashioning couture - simple at times, intricate at others; she not only won laurels at home, but earned respect overseas also.
Ms Beri spared efforts in designing uniforms for many Indian companies such as Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Delhi, Delhi Police force, Indian sportspersons for Atlanta Olympic Games besides dressing divas of Indian Cinema.
A role model with her ravishing looks, Ms Beri personifies the very essence of burgeoning Indian couture worldwide.
"AIAC Arch of Excellence Award", "Whirlpool GR8 Women Award For Excellence in Fashion / Style", "Wisitex Foundation Award", "Fashion Design Ratna" don the endless list of accolades she has won at home and abroad.
Apart from couture designing, Ms Beri has passion for charity as active volunteer fund raiser for The Indian Red Cross Society, an honorary patron of 'Savera Association' - a popular charity involved in upliftment of Indian women. She has created and launched a product line - 'People For Animals' in a fund raiser. Ritu Beri ensemble won the highest bid at a charity auction for Aids in presence of Actor Richard Gere on April 3, 1998. She is also a columnist in many leading publications.
Ms Beri in Face2Face speaks about her passion and philosophy, demystifying the fashion paradigm, for all to understand.
Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion.
Fashion is endless. The roots of fashion go deep into the yester years. Fashion is not restricted to clothes but extends to beauty, hair, footwear and other such accessories. It reflects on the personality, and is as important as a beautiful outfit.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I take inspiration from life, things and people around me. Like any other form of art it requires equal amount of research and study, and it’s a constant challenge to achieve something beyond the ordinary. I believe that India today is of great interest to people globally and has also greatly influenced the Fashion Capitals of the World. Top designers are looking at India for inspiration and using Indian craftsmen to realize their couture collections. India today is therefore constantly spotted on the fashionable ramps of the world and is a huge sense of inspiration.
What can we look forward to in your upcoming collection?
My upcoming collection is all about sprightly silhouettes and youthful charm. It comprises of dresses that evoke sensuality and romance, full skirts floating on clouds of tulle. Tone-on-tone sequins, teardrop beads and swarovski crystal bring to these pieces subtle touches light. Feather weight like organza, lace and crochet are embellished to create magical pieces.
What is the biggest myth about the industry?
That being a designer is easy and anyone can be a fashion designer.
What skills do you need to become a fashion designer?
Innovation, invention and a passion to create
Please tell our viewers something about your new book -“Firefly a Fairytale”
“Firefly a Fairytale” is an exciting and aspirational book about my dreams. It illustrates unbelievable similarities of various cultures of the world. It is about innumerous influence on fashion like the intrigue of history, the drama of Architecture, the experimental play of photography, the magic of Paris, which has played an important part in my evolution as a designer.
What is the thought process while designing and creating pieces?
Line, proportion, cut and simplicity are the foundation of designing and creating a piece. My designs represent my journey as a human being, of all the influences I have had in life and most importantly India and its cultural heritage, the way I see it and then interpret it in my clothes.
Where did your sense of fashion first come from?
My mother inspired me a lot – she is beautiful and stunning. I remember as a child, she lit up the army evenings with not just her looks, but her intrinsic style as well. I always loved to watch her dressing up. Her pastel chiffons that floated around her, her elegance in pearls and diamonds were her trademark. My father too is an immaculate dresser and has a great sense of colors. With such fine examples, I had to be influenced and I ended up wanting to dress up everyone like that.
What advice would you give to a young budding designer?
My only advice would be – make the best use of all the opportunities that come your way and learn as much as you can. But always be original.
Published on: 16/04/2007
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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