At Ohlala, we celebrate women empowering each other and the world. Anushay Khan got a chance to speak to her fashion idol Ritu Kumar about her journey in the industry
Ritu Kumar Ohlala Magazine Interview
Questions
1- Your classic Indian craftsmanship is known all over the world. How do you stay up-to-date with the trends and still give your designs that Ritu Kumar flair?
I think it is our Ritu Kumar design signature – a clear, recognizable hand-made style that we created ourselves and involved the craftspeople to do the beautiful work, that can now be seen and visibly printed on ready-to-wear and home ware. The style has always remained the same, keeping our strong traditions but also adding new elements of colour or a new theme from patterns and embroidery. Staying true to ourselves is very important and this is why the same craftsmanship still continues today, I don’t think there is ever going to be any discontinuation of the Ritu Kumar brand identity – it is not our brand DNA.
2- I’ve always loved the juxtaposition of trends that you come up with – which has been your favourite so far?
I think the kurti remains an all-time favourite, or the top remains one of our prevenient bestsellers. We manage to update the kurti and come up with new looks every season, or even drop special designs and collections when there is demand or for special occasions. And it’s a very easy garment to wear, but can also be styled to suit your personality, layered and accessorized beautifully.
3- From block printing to the mass market today, how has this journey evolved for you personally?
It has evolved in a very rich way. We have kept the designs in place but changed the methods of using the textile machines as well as the fabrics which are much more easy to use.
4- A trend that needs to come back/be introduced?
I think it would have to be the Kurta. The tunic that we’ve been used to wearing it with salwars and churidars. It’s such an easy trend. It needs to come back because it’s sustainable.
5- I’m in awe of the way you’re able to relate to all generations; from dance videos, sustainable fashion, costume designing and production, accessories, Chanderi saris; which collection/collaboration has been the most memorable one for you in these 40 years?
Well luckily I think we have such a rich legacy in India on textiles that I cannot just pick one. The Kashmir jamavat with the bandini, they are both equally beautiful in their own spaces, including the weaving, the Chandiri sari, so actually each one is a masterpiece in its own right. Unlike anywhere else in the world, we have a huge collection which is so wonderful for me as a designer.
6- We cannot wait for your second book ‘Crossroads, Textile Journey with Ritu Kumar’. Can you give us an exclusive insight to what we should expect to learn on this journey with you?
I would say there is almost an autobiographical travel log of textiles. And it’s in the making so I can’t even give you a preview right now, but it is all extremely exciting and you will all be able to learn so much more. But it will be, I think, an interesting read For the fashion designer, the traveler and somebody who likes India or has also been drawn to the vast beauty and incredible experiences that India offers.
