Art deco inspires Ritu Kumar’s WIFW finale collection

Veteran designer Ritu Kumar has sought inspiration in the Art Deco movement of the 1930s for her collection to be showcased at the grand finale of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) spring-summer ’13.

Art Deco is an artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s, and spread internationally in the following decade.

“The collection has been inspired by the Art DecoO movement of the previous century and is presented through the unique design language of the brand. The Label (pret)garments are crafted to offer a modern representation, while the Couture collection dips into the romance of the 1930s and draws from the influences the movement had in India,” Kumar said in a statement.

WIFW starts Saturday.

Known for her use of traditional Indian weaves, the designer is upbeat about the finale show, to be held Oct 10 at Pragati Maidan.

“The brand (Ritu Kumar) completes 45 years in the fashion industry and it’s been a pleasure to be associated with the fashion week. We are very excited to do the grand finale this season,” she added.

Given her experience and craft, Kumar will give a fitting finale to the five-day event, says Sunil Sethi, president, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), organisers of WIFW.

“Known for reviving rich, traditional Indian crafts, Ritu has dressed many celebrities, both in India as well as internationally. Several Miss Indias have won laurels for the nation in her beautiful ensembles. I have been in awe of her creativity for eons and I wish her all the best for the grand finale show,” said Sethi.

As the finale designer, Kumar has also created an exclusive collection for Wills Lifestyle’s Signature Line for the autumn-winter 2012 season which will be retailed from stores across the country.

“Ritu Kumar is one of India’s foremost designers and a legend. She’s sure to amaze the fashionistas with her unique style reflecting the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in a contemporary vocabulary at the grand finale,” said Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing Business Division.