Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Celebrated Indian designer Ritu Kumar draws the line between black and white in her latest collection called Monochrome.
Ritu is known for integrating traditional Indian designs in a contemporary way and dressing the biggest Bollywood stars.
Her design house offers three brands including Ri, a premium bridal and couture line, Ritu Kumar, offering ethnic semi-formal wear and LABEL Ritu Kuma for more contemporary lines.
Her new found collection was created based on the Chiaroscuro Italian oil painting technique, highlighted by the use of strong tonal contrasts between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms, often to dramatic effect ... and that is exactly what she delivered with her bold and feminine looks.
The collection mixes classic colours and lines with more modern silhouettes and draping along with an artisanal approach towards luxurious textures.
The colour palette is minimal with blacks and whites being predominant and allowing for versatility, although there are solid colours as well to add a bit of pop to the wardrobe if needed. For example, she has black A-line skirts as well as red and white that can be thrown on with a crisp blouse for a polished look or a crop-top to bring out the Bohemian chick.
There is the chance to stay cool and collected in an ivory straight loose fitted kurti. Ritu offers kurtis - which are worn in South Asia as waistcoats, jackets and blouses - to be worn as long tops or dresses.
Ladies can also feel young-at-heart and hip in palazzo pants which are long women’s trousers cut with a loose, extremely wide leg that flares out from the waist.
Palazzo trousers are popular as a summer season style, as they are loose and tend to be flattering in light, flowing fabrics that are breathable in hot weather.
Ritu also added dhoti trousers to her collection, which is usually worn by male Hindus, to bring an androgynous edge to the line. The trouser basically consists of a piece of material tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs.
Overall, Ritu’s silhouettes are modern, simple and sleek with interesting shrugs and draping’s as well as minimal and geometric prints. The soft cotton fabric used allows for comfort and makes this a functional collection.
For more details and prices visit www.ritukumar.com
