Ritu Beri opens first boutique in India

New Delhi: Fashion diva Ritu Beri has boutiques in France and Germany but it took her 18 long years to open her first outlet in India that promises to be a one-stop-shop for shopaholic women.

"This couture house should act as one-stop-shop for people who believe in my designs and my brand. I hope everyone finds something or the other in this store," Beri said at the launch of her store at the upmarket Sainik Farms neighbourhood of south Delhi on Wednesday.

"I can't say why it took me so long to launch my own store (in India), but that's the way I am. I like it that way," Beri maintained.

There are three different sections in Beri's couture house: contemporary, traditional and wedding wear where women can find everything starting from extravagant jackets in denim and brocade to bejewelled skirts, from embroidered corsets to simple tunics, from graphic designed kurtas to beautiful bridal wear.

Embroidery forms an important part of this collection. There are also a lot of sequins muted in tonal and metallic shades. Floral inspired motives merged with lace and graphic designs give a new feel to the ensembles.

In terms of colours, there is an unusual contrast of hues - from salmon to faded pinks, rich fuchsia, burnt orange merged with Indian red, matt gold, burnished copper and shimmering silver, lending the collection a festive spirit.

"Presently, the focus is on brides as the wedding season is just round the corner. The store has embroidered skirts with sensuous and graceful blouses to make brides look like a princess," Beri explained.

The collection starts at Rs.7,000 and can go up to hundreds of thousands.

The designer had created her first line of clothing "Lavanya" in 1990 which gave her instant recognition in India as well in the international markets. In 1995, she created the "Sanskriti" brand based on Indian traditions and heritage. This established herself as a designer of ethnic wear.

Interestingly, Beri was the first Indian designer who presented her fashion creations at the prestigious "La semaine de la haute couture" event in Paris and was invited by crystal king Swarovski to showcase her spring/summer 2000 collection at Vienna.