'Balancing work and home has been tough'

Different cuts

So busy is she that she has no day to spare through the year. Ritu has been invited to show her exclusive winter couture collection in Moscow in the late March. She has woven her designs around India’s royalty and the Maharajas.

Indian colours excite Ritu. And most of her designs are steeped in traditional cuts, designs and she uses embroidery rather gracefully in her work. “It’s the traditional essence of  India that I play around with. My collection, titled Archival is reminiscent of the royalty of India,” Ritu told Metrolife. She has worked on lehengas, bridal wear and a few tunics and salwars for the collection. 
 
Ritu says she tries and balances embroidery and tradition. She thinks it’s important that India has its exclusivity. Ritu designs according to the personality of the person. “Tastes are different and so the cuts and designs have to vary as well,” she avers.

Ritu has co-authored a book on Costumes and Textiles of Royal India which traces the history of textiles and art design in India. She now plans to pen down a book on modern designs for the contemporary Indian. “Tastes have evolved. Today’s women are international in their appeal and are more comfortable experimenting new things,” says Ritu. Does jewellery still hold significance? “Accessoring is an important part of fashion. There’s no garment that's complete without accessory, it lifts the garment,” she reasons. 

Innovation is key to sustenance and staying on the top. She thinks a whole new breed of young designers will soon rule the Indian fashion industry.
    Ritu believes that commitment and dedication have brought her thus far. She points out that the biggest challenge has been to balance work and home, “Like any other ambitious talented woman I have had a tough time balancing work and home. Success comes at a price,” she observes.