Ritu is a graduate of National Institute of Fashion Technology, (affiliated to F.I.T. New York) and is proud to be a protege of the master embroiderer Francois Lesage. In 1990, she launched her label in India and since then there has been no looking back. She was the first Indian designer to present in Paris & successfully launched her first luxe collection in Paris in July 1998, after successful showings in Beijing, New York, Mauritius, Washington, Morrocco, Russia, Nairobi, Cairo, etc Ritu Beri is a name to reckon with even on the Parisian ramp and retails in high-fashion stores worldwide.
Success, awards, acclaims, distinctions have been punctuating Ritu's career long the way. The one award she holds especially dear to her is the 'Mahila Shiromani Award' presented to her by India's First Lady. An issue of Newsweek and London Observer, dedicated a couple of pages to Ritu Beri and her work.
The Time Magazine featured Ritu as one of the 'People to Watch in International Business.' In India, Telegraph, listed Ms Beri among the 50 most Important People in India.
Apart from couture designing, Ritu has passion for charity as active volunteer fund raiser for The Indian Red Cross Society, an honorary patron of 'Savera Association' - a popular charity involved in upliftment of Indian women.
She has created and launched a product line - 'People For Animals' in a fund raiser. Ritu Beri ensemble won the highest bid at a charity auction for Aids in presence of Actor Richard Gere on April 3, 1998. She is also a columnist in many leading publications.
Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion.
Fashion is endless. The roots of fashion go deep into the yester years. Fashion is not restricted to clothes but extends to beauty, hair, footwear and other such accessories. It reflects on the personality, and is as important as a beautiful outfit.
Where did your sense of fashion first come from?
My mother inspired me a lot – she is beautiful and stunning. I remember as a child, she lit up the army evenings with not just her looks, but her intrinsic style as well. I always loved to watch her dressing up. Her pastel chiffons that floated around her, her elegance in pearls and diamonds were her trademark. My father too is an immaculate dresser and has a great sense of colors. With such fine examples, I had to be influenced and I ended up wanting to dress up everyone like that.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I take inspiration from life, things and people around me. Like any other form of art it requires equal amount of research and study, and it’s a constant challenge to achieve something beyond the ordinary. I believe that India today is of great interest to people globally and has also greatly influenced the Fashion Capitals of the World. Top designers are looking at India for inspiration and using Indian craftsmen to realize their couture collections. India today is therefore constantly spotted on the fashionable ramps of the world and is a huge sense of inspiration.
What is the thought process when designing and creating your pieces?
Line, proportion, cut and simplicity are the foundation of designing and creating a piece. My designs represent my journey as a human being, of all the influences I have had in life and most importantly India and its cultural heritage, the way I see it and then interpret it in my clothes.
What can we look forward to in your upcoming collection?
My upcoming collection is all about sprightly silhouettes and youthful charm. It comprises of dresses that evoke sensuality and romance, full skirts floating on clouds of tulle. Tone-on-tone sequins, teardrop beads and swarovski crystal bring to these pieces subtle touches light. Feather weight like organza, lace and crochet are embellished to create magical pieces.
Please tell our viewers something about your new book -“Firefly a Fairytale”
“Firefly a Fairytale” is an exciting and aspirational book about my dreams. It illustrates unbelievable similarities of various cultures of the world. It is about innumerous influence on fashion like the intrigue of history, the drama of Architecture, the experimental play of photography, the magic of Paris, which has played an important part in my evolution as a designer.
What is the biggest myth about the industry?
That being a designer is easy and anyone can be a fashion designer.
What skills do you need to become a fashion designer?
Innovation, invention and a passion to create
What advice would you give to a young budding designer?
My only advice would be – make the best use of all the opportunities that come your way and learn as much as you can. But always be original.
Ritu had the privilege to design the Princess of Riyadh's trousseau.
Her clients range from former US President Bill Clinton, Moulin Rouge star Nicole Kidman, Hollywood actress Andy McDowell, Supermodel Laetitia Casta, famous Parisian Socialite Mrs Lagerdere, Mr Langes Swarovski & The Swarovski family, Elizabeth Jagger and Jerry Hall.
Indian celluloid divas - Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta and a bevy of other VIPs like Parmeshwar Godrej & Shobha De.
Speaking in glowing terms, Suzy Menkes, International Herald Tribune says, "Surprising as it might seem, Ritu Beri, from Delhi, gave a lesson in high fashion aesthetics and client-pleasing clothes-the essence of couture."
