Ritu Beri, one of India’s best known designers recently showcased her ethnic festive collection at Kimaya, a multi-designer fashion store in Mumbai. From showcasing at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week to dressing up celebs like Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman, Beri is the first Indian designer to head a French fashion house, Scherrer, this at a time when most Indian designers were dreaming of entering the fashion scene in Paris. Her gradual success led her to be named by Time magazine among the ‘People to Watch’ in international business. Now she wants to look beyond designing and is launching lifestyle boutiques to cater to everyone’s needs under one roof. The aim is to open such boutiques all around the world stocking everything from clothes, accessories to footwear, perfumes and food. As Pradeep Hirani, Chairman Managing Director, Kimaya Fashion said Beri has always been an immense source of inspiration for young designers. “Her international approach towards garments is en par with international trends and silhouettes but deep-rooted in the art and embroidery of India. Her clothes truly embody the dictum of ‘global outlook, local soul’.”
She feels that both Indian and the western markets have great potential. The consumer in India looks for more detailing and follows the trends whereas internationally consumers are more versatile and experimental. She is currently meeting people to bring her dream project a reality. Beri sells her creations through boutiques in France and Germany and a store in New Delhi.
