Ritu Kumar takes Indian embroidery to Moscow

New Delhi: Extending India`s reach into global fashion market, leading designer Ritu Kumar is all set to wow Moscow with her exclusive Winter Couture Collection.The 66-year-old designer has been invited by Swiss Watch brand Longines to present a blend of the European and Indian in her creations, focussing more on the traditional embroidery work.

"They want more of the Indian exotic look and less of the European. We are known for our traditional embroidery work so they have requested that we showcase that in my collection," Kumar told reporters. The collection, to be launched on March 11, consists of an elitist collection of archival gowns, contemporary coats, Indian couture and evening dresses, all with the designer`s trademark touch of Indianness. "Also Longines is launching their Maharaja collection of watches and they want a more traditional look to go with the watches," she said. The showstopper for the haute collection has been kept a secret for the designer as well. "They are not even telling me who is going to be the showstopper for my show, but as far as I know she is a very popular Russian movie star," said Kumar. Kumar has been patronized by the likes of Princess Diana and has designed for a bevy of celebs including Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta. She has been around the world and showcased her works at the various fashion capitals in the world like Paris and London, but this is the first time she will be presenting herself in Russia. "Russia is a very good market and I hope my designs will be recieved well. I have been to cities like New York and Paris with my collection earlier, now it will be interesting to see what Moscow holds for us," said Kumar. The designer insisted that the city has developed a lot and has the potential to become the next hot-spot for fashionistas. "There are a lot of shops in Moscow with very international collections. Russia has moved forward from what our perception of it used to be, just like China. I hope it becomes the next fashion destination," said Kumar. After her show in Russia, the designer will be back in India to participate in the Wills India fashion Week beginning in the capital on March 24. PTI