Panchvastra By Ritu Kumar

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New Delhi, Thursday, 2nd February 2012, An outstanding show presented by Celebrated designer, Ritu Kumar, in association with American Express the designer’s much anticipated couture show ‘Panchvastra’ at The Aman,Hotel New Delhi. It was Terzetto effect of Epic, Ritu Kumar & drama. The spectacular collection was an emotive representation of the many personalities in a woman. Portrayed through central characters of the epics, the show employed the use of textile, theater, and film to exhibit how these personalities are relevant across ages and cultures.
Conceived and directed by Vidyun Singh and Amrish Kumar: produced by Asha Kochhar. The show revolved around 5 main characters – Ganga, Draupadi, Kunti, Amba and Gandhari, along with a set of 16 performers who adorned in costumes portraying the various moods of the collection.
The Panchvastra Collection is infused with the signature Ritu Kumar embellishments that the designer is internationally recognized for. The collection is delicate and feminine with a vibrant colour palate comprising strong hues and bright, bold shades. The use of mirrorwork, along with gota and zardosi embroidery, lends a regal look to the collection. Purity, seduction, swayamvar, exile and darkness are the predominant themes running through this eclectic collection. The first mood, purity is brought to life with hues of white and peach that have been woven together beautifully to convey the essence of the sequence. Seduction is displayed with bold and rich colours, with burgundy standing out as the strongest colour tone. The palace of illusions segment is represented by an exquisite use of Swarovski crystals on embellished and extravagant garments. Exile, as the fourth sequence brings forth a mélange of colour with the use of orange, gold and fuschia. The last sequence signifying darkness comprises vivid and beautiful dramatic pieces in black, gold and indigo.
Reputed personality, Neelam Man Singh is integrating elements of drama and mystique to the show in conjunction with the use of video mapping and projections. The video presentation is created by Babel Press and their network of filmmakers. Choreographed and produced by Vidyun Singh and Asha Kochhar.
The evening brought forth an eclectic mix of people from the world of fashion and the Delhi social circuit. Guests present at the evening were: Kiran kher, Sushmita Sen, Dia Mirza, Seema Biswas, Anita Ratnam, Neesha Singh, Rana Gill, AD Singh, Rakesh Thakore ,Designer Gautam Gupta to name a few.
Speaking on the occasion, Ritu Kumar said, “PANCHVASTRA is a collection with a rare synthesis of fashion, craft and inspiration. The costumes have a rich feel, which emanate from India’s oldest and richest crafts researched over the last 45 years. What adds a newer dimension to the collection is the more contemporary yet aesthetically sound interpretation of the same idiom by Amrish Kumar. This takes the collection from vintage costume to an aspirational younger offering giving it a rare synergy recreated for a newer generation.”
According to Mr. Shailesh Baidwan, Country Manager and Head – Consumer Cards business, American Express India,Said “American Express Platinum Cardmembers look to us to provide them with exclusive privileges and services including access to highly premium events. We are happy to collaborate with legendary designer Ritu Kumar to bring to our Cardmembers ‘Panchvastra: Women of the Epics.’ The couture collection is royal and luxurious, very much a reflection of India’s lineage. We are also pleased to announce that the designer-wear brand Ritu Kumar will now be a part of American Express Membership Rewards First Collection, a tier of our rewards program designed especially for Platinum Cardmembers.”
American Express had earlier supported Ritu Kumar’s “The Falaknuma Collection” – this preview was one of the many events organised for Platinum Cardmembers, in keeping with American Express’ global Platinum Card philosophy, “Realise the potential.”An elaborate cocktail evening was put together by Chivas, serving as a precursor to the fashion showing.

By: S.Sarvesh
Photo Journalist: Karan Mehar

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