[1]Delhi-based designer Ritu Kumar, who is known for her intricate work with Indian textiles and crafts, recently, visited Thimpu, Bhutan to inaugurate the The Royal Textile Academy. The ace designer, who mingled with the Bhutanese royals and dignitaries, also showcased her latest Bhutan-inspired collection of traditional ensembles at the ceremony.
Speaking about her experience at this prestigious event, Ritu says, “Bhutan is very conservative and traditional and the norms of clothing have remained untouched through the ages. I absorbed the aesthetics of various influences like prayer flags and handloom weaves, Bhutanese tangkhas into the line.”
The designer mentions that her interest has always been to explore another cultural sartorial handwriting and blend it with a more contemporary take on it, particularly for the label line. She adds, “The choice of fabrics is a mix of silk velvet with Bhutanese weaves, Benaras brocades and pure wool to add the richness of the ensemble. We also tried to infuse the energy of their culture and architecture into the line. There was a consistent influence from the interior of the dzongs, the fortress temples of Buddhist beliefs, where the ritualistic textiles were a major influence. These are quite evident in the collection that I made for the event.”
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/t19jpg-075