Beri salutes the Indian Army

It was about style, class, poise and of course the Indian Army. Coming from an Army background, it was Ritu Beri’s way of paying her tribute to the Army personnel who have fought for our country, which got all the more intense when Ritu herself walked the ramp...
So unlike the chic ramps set for a usual fashion show, this one was marked with a difference.With flags of the Indian Army adorning the sides of the whole stretch of the ramp, with a literal Army band introduced in the middle, it was a perfect setting to trigger off the night ahead.
While Army band was one, to pep up the whole ambience, Ritu also had a host of small kids, dressed in Army uniform walking on the ramp. Didn’t we say, this show had a variety of sorts...
Theme: “I come from an Army background, so it’s no surprise why I’m so inspired by the Indian Army. My dad was an Army officer, so I’ve seen their style and dressing very closely. And hence I picked up this theme ‘Tribute to the Indian Army’,” says Ritu, adding, “ Also, “I think the Army uniform is the most stylish attire, Army men the best dressed men and Army culture the most sophisticated. And that’s all that fashion is all about.”
But while the inspiration of designs came from the Army, Ritu clarified, “Please do not take that literally. I’ve only taken inspiration from the Indian Army and then gone ahead and done my own thing with clothes and designs.”
Collection: Considering the Army, Ritu’s collection seemed quite varied and bright. There were the ball gowns, short embroidered dresses, jeans, one-shoulder body-fitting dresses, sleeveless and the backless ones too, coat dresses, layered and slit skirts, waistcoats and jackets. The silhouettes are contemporary, engineered cuts – a collection of military inspired coats, high standing collars and double breasted jackets.
Detailing: Keeping with theme, Ritu played well with the other aspects – the very heavy thread and bead embroidery done on the coats that models wore over extremely feminine colourful dresses, jeans and skirts. Wearability quotient seemed to have been given thought too.
Embellishments: Fine embroidery but in big patches made for the embellishments. Not to miss, the usual stuff that adorns a military coat too – big metal buttons, badges and medallions.
Colours: While the Army theme may not allow a vast colour palette, but Ritu’s collection showed a good range here too. Colours like military green, khaki, black, blue, red, maroon, gold and majenta ruled the stage.
Fabric: The fabrics ranged from cashmere wool, silk jersey, fur to stretch velvets, suede and denims.
Accessories: High-heeled knee-length boots were a highlight. Also, good use of medallions, badges, medal tapes, metal buttons added to the style.
Glitzy Front Row: Indian journalist Nalini Singh occupied the front row next to designer Leena Singh and was spotted chatting away all through the show. Beauty guru, Shahnaz Hussain also put up an appearance but was spotted sitting in the second row.
Showstopper: The unusual theme had an unusual end. Ritu Beri walked as the showstopper for her own show in a long tight backless gown that was frilly at the bottom. And as she walked the old popular number ‘Ae mere watan ke logon...’ played in the backdrop setting a somber mood.
As for walking the ramp herself and not Sushmita Sen, who was originally decided as the showstopper for the show, Ritu said, “A showstopper has to be someone who can identify with the theme, the collection and enhance its beauty. And since Sushmita Sen comes from an Army background too, I thought she would be befitting for my show. But she couldn’t be here today because the shows got cancelled on the first day and she’s a busy woman.” Our loss!
Rating: 8/10
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