I love the way Katrina Kaif carries herself: Ritu Beri

With more than 26 years in Indian fashion, Ritu Beri is a celebrated name. The famous designer has not only introduced Indian style aesthetics to the international platforms but also has been constantly working on elevating its stature globally. For the same cause, the Indian fashion queen united forces with Make In India initiative and launched a non-profit foundation called The Luxury League.

Ritu’s creations have graced the closet of many celebrities and international A-listers like former US president Bill Clinton, UK’s Prince Charles Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Andie McDowell, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta among others.

Ritu and her dreams have always made our country proud. It was more than two decades ago when she was among the first Indians to storm the catwalks of Paris and recently was also bestowed the ‘Order of Civil Merit’ by the Spanish government.

The Luxury League has been Ritu’s another ambitious endeavour. The famed couturier brought in several bigwigs, eminent personalities, creative thinkers from International business and global brands that aim at strengthening and influencing the luxury Industry, all under one roof for the 'Global design and innovation session'.

Talking exclusively to us about the project, Ritu unravels her idea behind the project, inspirations, style sense and other things.

You have founded The Luxury League in association with Make In India initiative. What was the idea behind this?

I really believe in India and we have a lot of talent, which we need to project to the world. The world should know what we have. There is not a single brand from India that has really made global. This invoked my interest to put together a foundation that supports crafts and artisans to promote their work and make it global. At the event, we have got top leaders from the world coming to our homeland to discuss how India is a great market. The debate is going to be very interesting about how India brands are going to be global.

Why do you think Indian fashion needs something like this?

I think we have got a lot of potentials and we have a long way to go. We need to create a movement somewhere somehow so that we began taking our steps into the diversified world of luxury and lifestyle on the global map.

Did you face any challenges? How easy or difficult it was to put this up for grabs?

Nothing that you plan is easy. Everything that you plan is difficult. And ever challenge comes with a huge authority so I do believe that if you want to something big and different and new that globally no one has done before is always very difficult. Nonetheless, difficulties have their own joys.

It’s tough to break into people’s mind and thoughts. But, I enjoy challenges and I enjoy the whole process of making it happen.

What is fashion to you?

Fashion to me is who you are and wearing something that looks good on you. If you are only wearing clothes that are in trends, even if they aren't suiting you and you aren't comfortable, then that isn’t fashion. Being fashionable is when you are a person of your own and completely confident about what you are and what you want to wear. So, this is why knowing yourself is fashion to me.

What are you expecting from The Luxury League?

I have no expectations. I am trying to make space for Indian luxury market globally. I want to see a perfume from India, a jewellery designer from India, a shoemaker from Indian small town making it big in New York. So, my dream is to take the craft and art from India and make it a global movement. I refuse to believe that one billion people cannot create something global. I think we have amazing designers, great fashion, the huge bank of talent and we have come a long way in last 25 years and we still have a long road to cross.

What’s your take on Bollywood fashion?

Bollywood creates trends! The clothes or trends film stars choose becomes a mass movement. People start following the look any star follows. So, they have a mass connect and in many other ways as well. Bollywood fashion is a trendsetter.

In terms of styling, which actor or actress is your favourite?

I like Katrina Kaif. I love the way she carries and puts together herself. I think she is stunning and has a distinctive way of styling.

Any tips or comment for budding designers?

Everyone has got huge talent and everyone should do what they are good at. We are really the best in the world and we have to go and show it to them.

You have been all out and seen the world. According to you, what differentiates global fashion from Indian?

Our fashion is still very young. We are hardly 25 years old. As far as global fashion is considered, it has surpassed five decades, if not more. So, it is quite unfair to compare Indian fashion with the world fashion. It is just the beginning for us and like I said earlier, we have a long way to go. We have started doing fashion shows and have introduced interesting elements to our fashion world, but we are still a young industry.