Couture culture

As a nation, we have been brought up on exquisite embroidery and handicrafts. With the onset of a wedding we are introduced to a burst of colours in the form of rich fluid fabrics, precious gems and a feast fit for kings. The finest silks, crepes, and swathes of pure chiffon are to us what 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton is to the world. While the fashion world is rejoicing and reliving the revival of ancient embroideries through international fashion houses like Dior, Hermès and Chloé, our Indian luxury couturiers have inherited this artful skill which has been handed down to us through our Moghul predecessors and have been providing us with timeless couture pieces

.THE DOYENNE OF INDIAN FASHION, RITU KUMAR SAYS, “Luxury has been an inherent part of Indian culture; whether it is jewellery or clothes or even lehengas, we have been exposed to high value pieces from a very early age. We have a 2000 year old culture of gifting silver and precious fabrics, we understand luxury.” Ritu should know, after all, she designer responsible for beauty queens returning with the best national award. She is on every wish list and as her www.ritukumar.com she has dressed some world's most famous from Princess Diana to Khan. Besides being a designer, Kumar has a brand and has a presence every metropolitan city as well as a reach in smaller From her prêt store, Label, bridal collections, every Indian woman knows Kumar creation.IN CONCURRENCE ARE ABU JANI AND KHOSLA. Say the talented “The whole concept of luxury is about rarity. Luxury is also about how something makes you feel a je ne sais quoi that is indefinable, almost intangible. It's an exacting standard and those who demand and know luxe understand that it permeates your entire life. It's about uncompromising excellence.” And this uncompromising excellence is what Jani Khosla have been committed to since s. The designers are part of the Indian designer brigade who have revived various forms of Indian embroidery and used them create their masterpieces. Every piece of work that comes out of their studio is a result precision and a labour of love.
Commenting on their work, “Every Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla garment is luxe at its best. There are no shortcuts. Voluptuous fabrics, the most intricate embroidery and embellishment and the finest finishes—that's our trademark. And every creation must match up.” Known to be the favourites of the Bachchan family and having had their designs being worn on the Oscar red carpet by none other than Dame Judi Dench, Jani and Khosla are also a favourite amongst the sophisticated in the wedding market. The designer duo, who are famous for their classic white chikankari ensembles, have a presence in the capital city and in Mumbai apart from retailing in London.

ANOTHER INDIAN LUXURY DESIGNER, TARUN TAHILIANI comes to mind with his jewelled ensembles and flamboyant creations. His kaftans are perfect for lounging in yachts on the French Riviera and are even retailed at an exclusive store there amongst other locations around the world