Esha Gupta turns muse for designer Ritu Kumar at WIFW

Oct 10, 2012 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Model-turned actress Esha Gupta, who walked as a showstopper for designer Ritu Kumar at the grand finale of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) spring-summer 2013, says that it's great to be back on ramp from where she started her journey.

Dressed in black and gold asymmetrical lehangas, Esha says that the designer was the one who gave her the initial breaks in modeling so when she asked her to walk as a showstopper, she couldn't say no.

"I just adore her designs. I know Ritu aunty since my modeling days and I think she is absolutely fantastic with her designs. When I started as the model, she was one of the designers with whom I worked. I remember, during my starting days, she only used to shoot with the big models but when she saw me, she started working with.

"Then she designed for my Miss International outfit and today I am here. We are always like family so there was no point of saying no to her call," Esha told IANS.

The finale show was divided into two parts, first was of Label Ritu Kumar brand and second Ritu Kumar Couture. Both the segments recreated the magic and simplicity of art deco.

The opening sequence of Label Ritu Kumar had showcased a heavy usage of motifs and moods of 1930s, 1940s and 1950s Spanish era with garments crafted to offer a modern representation.

The show started with Audio Visual presentation of the research and idea that went into making the collection.

From skirts, dresses and gown, the collection emphasised lot on evening wear with fabrics varies from silks, chiffon, crepe and twill. The highpoint of the first part was when Ritu's son Amrish Kumar posed in front of shutterbugs with female models walking by his side.

The second half of the show started again with AV bit this time it has more of a Bollywood feel to it as the picture shown was of late actor Shammi Kapoor's song "Baar baar dekho".This was followed by dance number by four couples.

"Azeeb dastan hai yeh", "Babuji dheere chalne" to "Ek Ldaki bheegi bhaagi si", "Taqdeer se bigdi hui" and "Mera naam chin chin chu" were some of the evergreen bollywood tracks that were played while models showcased collection that was mix of heavy couture including lehangas , saris, shararas and gowns.

"The collection has lot of textures and prints with 35 outfits showcased in second half. Bollywood songs were important because the first half was the art deco of the 1930, 40 and 50s of Europe , now India picked up very fast and we had our own art deco in the form of these films songs. Also I think the music went well with the clothing," Ritu told reporters.

The second half of the collection drew inspiration from the European influence on Indian royality during the ore-partition period and this resulted in using rich laces, brocades, and embroideries.

The design ended with a regal collection of gold, black and jeweled ensemble of the india in mid 20th century.