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Ritu Kumar kickstarts second Kolkata Fashion Week

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

The second season of Kolkata Fashion Week II had a gala opening Wednesday evening with Ritu Kumar's couture collection.

"It's a celebration of forty years of the Ritu Kumar label...my collection is a tribute to the craftsmen of West Bengal," Kumar said after the show.

Tracing indian history

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

Kumar's Show started with the Mughal period to the slave dynasty, tracing Indian history with saris and unstitched dresses and concluding with modern Indian and bridal wear.

Crafty inspiration

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

"We have the best craftsmen in the whole world in West Bengal... they are my inspiration."

Painting pret

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

"I used a lot of abstract paintings in the 'Modern India' section. I did the Assam paintings on the clothes myself," Kumar said.

Young and edgy

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

"My clothes mainly define the young generation and something that is multi-dimentional," she concluded.

Overall appeal

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

Despite the distinctly Indian feel, the garments had an international appeal -- take this lovely gown, for instance.

Trendier and trendier

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 
Some of the outfits were the very definition of funky fashion, like this hot yellow mini with leggings and ankle boots.

Showstopping entry

Last updated on: September 10, 2009 

Brazilian model Giselle Monteiro, who played Harleen Kaur in the Bollywood film Love Aaj Kal was the showstopper for Ritu's show.