Veteran fashion designer Ritu Kumar set India Couture Week ablaze with her stunning collection "Threads of Time: Reimagined," showcased on July 28, with Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar as the showstopping muse. At 80, Kumar continues to redefine Indian fashion, weaving traditional craftsmanship into modern silhouettes that captivated the audience.

The collection celebrated India’s rich textile heritage with a vibrant array of bridal and fusion wear, featuring iconic gold embroidery, bold reds synonymous with Indian brides, and a spectrum of fuchsia, baby blue, yellow, and mauve hues. From sleek, contemporary cuts to flowing, comfortable designs, Kumar’s creations balanced wearability with timeless elegance. Models strutted with minimal accessories, letting the intricate fabrics shine, accompanied by a fusion soundtrack blending Sufi classics like Saeen Zahoor’s "Aik Alif" with modern tracks like "Beat Goes On" and "Christine."

Bhumi Pednekar closed the show in a breathtaking golden lehenga, its intricate embroidery paired with a trailing cape instead of a traditional dupatta. Complemented by emerald studs and bold lipstick, she embodied the modern Indian bride. “It’s beautiful, rich, comfortable, and timeless—exactly my aesthetic,” Pednekar gushed. “Fashion is my self-expression; it gives me strength and courage to challenge norms, which is why I connect so deeply with Ritu Kumar’s vision.”

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Kumar, joined by her son Amrish Kumar, CEO of the Ritu Kumar label, emphasized the depth of her designs. “Indian textiles are more than just bridal wear; they’ve clothed the world for centuries,” she said at a press conference. “We must contemporize them for today and tomorrow, and younger designers are pushing this forward.” Her collection, she noted, avoids fleeting fast fashion trends, focusing instead on enduring craftsmanship.

Presented by Hyundai India and Reliance Brands, India Couture Week runs until July 30, with Kumar’s show setting a high bar for celebrating India’s living legacy of fashion and craft.

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