Fashion Designer – Ritu Kumar



Ritu Kumar is one of India’s foremost designers, who have developed a unique style of their own, reflecting the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in a contemporary fashion. With a background of art history and musicology, which has enriched her horizons, Ritu Kumar’s understanding of ancient designs and the innovative use of traditional crafts has created a new classicism. Ritu holds the status of a revivalist in the Indian fashion industry, which has successfully bridged the gap between traditionalism and modernity.

Ritu, who began her work with four hand-block printers and two tables, in a small village near Calcutta thirty years ago, was the first woman to introduce the ’boutique’ culture in India under the brand name ‘Ritu’. Today she has twelve outlets in all major cities in India. Ritu Kumar’s boutiques feature a multifaceted showcase encompassing the very best of Indian design, with specially produced range of high fashion garments and accessories using silk, leather and cotton.

Ritu Kumar’s range of western and Indian apparel is all about traditions and individual talent, and women across the continents can easily identify with her vision of design.

Ritu has gone a long way to redefining the term ‘fashion’ in the Indian context. Most importantly, she has demonstrated that handmade products can be as profitable as and even more glamorous than that of machine, and that Indian fashion is more than capable of holding on it’s own in the international arena of haute couture. Her couture is readily recognizable by its classicism, beauty and finesse. Her design philosophy is based on the premise that everything founded on good aesthetic, cuts across all borders-be they geographical, cultural or otherwise. This very aesthetic is the factor central to the Indian handwriting which underlies her creations. As the world truly becomes a global village, more and more of the elements that make up modern culture are taking on rich hues and ethnic tones. Pluralism is the mantra, while tastes are fast becoming eclectic, be it in music, arts, food or fashion. Within fashion, Indian techniques have increasingly commanded a premium for their creativity, style and finish. The Indian influence on contemporary wear is unmistakable.

In sync with these evolving trends, in April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new sub brand, ‘LABEL’. This is a reflection of modern and global trends that shape our lives today. ‘LABEL’ cater today’s woman, who is increasingly independent, discerning and global. It is a modern offering, focusing on the cut, color, drape and feel of the garment. This brand has a universal appeal aimed at today’s mobile lifestyle. It is fashionable, affordable and like all Ritu Kumar products, it is of the highest quality.

Fashion Designer David Dixon “The Designer Guy”



Fashion designer David Dixon, is known as the “designer guy”. He is recognized as one of the leaders in Canadian fashion and as one of the most respected designers.

This year he celebrates his lines 10th anniversary. From 1995 to 2000 Dixon was a Toronto Fashion Incubator. However, he became tired of working for other designers, so he pushed out on his own using the TFI resources to get his start.

After some struggling and an interesting roller coaster ride, Dixon has become quite a successful designer and his name has become well recognized in the fashion industry.

Dixon graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic University in 1994. He was named the City of Toronto New Designer of the Year in 1996, Fur Council of Canada Bronze in 1998. and the Matinee Fashion Foundation Grant Recipient in 1999 and 2000.

Dixon Strives aims for growth in his collections. Evolution is important to him as he is known to thrive on change. He is not a man to find success and stick with it. His designs are every changing, fluid and in motion.

He constantly is on the move working with the passion of an artist deep in thought. Dixon is a man that follows his heart and grabs the moment. His fashions are more than fashion, they reflect the inner deeper sole.

Dixon’s collections can be found in Canada, the Middle East and parts of the United States. He is known for using unusual fabrications to create a simple silhouette. David Dixon’s signature is built on fabric.

Each of his collections features at least one unique accent. Last season he used ostrich feathers on skirts and dresses. Dixon is often associated with Glamour and Romance. For the women who wears Dixon age is never a factor.

His fashions are designed for woman of all ages, but you must be a woman with a sense of fashion and love the bold and unusual lines Dixon tends to use.

Just have a look at Dixon’s 2005 Summer collection. Romantic, Glamorous, yet done in classic lines he so loves. It is obvious that he stays true to his heart with black and white.

This seasons collection is not only romantic, it is trendy. Dixon’s heavily uses capri pant, floral prints, hot shade of ochre and brown go along way towards adding a little sizzle.

It is quite apparent that great thought has gone into mixing color with the lines of the garment and the fabric texture. His collection boasts of more than just another designer garment.

David’s clothing is known for combining luxury with the functional, fantasy with the sensible. They say fashion reflects the society it is part of.

If that’s the case Canada must be hopelessly romantic, elegant and just a little bit edgy.

Canada is often forgotten in the designer world, with places like Paris and Italy front and center stage. The designs of David Dixon have put Canada on the Fashion Radar Screen.

If you are a woman with a strong sense of fashion who wants more than just another designer garment, do take some time to check out Dixon’s Spring and Summer collection, and watch for his fall collection coming soon.

Profile on Richie Rich – The Fashion Designer



Richie Rich has become a popular name in the fashion industry. Initially, he has trained and dreamt to become a seasoned figure skater of which he was even able to train alongside Kristi Yamaguchi, a gold medalist in figure skating. He later on ventured out to the club music industry which he was able to record two dance club hit singles called Magic and Collision. Though he also made cameo appearances in some films this former club kid realized his true calling, fashion design.

Richie Rich teamed up with Traver Rains to form the now famous, Heatherette which was launched in late 1999. He has been known to create customized tops of which is made from leather complete with all the trims he could think of. His creations along with the collaborations from Traver Rains have been able to catch the attention of the public – especially those of celebrities. Their work has received exposure from Foxy Brown, Gwen Stefani, Paris Hilton and Aerosmith; they were among their first high profile customers. They launch fashion shows on a regular and consistent basis of which has always proved to be successful. Among the famous icons of which they have featured in their catwalks are Boy George and Anna Nicole Smith.

Though there were some stipulation in the past where Rich and Rains has separated their paths and that their Heatherette line is no more; there was no confirmation to it at all. Rich took some time off to be able to concentrate on his new line of shoes and to be able to prepare for his comeback in the fashion industry. He is known for his flamboyant works where he is able to combine materials in such a manner where it has not been thought of before and still be able to achieve wonderful results. He is able to create ideas to be able to conform to the current times and still be appreciated by both the young and conventional.

Heatherette has received mounds of publicity and has been able to establish itself internationally. It still promotes its great relations among celebrities of which has become an advocate of their fashion statement. There are also some publicity in terms of shows and other forms of public appearances where their fashion line is being endorsed or advertised. Though Rich has been well known in the fashion industry as one who has learned to focus on leather tops, he has been able to transform various works of art using various materials apart from the usual items. His work has always been known to be elaborate and tasteful; a wonder to most fashion critics and still a delight to see and actually take part of. Richie Rich takes great pride on his work and enjoys every moment of which he creates them. The Rich and Rains duo have eventually assured the public that there is no fact to the fall out; and that in reality, they are eager to create more and will stay in the industry.