Ritu Beri celebrates 20 years in fashion at WIFW

Designer Ritu Beri used the opening day of the Wills India Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2011 as the fitting platform to celebrate her completing 20 years in the industry, with columnist-author Shobha De as her showstopper.

Beri put together pieces from all her various collections over the years which bear her mark as a celebrated designer for this retrospective collection which included jackets, catsuits, dresses, gowns and skirts.

"I just completed 20 years in the industry and I thought it was the time to remind people about my creations over the years. It was mostly in black and white as it reminds one of old times," said Beri.

The designer has recently received the Chevalier des Art et des Lettres Award from the Government of France and today's show was also a tribute to the fashion capital Paris.

The models sashayed down the ramp as French songs played in the background.

De, who walked the ramp in a black and white saree, launched her latest book 'Shobhaa at 60' at the show.

"This is probably the first time a book is being launched at a fashion show and I am probably the world's oldest showstopper. My new book celebrates women across the world who want to be free from the cage of age and live life to the fullest. Age does not matter," said De.

"My collection is timeless, just like Shobhaa. I look upto women like her," said Beri.

Her each look was a statement in itself. There was a play of ruffles, sequins and embroidery on the ramp in fabrics like silk, georgette, chiffon, organza and leather, complete with chunky beaded accessories and stylish hats.