Kumar's new summer line label is in fresh, breezy colours for the global girl

So far, Ritu Kumar, the reigning diva of Indian haute couture, has been synonymous with traditional wear. But her Summer 2002 line has thrown up a few surprises. Kumar has just launched her new brand Label, a contemporary line for the global woman characterised by fresh, vibrant colours combined with fluid fabrics and feminine shapes. Breezy pastels and soft prints dominate. So too urban cuts and denims, lycra and tensil mixes. Bright tees team with Capri pants and jeans.

The new label also includes a classic black line including eveningwear and a casual black and a whitewashed sequence. The B&W cocktail collection is inspired by Ikat weaves. There are a lot of bandhini motifs and mirrorwork in Kumar's latest line, used in the finals of the Femina Miss India 2002 pageant. Aimed at today's mobile lifestyle, Label is affordable, and available at E-4, Archana Arcade, Hauz Khas Market, Delhi. Call (011) 656-8986. Watch out for Kumar's show at The Oberoi, Mumbai, on April 27.

SHELF LIFE

Art for Animals: Animal welfare body People For Animals (PFA) presents the Affordable Art Show with over 500 new works by top Indian artists: M.F. Husain, Anjolie Ela Menon, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Manjit Bawa, and in a special appearance, even former premier V.P. Singh. None of the works are marked above Rs 50,000. From May 1-5 at ITC Maurya Sheraton, Delhi. Proceeds from the show will go towards the construction of animal shelters across India. Call: (011) 335-7088.

Fashion Salon: For the fashion-savvy, Ose by DJ showcases ensembles by out-of-town designers, many of them retailing in Delhi for the first time. Fresh ideas abound. Ose also has a private lingerie section. At R-55, GK-I, Delhi. Call: (011) 643-6915.

TREND SPEAK

Ethnic preferences, like mud houses, will be fashionable alongside electronic buildings. But interesting work will continue to be seen in smaller towns.
Gautam Bhatia, Architect

BAZAAR news

Hypermarket: From The Home Store (THS) retail group (specialists in home products and accessories) comes Delhi's first hypermarket Super Sabka Bazaar-dubbed "a complete stop shop" and "everybody's market"-offering A-Z products for the home. At Imperial Tower, Community Centre, Naraina Vihar, Naraina. Budget shopping at best.

In The Jeans: Finding a fitting pair of jeans will now become easier. Wrangler (Arvind Brands Ltd) introduces the new Body Type Concept with a line of jeans to fit all waist-sizes. Available at all stores that sell denim brands.

-Compiled by Methil Renuka