reshmi gosh @ritu kumar

Reshmi Ghosh
Femina Miss India - 2002
At the preliminary rounds of the Miss Earth Contest, Reshmi Ghosh, Femina Miss India 2002 won a Best National Costume award designed by Ritu Kumar in the event held at Manila

India has a rich repertoire of styles and techniques, each with diverse interest and socially interesting norms. The national costume of any country reflects the classical best of its textile traditions. The national costume for Reshmi is styled from the traditional wedding wear of the royal houses of the Punjab in northern India. It consists of a panelled skirt, a short blouse, and two odhinis or viels. One of these is worn over the shoulder and the other one covers the head to give the ensemble a regal look.

The first three parts of the ensembles are made of silk, and patterned with a design from the printing school of Farukhabad. A wide border of a stylized "Tree of Life" motif, edges the skirt and the veil. This is the traditional method of detailing royal garments. The pattern moves into a curling vine in the larger areas of the garment. The pattern is coloured in rich red/burgundy and the entire design is picked up with a three dimensional gold embroidery traditionally known in India for centuries-- called Zardozi. The viel which covers the hair is made of sheer net and embellished with narrow borders. The ensemble is accessorized with antiqued kundan jewellery, bangles and flowers.