Old-school craft, new-school cool

Heirlooms aren’t just pieces passed down through generations; they’re reminders of how craft, fabric, and motifs continue to stay relevant no matter the era. Our mothers wore Ritu Kumar for their engagements, wedding receptions, and festive dinners, and today, we find ourselves gravitating to the same pieces, albeit styled differently. That’s the thing about Ritu Kumar’s design language: it’s timeless while adapting with the tides.

Think of how young brides today take their mother’s intricate Banarasi dupatta and pair it with an understated blouse and tailored trousers. Or how a vibrant bandhani is styled as a scarf with a white tank top and wide-leg denims for a casual lunch. Tradition isn’t something that sits locked away in a teakwood chest; it’s something meant to be lived in, worn often, and loved deeply. Because at its core, craft doesn’t age; it simply transforms with time.

Ritu Kumar’s new collection reflects that ethos effortlessly. It celebrates textile heritage while presenting silhouettes that feel fresh and relevant. Banarasi weaves become pleated skirts styled with cropped blouses. Zardozi embroidery sits on collared jackets you could throw over a lehenga or cigarette pants. Kashmiri paisleys find a home on relaxed maxi dresses that feel equal parts festive and easy. There’s a quiet confidence in the pieces – an understanding that traditional doesn’t have to mean overdone.

Banarasi weaves and bridal reds, reimagined

An immediate standout is the deep red lehenga woven with Banarasi-inspired geometric motifs. While the weave remains rooted in its heritage, the styling – a deep V-neck cropped blouse – makes it feel easygoing. It’s easy to see this skirt worn with a crisp white shirt post-wedding or layered with a black turtleneck for winter festivities. Another bridal red look combines traditional zardozi embroidery with a classic veil yet remains styling-friendly. Pair it with heritage jewellery for pheras or contemporary diamond pieces for a cocktail night. These pieces prove that classic reds and Banarasi motifs don’t belong only to the past but can be carried to the future when done right.

Zardozi jackets and corset saris with an edge

The intricate gold threadwork runs along the jacket's structured silhouette, making it the perfect companion for tailored trousers, lehenga skirts, or even a black slip dress for a reception night. The embroidery catches the eye subtly, adding quiet richness rather than overt shine. Equally impactful is the woven brocade sari styled with a structured corset blouse that lends shape and definition, while the sari drape remains timeless. Style the corset top with a broderie anglaise skirt or try pairing it with wide-leg denim as a reminder that traditional pieces can be reinterpreted without losing their essence.

Paisleys, prints, and boho ease

Paisleys have always been integral to Ritu Kumar’s aesthetic, and this collection gives them a fresh spin. A mustard and tangerine printed maxi dress styled with a floral choker feels relaxed yet festive, ideal for a mehendi lunch or reception dinner. Another look features multi-toned panels of teal, olive, and brown with gold embroidery, paired with a dupatta draped softly over the head, a silhouette rooted in modest traditions yet updated enough for brides who want statement looks. These prints and cuts remind us that craft is never dated – it simply awaits new ways to be worn.

At the heart of it, heirlooms aren’t really about how old they are but about how easily they fit into your life, no matter the year. They stay relevant because they’re made to last and meant to adapt. This collection gets that today’s bride wants outfits she can wear again, style differently, and eventually pass on to someone who’ll find their own way to wear it. Because what makes a piece timeless isn’t locking it away forever – it’s finding new ways to make it feel like you.

Register here to indulge in Ritu Kumar's collection at The Wedding Collective, from 22–24 August at the Jio World Convention Centre.