Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces that it will launch its 2020 Spring/Summer Kurta Collection celebrating the women of today in the country. This marks the second collaboration line with renowned New Delhi-based designer Rina Singh of Eka; the first was last year to coincide with the opening of the company’s first stores in India, from October. The latest collection celebrates the everyday wear of women from all over India and embodies the LifeWear concept of simple and high-quality clothing that makes life better. It juxtaposes the softness of fabrics with universality in design.
Speaking about the collection, designer Rina Singh adds, “I’ve enjoyed and learned tremendously by working together with UNIQLO. The kurta is timeless, democratic and functional daily apparel in our country. Along with the UNIQLO LifeWear philosophy, this season I’ve explored bold hues, modern shapes and coordinates, inspired by the canvases of modern renaissance art, such as abstract prints, arty florals and botanicals.”
Inspired by Modern Art
The collection draws on the rich color palette of Amrita Sher-Gil. Rina Singh’s hand-painted botanical motif is a tribute to that pre-eminent Hungarian-Indian painter, one of the greatest women avant- garde artists of the 20th century and a pioneer of modern Indian art. Yellows, pinks, emeralds, and other hues are perfect for bright and energetic summer wear.
Combining craft traditions with UNIQLO functionality
Reflecting Rina Singh’s modern approach to tradition, the garments incorporate blends of Indian slab yarn rayon, linen, and other materials, and employ dobby weaves to replicate the hand-woven feel of the kurta. Fabrics feature soft weaves and light and fresh finishes. The collection comprises tunics, dresses, pants, and stoles. It retains premium linen dresses that proved popular in the previous season, as well as newly added dresses made from an easy-care rayon fabric that UNIQLO developed with Toray Industries. Kurta design touches such as pin tucks, square necks, and embroidery are included, while the line features gathered sleeves that benefit from the soft fabric.