How Ritu Beri turned a 200-year-old Portuguese villa into a creative retreat
Decoding The LayoutThe store is thoughtfully divided into curated zones—where each room has its own tale to share. One opens into a fashion and textiles showcase, another into a home and lifestyle corner. There's a central salon space that feels more like a lounge than a retail area, perfect for personal styling or slow browsing. We've retained the laterite walls, old beams and window details to keep the feel and soul of the villa intact.
Retail TherapyAt Escape, we're retailing a mix of handcrafted fashion, artisanal home decor and collectibles, all with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Many pieces are inspired by traditional techniques; think hand-block printing, heritage weaves, repurposed antique textiles, and design motifs drawn from local art and architecture. This has been achieved by working closely with artisans to reinterpret these traditions in a contemporary form.The pricing is the result of thoughtful consideration. The price ranges from `1,500 for handcrafted accessories and lifestyle products and goes up to `75,000 for limited-edition fashion or statement home pieces. It's a wide spectrum, intentionally so both collectors and curious wanderers can find something special to take home.
RAW A DISTINCTION | The bold red-and-white exterior, Ritu Beri's favourite colour combination, sets the tone for the boutique, which features a palette of striking hues, edgy art and playful details
Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Lucky aka Abhishek Gupta announces marriage to Korean fiancee; couple set to welcome first child together
Abhishek Gupta, better known as Lucky, is an Indian television personality, actor, and businessman In the vibrant world of Korean entertainment , where twists emerge like K-drama surprises, successful Indian personality Lucky aka Abhishek Gupta , has just shared some delightful news. On August 15, 2025, he announced on social media his upcoming wedding to his Korean fiancée, who is expecting their first child. Known for his engaging appearances on Korean variety shows, Lucky posted glowing photos of his fiancee. Fans of the couple are thrilled by this cross-cultural romance , with supportive comments pouring in. Journey to Korea and a Joyful Life Change Lucky's path to this joyful milestone is truly motivating. Hailing from India, he relocated to Korea to chase entertainment dreams, similar to many aspiring talents riding the Hallyu wave. In his touching post, he shared, "After coming to Korea, my life completely changed." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo His non-celebrity Korean fiancee has been his steadfast partner, and they're set to wed on September 28, 2025. Reports from news outlets like Xports News note the couple's excitement over the pregnancy, adding extra sparkle to their union. Wedding Plans With the wedding nearing, glimpses of the event are emerging, promising a heartfelt celebration. His agency, SLL, confirms it will be an intimate gathering for family and friends, fusing customs from both cultures. About Lucky A
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
5 hours ago
- First Post
From paisley to saris, how India has been a fashion designer for the world
For many, 2025 is the year for Indian fashion. Designers such as Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta, Sabyasachi have flown the Indian flag high. However, the country has always been at the forefront of textiles, fabrics and clothes. As we mark our 79th day of Independence, here's a look at how Indian fashion has evolved, providing designers across the world with ideas and inspiration while growing into a multi-million dollar industry In recent times, the world has woken up to India's fashion — be it Prada appropriating the humble 'Kohlapuri' chappal or designers Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta enchanting audiences at fashion weeks and Met galas with their dramatic gowns. But Indian fashion has always been serving it, as the young ones would call it today. Its textiles, its designs, its aesthetic has been a constant in the world of fashion and is embroidered into global fashion history. In fact, the desire for India's excellence in fashion can be dated back to the 17th Century when the French courts of Marie Antoinette and Joséphine Bonaparte sourced fabrics and designs from India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And it seems centuries later, India continues to serve as inspiration to the world. As we celebrate India's independence from the British Raj, we take a closer look at India's role in global design from the 1600s to the present. When France courted Indian fashion The year 1788 began as an unusually dull one for French fashion. 'Nothing very novel for this winter,' the fashion-conscious Henriette Louise de Waldner de Freundstein, Baroness d'Oberkirch (1754–1803) complained. But then the French fashionistas came across an Indian fabric known as chintz and they fell in love with the light, breathable, and strikingly vibrant feel of it. Soon, all of Europe had their hands on chintz — aristocratic women wore chintz gowns adorned with delicate vines and blossoms. Royalty lined their bedrooms with chintz draperies. Even Queen Mary of England had her private chambers decorated with the fabric. Chintz dresses displayed at Britain's Victoria & Albert Museum. This pattern became very famous in the 17th Century with France and UK banning it in the years to come. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons It became so popular that in 1686, France banned its import with England following it. But the demand didn't reduce; in fact, smugglers risked imprisonment and even execution to meet the insatiable demand. In some cities, women caught wearing chintz were forced to pay heavy fines or even had their garments confiscated in public. Years later, in 1759, France lifted its ban on chintz after it had figured out how to make its own. England, too, embraced industrialised cotton production, making cheap chintz-like fabrics in massive quantities. Buta becomes paisley Talking of Indian fabrics and motifs, we can't forget the paisley and how it has become a trend all over. Designers from Dolce & Gabbana, JW Anderson among others have incorporated paisley in their designs. But did you know that this motif, now associated with bohemian culture hails from India's Kashmir? The original Persian droplet-like motif – the boteh or buta – is thought to have been a representation of a floral spray combined with a cypress tree, a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the 18th and 19 centuries, traders took the textile pattern to Europe and following the arrival of luxurious Kashmir shawls (some of which cost the price of a small house), the pattern took the continent by storm. The shawls were soon imitated throughout Europe, notably in Wales and the town of Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland. From that point onwards the English term for the motif was 'paisley'. The world can't get enough of Khadi When we think of India's independence struggle, one often thinks of khadi and how the fabric became one of the foremost symbols of Indian resistance. And today, khadi has gone global. Think Vivienne Westwood's latest collection that that fused its aesthetic with khadi and other hand-woven silks. The name khadi comes from the word 'khaddar' (meaning handspun in the subcontinent) and is part of India's ancient handmade textile traditions. Amid the freedom struggle, Mahatam Gandhi called for a boycott of foreign clothes, urging people to turn to hand-woven khadi. 'Consume what you can produce,' he believed. The production of home-spun was the way forward, according to him. Mahatma Gandhi spinning khadi on a spinning wheel or charkha. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons And for him, khadi was not just a cloth, he referred to it as a 'Livery of Freedom'. In an article in The Hindu in 2010, Ragini Nayak, a former national general secretary of the National Students' Union of India, wrote that Gandhiji emphasised that khadi 'should be worn with values which are inseparable to it'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thanks to Mahatma Gandhi's khadi movement, one of the biggest cooperatives in the world was born. The Indian government institutionalised the khadi industry by establishing the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) through an Act of Parliament in 1957. And despite khadi seeing a drop in popularity, in recent years, it has got a boost — not just in India but also across the world. Indian and as well as global designers have embraced the fabric with it even being showcased at the Lakmē Fashion Week, held in March 2025. As designers who have worked with khadi said, 'Khadi has always had a quiet power, it's honest, handmade, and deeply rooted in our culture. What's exciting is that people are now seeking that authenticity more than ever. There's a shift towards fabrics that tell a story, that feel grounded. Khadi brings with it a sense of realness and responsibility, which is resonating in fashion circles today.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sari not sorry Perhaps, the biggest sign of Indian fashion inspiring the West is that of a simple garment — the sari. Time after time, the sari has been replicated by global designers; from Hermes, Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier to John Galliano, all of them have tried to put their spin on the garment that is considered by many as the pinnacle of Indian fashion. Actress Alia Bhatt arrives for the closing ceremony at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes wearing Gucci's interpretation of a sari. File image/AFP Even Gucci reimagined the sari for none other than Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who wore the creation at the 78th Cannes film festival. The design featured a sleeveless, backless blouse with a plunging neckline and a floor-length skirt, topped with a palla-style drape that mimicked the classic saree silhouette. India's having a moment in fashion Today, thanks to designers such as Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta, Rahul Mishra, Indian fashion is being talked about and praised all over the world. Their works are being featured on foreign runways and international stars are choosing their designs. Even at the Met Gala this year, which is considered fashion's night out, Indian designers were the talk of the town. Manish Malhotra not only designed Natasha Poonawalla's outfit but his jewellery was also worn by none other than the 'Queen of the Met' — Rihanna. Indian designer Manish Malhotra attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. File image/AFP Isha Ambani regaled fashion watchers with an Anamika Khanna design, whereas Gaurav Gupta, whose creations have appeared at the Met Gala before — most recently on Mindy Kaling last year — styled mom-to-be Kiara Advani for her debut at this year's fashion gala. Together, they crafted a gown that paid homage to motherhood, resulting in a heartwarming moment on the blue carpet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And that's not the end of it. At Paris Fashion Week, Pharrell Williams unveiled his Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2026 mens wear collection on a runway that was inspired by India's ancient game — Snakes and Ladders. The trunks, long considered a Louis Vuitton signature, were detailed with embroidery motifs inspired by Indian iconography — florals, paisleys, and geometric metaphors that subtly referenced subcontinental storytelling. All of this goes to prove that Indian fashion is here to stay and grow like never before. In fact, India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) notes that the Indian fashion industry is expected to grow at a rate of more than 10 per cent per year. It is expected to reach a market value of around Rs 45.3 lakh crore by 2032, at a projected 12.6 per cent growth rate. So, this Independence Day, don't be shy and wear your Indian fashion loud and proud! With inputs from agencies
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Tara Sutaria trades office siren glam for this champagne glitter drape that screams 'Iconic'
(Image Credits: Instagram) If power dressing is an art, then surely Tara Sutaria is its master. The 'Tadap' actress has recently been redefining the boardroom aesthetic and has finally made it her signature flair. Tara Sutaria is indeed giving an unconventional spin to the everyday office siren fits by whipping up a style storm in a sleek blazer and office shorts avatar. But this time around, she decided to trade her favourite aesthetic for a stunning champagne sparkle saree with fluid draping detailing, designed by the fashion maestro Manish Malhotra. Tara wore a taupe-beige satin saree, which gave a rich look under the light. The sheer fabric caught with each movement, coming in with a scattered shimmer that did not overpower the drape but created a mesmerising motion. (Image Credits: Instagram) But wait till you see the iconic blouse. She wore a cropped match with short sleeveless detailing that perfectly hugged her body and was dipped in champagne-toned sequins and glass beads. The refracting light, in sharp contrast with a slight turn of her torso, created a contrasting affair, which looked no less than a dream. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Independence Day Sale is Live - Check The Sale Luxury Watches Buy Now Undo 10 Indian saris every woman should have in her wardrobe On the jewellery front, she fell for a diamond waterfall necklace and teamed it with matching button studs and a single ring. Each piece she picked matched the blouse's embellishment and kept a chic balance that did not overpower the whole look. Lastly, talking about her hair and makeup, she simply parted her hair down the middle and styled it in soft waves, which sat past her shoulders. In terms of her makeup, she simply opted for a clean yet warm base with muted eyeshadow, feathery lashes, and sculpted cheeks and sealed the deal with a peach lip gloss. (Image Credits: Instagram) Looking absolutely iconic from every angle, her six yards of drape were able to draw the right amount of attention without offering any vibrant shade, which also captured the strength of neutrals this festive season. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
