Designer Ritu Beri gets Spain honour

Fashion designer Ritu Beri was Friday bestowed the 'Order of Civil Merit', a civilian award by the Spanish government here at the Embassy of Spain.

The Delhi-born fashion mogul was honoured the merit by Gustavo de Aristegui, Ambassador, Embassy of Spain on behalf of the Spanish monarch Felipe VI, and by Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.

Beri dedicated the title to her "family" and "colleagues" and said that in her journey as a fashion designer, the biggest thing she has achieved is "peace of mind" and "happiness".

"This is a great honour for me -- to get honoured by the country that has been my inspiration throughout. This is certainly life's full circle moment for me. In December this year, I'll start my 25th year in the fashion business and for me this honour means a lot. The struggle, hardships, success, fun and joy that I have had in my career has been immense," she said at the event.

Ritu, who is a National Institute of Fashion Technology alumnus, was earlier conferred the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), one of the highest civilian awards by the French government, earlier in 2010.

At the Embassy of Spain Friday, Swaraj said that India is glad about Beri's achievements and it's a special and proud moment for the country.

"It's a moment of joy for me because an Indian woman is being recognised for the extraordinary contribution in her chosen field. India and Spain share a strong bilateral relationship. Both countries are rooted in their culture and support traditional roots.

"In recent years, India-Spain relations have gained momentum through regular high level visits. Year 2015 will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries," she added.

Some of the notable international personalities for whom Beri has designed wardrobes are former US President Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, Nicole Kidman and Andie MacDowell.