ABURY meets Fashion and Music Blogger Ritu Arya

Currently based in Bangalore, Ritu Arya is a textile design graduate from NIFT, Bangalore. She spends most of her time running her successful blog RazzleDazzlePickle, which is unique in its combination of Ritu's two passions music and fashion. It allows her to express her thoughts through pictures and words, and is infused with content that is mostly very individualistic and personal. Every piece on her blog is unique, in fact she manages to create something new and interesting each time. Each story pulls you in and lets you marvel at her incredible photos. Ritu Arya also works as a freelance stylist and a design advisor, and is also one of the two co-founders of Drum and Bass India, a music community. Being from and living in India, Ritu does not only provide us with true insider's knowledge, she's also an inspiring young woman wearing many hats.

Ritu Arya, start by tagging yourself with three words.

Thinker. Visualizer. Diligent.

At ABURY we believe that “hands tell stories“. What do your hands tell about you?

I've not had my hand read (literally), but when I look at it I see complexity. It's overwhelming.

What is the last thing you created with your hands?

A choker. I've been doing a lot of DIY jewelries for quite a few years now. During my leisure time, I end up going through my boxes of little trinkets and left-over fabrics to see what I can create. Recently it was a handy little choker.

If you could choose, what would you like to be able to do with your hands?

Definitely Pottery. My fascination and inquisitiveness towards it existed since I was young. The way clay takes form on the revolving wheel, crafted with delicacy, is quite beautiful.

Looking back on everything you’ve done in your life - What is the one thing you are proudest of?

First and foremost, turning out to be who I am today, because of everything that I've experienced, done and been brought-up with. If I have to highlight a particular moment, then it would probably be the point at which I firmly decided, within myself, to turn the love for creating and designing into something more than just a 'hobby'. Otherwise, each validated milestone seemed big at the time, but now it looks more of a stepping stone to achieving something bigger.

“One of a mind” underlines our strong belief in equality and the value of sharing. How does intercultural exchange benefit our global society in your eyes?

The awareness itself breaks down naivety and ignorance about each other's standing. A cultural exchange of information only encourages new ideas. After all, we're only restricted by the resources around us, but essentially, we're all looking to make this a better world to live in.

You were born and raised in India. What differentiates India from other countries?

Every region in India is almost like a whole new country in itself, be it the colors, the cuisine or the language. Traces of India's history still lingers around in every aspect, which makes it exciting to just travel within the same country. What I find most intriguing is the innumerable style of craft, with different techniques and processes, resulting in something so unique and so centered around that particular region's culture. As you cross from one state to the other, almost everything changes, and as they say, India truly is a diverse country.

Talking about other senses - how would you describe the “Tastes of India” and what is your favourite?

The cuisine and palettes change as you travel across India, more or less tilting towards either sweet or spicy, sometimes both. The common ground features aromatic and flavorful spices (chilli, turmeric, coriander, cumin, etc) that make up most of the dishes. I've always enjoyed different dishes in different regional cuisines. But I'll always have a special spot for my mom's home-food, however she makes it.

How about the “Sounds of India”?

One can find and listen to true 'Sounds of India' in each state, albeit in places that's less touched by technology. The tones from classical Indian instruments and musical scales make up the ethnic aura it holds. Almost always soothing and earthy. However, there are a handful of new-generation artists that've infused the authenticity of Indian elements along with the production techniques of modern-day electronic music, making it a little more interesting.

You are the face behind the amazing blog RazzleDazzlePickle. What’s the story behind the name?

'Razzle Dazzle' denotes all things good that interest me, be it in fashion or music, or even travelling. As for 'Pickle', well ... I always ended up getting myself into situations, or so to say, a bit of a 'pickle'. Since the blog is more of a personal, it seemed to fit together.

Your blog combines your two passions, fashion and music - how do these connect? What is expressed through either?

Both Fashion & Music, to me, are two of the best artistic outlets for creativity and self-expression. I inherit my creative sense through my Mother, who used to paint and sew outfits for both of us. She has a refined taste in knowing what works together. Being around her has indirectly influenced what I do today and the career I chose to pursue. As for music, hanging around musicians over the last 6-7 years has only opened up my musical boundaries. Dabbing into genres and artists that I may never have come across on my own. It's eventually turned into something enjoyable and personal, especially when I'm investing my time and energy into a larger picture for the music industry through the community that I've co-founded - Drum & Bass India.

© All photos via Ritu Arya