Indian fashion diva Ritu Beri joined the elite club comprising the likes of Lata Mangeshkar, Satyajit Ray, George Clooney and Bob Dylan after she was conferred the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of the highest civilian awards by the French govt, for her contribution to the fashion industry.

Ambassador of France to India Jerome Bonnafont said that Beri described Beri as not just a “celebrated designer in France” but also a “link between India and France.”

“Ritu Beri’s association with France goes way back when she trained under the French embroidery maestro Francois Lesage. She is also one of the first South Asian woman to head a French fashion house,” said Bonnafont at the function in the capital late on Thursday.

He added that his country saw Ritu Beri as an “embodiment of haute-couture in India.” “We see Ritu as a link between the two countries.

By conferring this award upon Ritu, we also see it as a way to enhance the cultural relationship between India and France,” said Bonnafont.

Chevalier l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is one of the highest civilian awards conferred by the French government annually to those who make significant contributions to art and literature.

“My acquaintance with the fashion world is extremely limited…for the kind of clothes I usually wear I don’t require a fashion designer,” joked Union Home Minster P Chidambaram who was present at the function, quickly adding that the country was “very proud, very happy and delighted,” for Beri’s achievement.

“When we were a closed economy we did not think much of the world and the world did not think much of us. When we opened the governmental economy to the world we were also opening the talents of the Indian people. Ritu Beri is one such example…there are hundreds, thousands of such examples in the country,” said the minister.

Beri is considered a pioneer in showcasing India-inspired motifs on the catwalks of Paris, giving Fashion connoisseurs a glimpse of India’s textile heritage, but her designs have graced the ramps in many other countries as well to wide critical acclaim.

She has also earned the credit of being the first Asian designer to head the French fashion brand, Scherrer.

A visibly overwhelmed Beri said that the award was unexpected and it was her love for India that saw her reach the fashion pinnacle.

“I am a huge dreamer. This award was beyond my dreams. Paris is very special.I do believe Paris is my destiny. It was meant for me. Since I was ten, Paris is where I want to be,” said Beri.

“My shows reflected the love I had for India and if I am where I am on Friday  it’s only because of that bond I shared. All I can say for now is the dreamer in me will dream on,” said the media-shy Beri.

Noted columnist and novelist Shobha De who attended the award ceremony was all praises for the fashion diva describing her as an “accomplished, beautiful and a committed” woman.

“Ritu’s relationship with France is akin to a marriage made in heaven and Indo-France relationship will be cemented by this connection.”