Fashion designing as a career has bloomed in the recent years and the credit for this goes to the innovative designers, who has laid down a strong foundation and continue to contribute to the growth of the fashion industry. One such name is Ritu Kumar, now, there is no need for any elaborate introduction her name says it all. Anyone with a slighr inclination towards the fashion industry know Ritu Kumar. But yet, here we are, tracing Ritu Kumar’s journey of more than two decades of not only belonging, but also being one of the major contributors and builder of the fashion industry in India.
Besides being one of the leading fashion designer Ritu Kumar, with the brand name ‘Ritu’ introduced the concept of ‘boutique' culture in India. She is recognized for her unique style in which she has artfully blended the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary sensitivity. Using her background in art history and museology, she has enriched her creations. Ritu created a new class of fashion because of her understanding of ancient designs and how to mould this art form in a way that would appeal the modern times.
A native of Delhi, Ritu Kumar was born on 11th November, 1944 in Amritsar, Punjab. In 1964, she graduated from Lady Irwin College and completed her higher education in 1966, from Briarcliff College, New York. Ritu did not start with a bang but modestly in a small village near Kolkata, with a set of hand blocks printers and two tables. The determined designer, from a little village in Kolkata, she took her business to such heights that today she has more than 35 stores across the country.
In 1999, Ritu published a book called “Costumes and Textiles of Royal India” in which she chronicled the history of textiles and art design in India. Two years later, in 2002, Ritu launched her label called ‘Ritu’ and hence started the ‘boutique’ system in India. Her label pushed away the norms and made the traditional Indian aesthetic adaptable not only to the new Indian generation, but her work was also appreciated in the international market. Though the label is created for the new generation, it has an uniqueness to them and a sense of sophistication that screams heritage and elegance.
Over the years, Ritu Kumar has developed quite a fan following and of course patrons. Among the list of patrons of Ritu Kumar are, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Dia Mirza and a whole lot of other popular names make this list. Ritu’s talent is not limited by boundaries and is patronized by international names like Princess Diana, Mischa Barton and Anoushka Shankar.
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Ritu Kumar has done thousands of Fashion Week, every time making something new walk on the ramp. Her aesthetic style and the knowledge and use of Indian textile has created a one of a kind signature look for Ritu that is next to impossible to replicate.
Lastly, Ritu has been on the receiving end of numerous awards, such as the ‘Indria Gandhi Priyadarshini Award’, the French have awarded her ‘Chevalier des arts et des lettres’ ’ and most recently in 2013, she became the recipient of the ‘Padma Shri Award’ for her exceptional and distinguished service in the field of fashion, textile and craftsmanship.
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