Ritu Kumar is a prominent female fashion designer in India with 40 years of experience in the industry. |
She was born into a well-to-do family in Amritsar, Punjab, with highly educated parents who supported her education choices. |
Inspired by her background in art history and museology, she pursued a career in fashion designing. |
Ritu Kumar met her husband, Shashi Kumar, during her graduation at Lady Irwin College, and they later got married. |
In 1969, she began her career in Kolkata, using hand-block printing and a few small tables. |
Starting with evening clothes and bridal wear in the 1960s and 1970s, she established herself in the international market. |
By 1996, Ritu Kumar had expanded her business to New York, Paris, and London. |
She introduced Boutique culture in India under the brand name ‘RITU.’ |
In 2002, she worked on her first designing project for the movie 'Bollywood Hollywood.' |
Ritu Kumar and her son Amrish Kumar launched the sub-brand 'LABEL.' |
She designed costumes for the Indian film “No Fathers in Kashmir.” |
Her book “Costumes and Textiles of Royal India” was published in October 1999. |
Ritu Kumar focuses on traditional printing, weaving techniques, and natural fabrics in her designs. |
With over 35 fashion stores in 14+ cities in India, she has made a significant mark in the industry. |
She initiated the video campaign “Beautiful Hands” to support indigenous craftsmen. |
As a founder of AIACA, she contributes to promoting artisans and craft worker welfare. |
Ritu Kumar has been instrumental in reviving Zardozi work in India, a famous art from the Mughal era. |