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Ritu Kumar: The First Female Fashion Designer of India
Ritu Kumar was born in Amritsar but for the education purpose, she moved to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. In the late 1960s, after completing her school education, she enrolled at Lady Irwin College, Delhi as a history student. Here, she met Mr. Shashi Kumar, and they were married the following year. She then proceeded to earn a scholarship at the Museum of Art History.
She has two sons, Amrish and Ashvin Kumar. In addition to working alongside Ritu, Ashvin is an Oscar−nominated director, and Amrish is the CEO of Ritukumar’s fashion company, Ritu Kumar. Ritu began her family and career at a very young age and has done a great job of managing both. In order to learn more about ethnic dress and work, Ritu also studied museology at a Delhi college.
The Beginning of Her Career
Ritu’s adventure began in the 1960s, when she was a museology student. She went to West Bengal’s Serampore, a remote village. She discovered a small group of unemployed hand block printers in that village who were in need of jobs and financial assistance. At that point, the concept of starting a small business to provide ideas for printers to work on emerged. With their superb craftsmanship, these hand block printers produced stunning designing sarees. She kept going to fairs and shows to become more well−known, and eventually her unique creations in India caught people’s attention.
Ritu began growing her company both domestically and internationally once she had proven herself to be a successful businesswoman. Along with having numerous locations domestically, her business has established numerous locations abroad, including New York, Paris, and London. The London branch, which had been running well for around three years, was shut down in 1999. Her business’s annual revenue grew to Rs. 10 billion in the 1990s, surpassing that of several other Indian fashion retailers at the time.
She also witnessed the quick changes taking place in India as machine−made plastics quickly replaced handmade textiles. In order to maintain the original emphasis on the handmade textile history, Ritu Kumar designed fresh, globally relevant designs. Initially, Ritu created Indian bridal wear and evening wear. Later, following the huge success of her creations, Ritu opened stores across various Indian states. Now that she had reached her peak, Ritu Kumar was indeed a leading company and brand.
Achievements
The biggest and most well−known designer clothing company in India right now is Ritu Kumar. Since 1969, she has evolved a distinctive aesthetic that uses a modern vocabulary to express ancient Indian artisan practices. Her knowledge of historic patterns and creative application of traditional techniques have produced a new classicism. The brand is well−known for its unique color palette, fine fabrics, elaborate embroideries, and a wonderfully opulent Indian aesthetic. She made an effort to expand, opening outlets in Paris, London, and New York. In collaboration with her younger son, Amrish Kumar, she introduced the “Label” brand in 2002. Ritu Kumar is also well−known for the notable people who have sported her clothing, including Princess Diana, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and numerous more actresses. For contemporary clothing for girls and women, Ritu Kumar offers four labels under the name “Label.” Her second line of clothing, “Ri,” features bridal and lehenga wear for ladies. The third brand is “Aarke,” which is found in the category of women’s nightwear. Last but not least, “Home” is a brand that offers all of the necessities and home furnishings.
Awards & Honors
Ritu Kumar has won a plethora of honors throughout her career in the fashion business. As the lengthy list is read −
Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award
Won the Achievement Award in the year 2012 at L’oreal Paris Femina Women’s Awards.
Padma Shree by the Government of India (2013)
Lifetime achievement award by NIFT.
Lifetime achievement award by Kingfisher Group.
Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur award by PDHCC.
The award of “chevalier des arts et des Lettres” was given by the French government.
Lifetime achievement award at Kingfisher Fashion Fantasia (2000)
Conclusion
Ritu Kumar, one of India’s top fashion designers, serves as an inspiration to young people who wish to work in the world of fashion. She is a prominent example of an Indian woman who has not been dominated by males in this country and is a successful female businesswoman.
The boutique culture was first introduced to India by Ritu Kumar. Ritu took a gamble and succeeded brilliantly. She has established herself in the modern era as a true example of a visionary in the fashion industry.
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