In the late 1960s India was going through profound
changes; plastics had replaced mud, brass and silver;
factory produced papers and woods took the place of
sophisticated handicrafts and nylons displaced an
ancient heritage of cotton and silk. It was not only
a battle between tradition and modernity; it was also
a confrontation of lifestyles and values.
During this time, a small group who had benefited
from unique opportunities of study and travel began
to see the depth of the craft and design heritage
of their own country. They discovered that India was
a reservoir of delicate skills. In an attempt to merge
their international experiences together with the
skills of their people, they became aware that contemporary
designers must revitalize their own roots and identity.
This was essential to take Indian creativity out into
the world in such a way that benefited both craftsmen
and the modern consumer.
This scattered group, including Ritu Kumar was to
become the country's leading designers of the buildings,
garments, fabrics and accessories. Ritu began with
hand block printers and two tablets in a small village
near Kolkata, and in the last 28 years, Ritu's team
of dedicated designers have progressed to produce
some of the country's most exquisite garments and
accessories in cotton, silk and leather. These ranges
embrace both traditional textile crafts and the lineage
of Indian design.
Ritu has pioneered the term 'fashion' in the Indian
context, and more importantly has demonstrated that
hand made products can be as profitable and even more
glamorous than those made by the machine.
Ritu Kumar's forte is traditional Indian clothes,
that draw heavily on the textile and embroidery heritage
of India and remains classics of their kind. But she
evolved another style for European buyer. Her Indo-West
fusion wear has all the trappings of block prints,
embroidery and craft inputs on a western style.
Ritu's global achievements include the wardrobes comprising
of the winning three Miss India's, for their participation
in the International beauty pageants (Miss Universe,
Miss World & Miss Asia Pacific respectively). At least
six of these, to mention a few: Manpreet Brar, Ruchi
Malhotra, Rani Jeyraj and recently Lara Dutta, have
won the award for the Most Outstanding Evening Gown
in International pageants.
Ritu has opened many outlets all over India. International
style icons such as Late Princess Diana, and Jemima
Khan wear her outfits, putting her designs and India's
talent on the world map. Ritu has also launched her
book ' Costumes and Textiles of Royal India' published
by Christie's, London.
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