Ritu Kumar

Birth: November 11, 1944
Place of Birth: Amritsar, Punjab
Label: Ritu, LABEL

An icon of the Indian Fashion industry and a frontrunner in establishing a position for India in the global forum, Ritu Kumar's contribution has been impeccable to the fashion fraternity, both nationally and internationally. With almost five decades of work for display, the designer excels in both traditional and western outfits, though ethnic attires being her specialty. She was the first women to bring the boutique culture to India, under the name "Ritu". The gradual change in the fashion scenario has also lead to a change of designs for her brand. She has kept in sync with the varying times and has effectively brought creativity and innovativeness with each collection. Ritu holds the status of being a revivalist in the fashion scenario, which has successfully bridged the gap between conservative and conventional style.

Early Life
Ritu Kumar was born on 11th November 1944 in Amritsar, Punjab. A native of Delhi, Ritu graduated from Lady Irwin College in 1964 and did her higher education from Briarcliff College, NY, USA in 1966. The ace designer had a humble beginning in a small village, near Kolkata, in 1960, with hand block printers and two tablets to flaunt about. With the passage of years, fashion grew and so did her network. From being a designer to an author, Ritu Kumar has been the master of the game.

Career and Success
Starting at a smaller scale, Ritu Kumar has diversified her works of art globally and has been the mentor of fashion in India. Though she excels in contemporary and classic style, she has also evolved indo-western fusion to attract the gamut of European buyers. Some of her global achievements include the wardrobes for Miss India, for participation in the International beauty pageants like Miss Universe, Miss World & Miss Asia Pacific, respectively.

Many times, Ritu has won the award for the Most Outstanding Evening Gown in International pageants. She was honored by the National Institute of Fashion Technology in 1998, with Lifetime Achievement Award. The same year saw her receiving the Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award, bestowed on her by the PHD - Chamber of Commerce. In the year 2000, Ritu Kumar proved her metal once more and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Kingfisher group of industries.

Brand and Clientele
The brand "Ritu" has acquired great accolades internationally. The designer has not only restrained her work to the fashion industry, but has also dived into the other sectors that offer luxury to the people. The brand also launched a fragrance by the name "the tree of life". In April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new sub brand, 'LABEL'. This is a reflection of contemporary trends. 'LABEL' caters to modern woman who is independent and confident. It is focuses on the cut, color, drape and feel of the garment. The brand has made a name for itself universally. It is fashionable, affordable and like all Ritu Kumar products, it is of the highest quality. Ritu has also brought out a book by the name "Costumes and Textiles of Royal India." She has twelve outlets in India, which offer a range of products from the conventional to the contemporary.