Ritu Kumar, a name synonymous with Indian fashion, is a celebrated designer with a career spanning over four decades. Her impact on the industry is undeniable, shaping trends and preserving traditional techniques.
Wiki/Biography
Ritu Kumar was born on Saturday, November 11, 1944 (age 78 years as of 2022), in Amritsar, Punjab. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio. She completed her schooling at Shimla’s Loreto Convent and graduated from Lady Irwin College in New Delhi. A scholarship took her to Briarcliff College in New York, where she studied Art History. She furthered her education at the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art in Calcutta, pursuing Museology. This diverse educational background profoundly influenced her unique design aesthetic.
Physical Appearance
• Height (approx.): 5’2″
• Hair Colour: Black
• Eye Colour: Brown
Family & Caste
Ritu Kumar hails from a Hindu family. While details about her parents and siblings remain limited, her family background significantly shaped her appreciation for Indian traditions. She met her husband, Shashi Kumar, during her time at Lady Irwin College. Their marriage produced two sons: Amrish Kumar (CEO of the Ritu Kumar fashion label), and Ashvin Kumar (a writer and filmmaker).
Career
Ritu Kumar started her design journey in 1969, utilizing hand-block printing techniques in Kolkata. Initially focusing on evening wear and bridal attire, she quickly carved a niche for herself both domestically and internationally. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the expansion of her brand, establishing stores in New York, Paris, and London (the London branch closed in 1999).
By the 1990s, her company’s annual turnover reached a remarkable Rs. 10 billion, surpassing many contemporaries. Her collaborations extended to film, notably designing costumes for Deepa Mehta’s “Bollywood/Hollywood” (2002) and “No Fathers in Kashmir”. She also launched the sub-brand “LABEL” in partnership with her son Amrish.
Beyond clothing, she launched the fragrance “The Tree of Life” in 2002, further showcasing her multifaceted talents and business acumen. Her enduring success lies in her commitment to both contemporary trends and the preservation of traditional Indian crafts.
Awards
Ritu Kumar’s contributions to fashion have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards:
| Award | Year (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Lifetime Achievement Award by NIFT | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award by Kingfisher Group | |
| Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur Award by PHDCC | |
| Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award at Kingfisher Fashion Fantasia | 2000 |
| Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award | |
| Padma Shri Award | 2013 |
| Delhi’s Most Stylish Award by Hindustan Times | 2015 |
Favourite Things
• Food: Chole Bhature, Pav Bhaji
• Dessert: Rasmalai
• Beverage: Tea
• Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
• Travel Destination: New York
• Colour: Peach
Facts/Trivia
Ritu Kumar’s hobbies include reading and traveling. She is renowned for introducing boutique culture to India, establishing her brand “RITU.” Her book, “Costumes and Textiles of Royal India” (1999), showcases her deep knowledge of Indian art and design history. Her designs emphasize traditional printing and weaving techniques using natural fabrics, creating a unique style that has captivated audiences for decades. She is also a founding member of the All India Artisans and Craft Workers Welfare Association (AIACA), reflecting her dedication to supporting local craftspeople and preserving traditional techniques. She is still active in the fashion industry and continues to inspire designers and fashion lovers alike.
