Ritu Kumar is an Indian fashion designer known for her unique blend of traditional and modern styles.
She is a pioneer in reviving traditional Indian textiles and techniques and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the fashion industry.
With a career spanning over five decades, Kumar is widely recognised as a leading figure in the Indian fashion industry and continues to inspire and influence generations of new designers.
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- Full Name: Ritu Kumar
- Stage Name: Ritu Kumar
- Date of birth: November 11, 1944
- Age: 79 years old
- Place of birth: Amritsar, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Indian fashion designer
- Height: 5’4″
- Parents: Shashi Kumar
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Shashi Kumar
- Children: 2, Amrish Kumar and Ashvin Kumar
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $19 million
Early life and education
Ritu Kumar was born on November 11, 1944 in Amritsar, India. She was raised by her mother, Shashi Kumar, but her father’s name is unknown.
Due to lack of educational opportunities in Amritsar, she moved to Simla for schooling and attended Loreto Convent. She later studied at Lady Irwin College, where she met and married Shashi Kumar.
She then went on to study at Briarcliff College in New York, where she received a scholarship to study Art History. Upon returning to India, she furthered her education by studying museology at the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art, part of the University of Calcutta.
Career
Ritu Kumar’s fashion career is a story of promoting Indian heritage through exquisite designs.
From humble beginnings in the 1960s, while studying museum studies, she came across unemployed woodblock printers in West Bengal and came up with the idea of setting up a small business – providing designs for them to work with.
Her initial focus was on bridal and evening wear, celebrating the beauty of hand-crafted block-printed saris.
Her success was not limited to India, however. Kumar’s company expanded internationally in the following decades, opening branches in Paris, London, and New York (the London branch later closed).
Throughout his journey, Kumar has not only established himself as a successful fashion designer but also as a promoter of Indian heritage and culture in the global fashion industry.
Ritu Kumar is a pioneer in the Indian fashion industry, constantly evolving and expanding her brand while staying true to her roots.
Along with her classic line, she launched “Label” in 2002, a collaboration with her son, introducing modern clothing for a younger audience.
Despite her ever-expanding brand, Ritu Kumar remains committed to maintaining tradition in her designs.
Her use of natural fabrics and traditional techniques such as block printing and weaving sets her apart from other contemporary designers.
While incorporating some Western elements, she focuses on preserving and promoting the beauty of Indian textiles.
Her dedication to tradition has brought her worldwide recognition, with her creations being worn by celebrities such as Princess Diana and Priyanka Chopra.
Ritu Kumar continues to be a leading figure in Indian fashion, inspiring the next generation of designers to build on their legacy while pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Awards and nominations
- Padma Shri Award (2013): India’s fourth highest civilian award, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the fashion industry.
- L’Oreal Paris Femina Awards for Women (2012): Achievement Award.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: From National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Kingfisher Group.
- Outstanding Businesswoman Award (PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry): In recognition of her achievements in business and entrepreneurship.
- Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of Arts and Letters): Awarded by the French government for significant contributions to the arts.
Social media
- Instagram handle: @ritukumarhq
- Twitter Username: @RituKumarHQ
Personal life
Ritu Kumar and Shashi Kumar have two children together. Their son, Amrish Kumar, followed in his mother’s footsteps and is now the managing director of Ritu Kumar’s fashion label.
Their other child, Ashvin Kumar, is an accomplished film director and Oscar nominee. Despite being busy with their own successful careers, Ritu and Shashi have managed to raise two talented and successful children.
Net worth
Ritu Kumar’s success in the fashion industry has resulted in a net worth of $19 million. Her designs are highly sought after for their fusion of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern elements, making her a pioneer in the Indian fashion world.
With numerous awards and a global presence, she continues to be a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
