Featured Designer - Ritu Kumar

|THE DEN|

Ritu Kumar is an Indian fashion designer. Using two small tables and handblock printing techniques, Kumar started her apparel company in Kolkata.

In the 1960s and 1970s, she began with bridal wear and evening wear before expanding into the international market in the following two decades. Along with opening locations in India, Kumar's business has also established divisions in Paris, London, and New York.

After three years, in 1999, the London branch was shuttered. The yearly sales of her business at the time were reported to be approximately 10 billion, making it the greatest of any Indian fashion retailer. In 2002 she launched the "Label" line in partnership with her son Amrish.

Her designs focus on natural fabrics and traditional printing and weaving techniques. She has also included Western elements in her work but has generally not innovated beyond traditional sari designs.

She received the Padma Shri award from the Indian government in 2013. At the L'oreal Paris Femina Women's Awards in 2012, she received the Achievement Award.

Aditi Rao Hydari walked for her in the spring/summer 2020 Lakme Fashion Show.

Nargis Fakhri became the showstopper of one of her fashion shows.

Kiara Advani was the face of the autumn/ winter 19 collections.

Shanaya Kapoor is the face of her summer 2022 collection.