Archive · 16 Aug 2025
Ritu Kumar: The Fashion Icon Who Revived Indian Textiles
Ritu Kumar is a famous Indian fashion designer who helped bring back traditional Indian clothing styles.
She started by studying old Indian art and textiles because she wanted to save them.
She found old block printing techniques and started using them in her designs, fighting back against how colonial powers tried to erase Indian designs.
Her clothes became popular worldwide, and she even dressed Princess Diana.
Today, Ritu focuses on preserving Indian textiles and supporting local craftspeople, continuing to make Indian fashion well-known around the world.
Ritu Kumar, at 80, is celebrated for revitalizing Indian fashion and textiles.
Kumar's career began with research into Indian art and textiles, leading her to revive block printing.
She established design units in Bengal, focusing on hand-block printing and traditional crafts.
Kumar expanded globally with stores and dressed royalty, becoming a leading figure in Indian fashion.
She has shifted to archiving Indian textiles, expanding her brand's reach while promoting local artisans.
- Who
- Ritu Kumar, an Indian fashion designer and textile revivalist.
- What
- Ritu Kumar's impact on Indian fashion and textiles.
- When
- Kumar began her career in the 1960s and continues to influence fashion today.
- Where
- Primarily in India, with early global presence in cities like Paris and New York.
- Why
- To revive Indian textile heritage, challenge colonial influences, and promote local artisans.
Western Influence on Indian Fashion
Indian Design and Culture
Cultural Appropriation vs. Preservation
Western Influence on Indian Fashion
Some Western imitations of Indian designs were considered acceptable.
Indian Design and Culture
Kumar and others see Western designs and their imitations as a challenge to the value of original Indian textile.
- Age
- 80
- Primary Focus
- Revival of Indian Textiles and Crafts
- First Design Unit
- Serampore, Bengal (1960s)
- International Stores
- Paris, London, New York (1980s-90s)
- Notable Clients
- Princess Diana
- Recent Development
- Reliance Retail acquired 52% of the brand