The French government has bestowed the prestigious award of “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres “(Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters)” on veteran designer and owner of Ritu Wears – the family store chain in North India, Ritu Kumar.
The award is in recognition of Kumar’s contribution to Indian fashion, the intensive work done by her in textile crafts and traditional techniques of the various regions of the country.
Commenting on the award, Kumar said, “This award is recognition of not only my personal journey through the richness of Indian textiles but is also the first of its kind given to the field of fashion in the Indian sub–continent. I am honored and proud to receive this award not only on my behalf but on behalf of the estimated 16 million craftsperson who practice India’s textile crafts as a livelihood.”
In the past, eminent personalities including Shahrukh Khan, Anjolie Ela Menon, Merryl Streep and Daneille Steele have been conferred with this award.
—IndiaRetailing Bureau
