Fashion Journey of Designer, Ritu Beri

When you think of Indian Fashion that has made its mark on the global landscape, the name Ritu Beri comes to mind. She is more than just a designer - she is a trendsetter who has redefined the way Indian couture is perceived internationally. Renowned for her exquisite craftsmanship, flamboyant designs, and fearless aesthetic, Ritu Beri has been a trailblazer in blending Indian traditions with contemporary influences.. Her journey began in the early 1990's, when Indian fashion was still making its mark on the global landscape. But with her bold vision, Beri changed the equation.

She was the First Indian Designer to showcase her collection in Paris, making history for Indian fashion. Over the years, her designs have been sported by royalty, celebrities and dignitaries from across the globe, from former US President Bill Clinton to the Prince of Wales.

But it isn't all about luxury and high fashion - her work has a strong connection to Indian textiles, embroidery and traditional techniques, which she seamlessly integrates with contemporary sensibilities.

Be it a stunning bridal ensemble or a statement red carpet piece, Beri's designs emanate a blend of opulence and innovation. Today, she is one of the most influential names in the fashion industry, and proves that Indian fashion isn't just about tradition - it is about reinvention, adaptability and leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape.

Early Life & Education - The Unexpected Path of Ritu Beri

Ritu Beri was born on May 3, 1972, in New Delhi, India. Like most young students, she had a dream that wasn't quite as glamorous as the world she was about to enter. Medicine was her first choice - it was a secure and respected career option. But, as they say, life has other plans. Somewhere along the line, the love for fabrics, colours and creativity led her to an entirely different profession - Fashion Designer.

Before she even knew fashion was her calling, she enrolled for a Commerce (Honors) degree. A sensible option, like many students', when they are yet to find what they are passionate about. But numbers and business theories didn't hold the same fascination as the world of design did. And that's when she discovered the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi. The institute had just opened its doors in 1987, and Ritu Beri was among the first students to step in as part of its inaugural batch.

It was a big step. At that time, fashion was not a conventional career option, especially for someone who had studied commerce. But she did it, and once she stepped into NIFT, there was no turning back. The creative buzz, the thrill of designing, the prospect of making ideas come alive confirmed what she had already begun to sense - this was where she belonged. Ritu was not just another student. She was a trendsetter in the making, someone who would go on to redefine Indian fashion on the global stage.

Career Milestones - Ritu Beri's Journey to Global Fashion

The Genesis of a Visionary

Ritu Beri's entry into the world of fashion was a bold and visionary step. Even while studying at the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), she launched her first fashion collection, Lavanya. It was a statement of her unique talent for blending Indian sensibilities with modern silhouettes. While traditional designers were just copying the fashion of the time, Beri took a different route, mixing complex Indian embroidery and fabrics with modern Western fashion. Lavanya was not a collection, it was a declaration of her artistic intent, a sign of a career that would change Indian fashion on the global platform.

Ritu Beri's Historical Alliance with Swarovski

An Historical Alliance with Swarovski

In 1998, Ritu Beri was the first Indian designer to collaborate with Swarovski, a company that epitomizes luxury and craftsmanship. This collaboration was a first in Indian fashion, as it put the country's new haute couture on the international map. With the use of Swarovski crystals in her designs, Beri gave her work an international luxury feel without compromising the authenticity of Indian craftsmanship. Her innovative way of doing embellishments not only made people speechless but also made her a designer who was able to combine traditional craftsmanship with today's glamour.

Making Waves at Paris Fashion Week

1999 was the year that catapulted Ritu Beri, as she presented her designs on one of the globe's most renowned platforms - Paris Fashion Week. Presenting her collection in the fashion capital was no mean feat, especially for an Indian designer then. Her show was greeted with global admiration, placing her on the world fashion map. The achievement was not a personal victory, it was a milestone that paved the way for other Indian designers to tread onto international runways. By presenting Indian motifs, materials, and techniques to the world, she was a key player in rewriting the world's perception of Indian fashion.

Headlining the Lakme India Fashion Week

In 2000, Ritu Beri added another significant milestone to her resume by organizing the first-ever Lakme India Fashion Week in New Delhi. This was the start of an organized fashion industry in India, with a platform for designers to present their designs at a national and international level. She simultaneously launched her ready-to-wear line in Paris, showing Indian designers could penetrate international fashion markets. Her capability to merge couture expertise with commercial viability was evidence of her versatility and commercial acumen and established her as a force to contend with in both Eastern and Western markets.

Breaking Barriers in French Fashion, one of Ritu Beri's most significant career achievements was the appointment in 2002 as head of Ready-to-Wear for the iconic French fashion house, Jean-Louis Scherrer. This was the first time an Asian designer had been promoted to lead a French fashion brand, a position that had previously only been available to European designers. Her appointment was a testament to the growing influential role Indian designers were playing in the fashion industry. As Ready-to-Wear head at Jean-Louis Scherrer, she brought a new perspective, combining French fashion's sophistication with the colors and richness of Indian textiles. Her stint with the fashion house further reinforced the idea of fashion as an international language that could transcend boundaries and cultures.

Model Walks in Royal Blue at Lakme India Fashion Week

Designer Outfit with Voluminous Frills for Lakme India Fashion Week

Model flaunts in a Fiery Red & White Attire at Lakme India Fashion Week

Ritu Beri showcases a White & Black Dress at Lakme India Fashion Week

Exotic Timeline of Ritu Beri's Career

1987	Graduation in Economics Honors, from Lady Shri Ram College. Joined National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi
1992	Liberty (London) bought a consignment, her first success Internationally. Yuva Ratan Award for her innovative designs and contribution to the industry. Hind Gaurav Award for her far-reaching vision and efforts in fashion.
1995	Mescos Award for Best Designer in Traditional Wear.
1996	Creative Woman of the Year Award for her pragmatic, innovative & creative ideas in fashion designing. Akea Best Delhi Designer Award for the Best Fashion Designer of the Year.
1997	Created Ritu Beri Fashion Fraternity, First Indian Designer to be featured in PROMOSTYL's Acuastyl. Rashtriya Udyog Award for her efforts to grow the fashion industry of India.
1998	Launched her 1^st Luxe collection, First Indian designer to present a Couture show in Paris
2000	1^st Asian Designer to head a French Fashion House, designing their PRET-A-PORTER collections. Received the Millennium Achiever Award & Rashtriya Shiromani Award. Gem of India Award in recognition of outstanding services in fashion. Dadabhai Naoroji Award for excellence in fashion and lifetime achievements in her field. All India Feroze Gandhi Memorial Award for excellence in fashion design.
2001	Showcasing Couture show at Buddha Bar (Paris) which was covered LIVE by Fashion TV. Sir Syed National Award for sincere and meritorious services in fashion. Rashtriya Ratan Award for outstanding achievements and contributions in fashion. Pune Festival Outstanding Award for being the top fashion designer. Kingfisher Designer Achievement Award for her outstanding achievement in her field.
2003	Designer of the Year at the Bollywood Fashion Awards, New York.
2004	Honored with the Global Excellence Award. The Best Award for being rated the best in women's category for fashion in Paris.
2005	Wisitex Foundation Award for contribution in fashion. AIAC Arch of Excellence Award for excellence in the field of fashion. Whirlpool GR8 Woman Award for excellence in fashion and style. Fashion Design Ratna for excellence in fashion.
2006	Launched her book, Firefly - A Fairytale, the most expensive book in India
2007	Awarded the Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award for her contributions to fashion.
2010	Honoured with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. Amity Leadership Award for excellence in the fashion industry.
2012	Today's Traveler Award for contribution in fashion.
2013	Today's Traveler Award for contribution in fashion. Delhi's Most Stylish on Popular Choice by Hindustan Times. Conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Rai University in acknowledgment of her achievements and contributions to fashion and the role of women in resurgent India.
2014	Bestowed with the Spanish honor Lady of the Order of Civil Merit. Leading Women Entrepreneurs of Delhi Award for being a leader in fashion.
2015	Icon of the Year for outstanding performance in fashion.
2016	Indian Power Brand Award (Hall of Fame) for creating a world-class fashion brand. Launched 2 new books named The Designs of A Restless Mind & The Fire of A Restless Mind
2017	Jashn-e-Youngistan Excellence Award for excellence in fashion.
2018	Society Excellence Awards for fashion and luxury. Women of the Decade Award for excellence in fashion and lifestyle.
2019	Pride of the Nation Award for extraordinary contribution in nation-building. Appointed as the Chief Design Consultant for TRIFED and Tribes India. Officially announced as the Advisor to the Surajkund Mela.
2020	India Fashion Awards for Fashion Designer of the Year, International Fame. A Postal Stamp issued by the Government of India to honor her work under the series of Indian Fashion.

Ritu Beri - The Author

Apart from being a Fashion Designer, Ritu Beri is also spectacular in writing. She has gifted the world with 5 books till date. In 2006, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar released Ritu's maiden book, Firefly: A Fairytale, which she herself published. The book deals with topics like women's beauty, architecture, history and Ritu Beri's experiences in Paris. It was a limited edition book with only 100 copies which also was the most expensive Indian book pricing Rs 1 lakh. The book release was a great success as it was sold out in hours and then went in to print the second edition the very next day.

'Firefly is about my experiences in the fashion industry. It's not my autobiography and I prefer to call it a fairy tale. I enjoy exploring the impossibilities and like to work in an inspired mode only to satisfy myself and my passions ' says Ritu...

Name of the Book	Publisher	Year	Pages
Style File	Penguin Books Australia	2003
101 Ways to Look Your Best	Penguin Books Australia	2003	144
Firefly a Fairytale	Ritu Beri	2006
The Designs of a Restless Mind	Waterfront Press	2016	289
The Fire of a Restless Mind	Academic Foundation	2017	232

Ritu Beri's Contributions to Indian Fashion

Blending Tradition with Modernity

At a time when Indian designers were still making a mark internationally, she took a bold step - bringing traditional Indian textiles, embroidery and motifs into a modern, global context. Her designs have always been a seamless mix of heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Think of rich Banarasi brocades, intricate zardozi and delicate chikankari, all paired with structured silhouettes and modern cuts. That was her magic - melding old and new into something truly stunning.

She wasn't just designing for Indian clients. Her work caught the attention of international fashion houses, celebrities and royalty. From dressing former US President Bill Clinton's family to creating designs for luxury brands abroad, she pushed Indian fashion beyond geographical boundaries. She made sure that the world saw India not just as a textile hub but as a place of high fashion and luxury.

A Luxury Advocate - The Luxury League

Beyond her influence in fashion, Ritu Beri has been a strong advocate for India's luxury industry. She founded The Luxury League, a non-profit organization with a vision to promote creativity, innovation and heritage in India's luxury sector. Luxury in India isn't just about expensive brands; it's about craftsmanship, handwoven fabrics and centuries-old techniques that make each piece unique. Through this initiative, she has worked towards bridging the gap between Indian artisans and the global luxury market, ensuring that local craftsmanship finds a place on a worldwide platform.

With The Luxury League, she has created a movement that goes beyond fashion - it's about celebrating India's rich artistic traditions. From hosting events that bring together thought leaders to supporting small-scale artisans, she is constantly working to highlight the depth of India's luxury potential

Ritu Beri's Exclusive Designer Collections

Ritu Beri's designer collections are a vibrant fusion of Indian heritage and global luxury, known for their intricate craftsmanship and avant-garde aesthetics. From her debut collection Lavanya, which showcased opulent Indian embroidery with a modern twist, to her acclaimed Revamped Khadi Collection that gave a contemporary edge to traditional handwoven fabric, her designs have always been groundbreaking...

Unforgettable Himachal, inspired by the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh was presented at the 34<sup>th</sup> Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Unforgettable Himachal, inspired by the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh was presented at the 34^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Ferghana Fantasy, a collection aimed at bringing together the two countries - India and Uzbekistan by fusing cultures through fabric & clothes.

Ritu's Revamped Khadi Collection beautifully redefines the traditional fabric with contemporary designs, blending India's heritage with global Haute Couture.

Ritu Beri's Bridal Collection exudes regal charm with its intricate silver embellishments and a striking gold mermaid silhouette.

An eclectic mix of hand embroidered Chikankari on Silk Georgette & Uzbek Ikats, creating grand ensembles.

Ritu Beri's Designer Collection during the third day of grand finale show of the Delhi Times Fashion Week

Ritu Beri's Personal Life - The Woman Behind the Designs

Ritu Beri is not just a fashionista, she is also a woman of principle and purpose beyond haute couture. Born into a family of discipline and determination, she is the daughter of an ex-army officer, Balbir Singh Beri. Having grown up in such an environment must have instilled in her a good work ethic and dedication.

She married Bobby Chadha, a successful entrepreneur, in 2004. The union was between two people from different enterprises, showing that although her world was all creativity and beauty, she also knew the ways of business and commerce. The union not only brought stability to her personal life but could have also helped her learn about world markets, and she could have grown her fashion empire with a keen business mind.

But Ritu Beri's life is not merely one of glamour, fabrics and catwalks. She is a woman with a great love of philanthropy and giving back to society. She has established the Ritu Beri Foundation, a passionate endeavor aimed at autism awareness and support for children with disabilities. This side of her life reveals her as more than a designer, she is a caring human being who understands the strength of using her power to bring about change. Her efforts in this area reflect a dedication to inclusivity and empowerment, and a strengthening of the notion that fashion is not merely about being good-looking - it can be good. From her own life to her philanthropy, Ritu Beri embodies a rare fusion of creativity, responsibility and generosity. While the world may know her best as a trendsetter in Indian fashion, her own life story is that of a woman as dedicated to the people and causes close to her heart.

Ritu Beri - The Designer Behind Global Icons

A Favourite among International Celebrities - Ritu Beri is not just an Indian designer - she is a global name. Her creations have been worn by some of the biggest celebrities, political figures and even royalty. From Hollywood stars to global dignitaries, her designs have made their way to the most prestigious events worldwide.
Hollywood Stars Who Love Ritu Beri - Several Hollywood celebrities have chosen Ritu Beri's designs for red carpets and major events. Nicole Kidman, Andie MacDowell and Mischa Barton are among the many who have been spotted in her outfits. Known for her luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery and elegant silhouettes, Ritu Beri's work blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern style, making it appealing to international stars.
Royalty & Political Leaders in Ritu Beri's Creations - Beyond Hollywood, she has also dressed global figures, including former US President Bill Clinton. European royalty, including Princess Diana, has also admired her work. Her ability to create sophisticated and elegant ensembles has made her a go-to designer for high-profile personalities.
Why Celebrities choose Ritu Beri - It is not just about fashion - it is about exclusivity. Every Ritu Beri outfit is carefully crafted, keeping the wearer's personality and the event in mind. Her designs are a perfect mix of Indian heritage and contemporary global trends, which is why international icons continue to choose her work.

Katrina Kaif in a ruffled red gown with corset bodice, at the Lakme Fashion Week

Abhay Deol dons a waistcoat, jeans & a bowler hat at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

Deepika Padukone in a Metallic Pink Gown for the Met Gala Event

Vidya Balan at Gitanjali Lifestyle's Luxury Style Fest

Kriti Sanon in Ritu Beri at The Lakme Fashion Week Winter Fest

Ritu Beri's journey proves that passion and persistence can take you anywhere. She broke barriers, made a mark globally and redefined Indian fashion. Her success is a reminder that creativity thrives when you dare to be different. For anyone chasing a dream, her story is simple - stay dedicated, think bold, and never stop learning. Hard work and originality always win. If she could do it, so can you. Keep moving forward, and success will follow.