2. introduction
Ritu Beri is a fashion designer based in the capital of India, Delhi. Ritu Beri’s
name is synonymous with the explosive globalization of India's fashion
industry.
She learned the Art of Fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology,
New Delhi, affiliated to F.I.T. New York in 1990. A Protégé of Francois Lesage,
the famous French embroiderer, Beri launched her label in India in December
1990
Due to her immense talent and hard-work, she went on to become the
foremost Asian designer to lead the French fashion brand, Jean-Louis Scherrer
in March 2002
3. She started out with her own label in the year 1990, where India was still
waking up to high-fashion. To hone her skills in embroideries, Ritu Beri went to
Franceand trained under embroidery maestro Francois Lesage, and went on to
become the first Indian fashion designer to showcase her collection in Paris.
Her collection had a strong impression of the rich Indian culture, and gave the
French market the first glimpse into the mystics of Indian garments and
embellishments.
From there on, her journey began to showcase her work all over the world.
Recognized by the French for her excellence in garment construction, she
received the prestigious French honor, Chevaliere des art et des Lettres award.
Her list of illustrious clients include-Former US President Mr. Bill Clinton,
Hollywood actors like Nicole Kidman, Ivana Trump, famous Parisian Socialites,
to the Prima Donna of Indian Movies, Supermodels, and many others.
The label of Ritu Beri is widespread all across the world, with her luxury retail
outlets established in many countries.
4. Recently, she launched The Luxury League, a not-for-profit organisation, to
promote creativity & innovation in the luxury industry of India. Ritu Beri was
recently appointed Advisor to Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a
part of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of
India. She is also associated with USTTAD. (Upgrading Skills & Training in
Traditional Arts/ Crafts for Development) launched by the Union Ministry of
Minority Affairs in 2015.
Ritu Beri is a name synonymous with rare eminence and a design sense of luxe
richness. She is a success story that is only a dream for millions. With her
immense talent and hard work, she has put India on the global fashion map.
5. PERSONAL LIFE
Ritu Beri comes from an Army background. Her father, Col. Balbir Singh Beri,
belonged to the elite regt. of the Indian Army ‘THE BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS’,
he was commissioned into 3 GUARDS (1 RAJ RIF) and he was an adjutant at
IMA, Dehradun. Her mother, Indu Beri, is an entrepreneur & her Brother,
Navin Beri, is a businessman.
The designer, in 2004, married Bobby Chadha, who is a pioneer in Corporate
Aviation in India. The couple have a daughter, Gia, born in August 2007.
EDUCATION
Ritu Beri did her schooling from Many Schools all over India due to her father's
army background. She graduated from Lady Shri Ram College after which she
went on to study fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology
(NIFT), New Delhi in 1987. The designer is amongst the first batch of NIFT
which then comprised of only 25 students. Inher official website she
mentioned that college was not for her, she was always intrigued by fashion
design but couldn’t draw, so she hand knitted a sweater & wore it for her
6. interview for NIFT & got selected. She still believes that, 10 balls of wool & 2
knitting needles was a recipe to her success. Her final collection at NIFT was
titled ‘Maharanis of India’. "Back then fashion was not considered a serious
business - it was a plaything for a small elite. It was then that I first understood
where I was heading…To be a fashion designer!", says Ritu Beri.
The Making
Ritu Beri’s label was launched in India in the year 1990, progressing to show
her collection on the ramp, in Paris in the year 1998. Shewas the first Indian to
feature in the Promostyl magazine, which forecasts fashion trends. The Time
magazine named her among the People to watch out for in international
business. Beri is an honorary patron at a charity, Savera Association, which is
involved with improving the lives of Indian women.
Ritu Beri Creations
Ritu Beri has authored the book, 101 Ways to Look Good. She also wrote the
Most Expensive Indian Book on Fashion, Firefly – A Fairytale, priced at a
whopping 1 lakh rupees, and in a Limited edition, only 100 copies to be sold
across India. The book features topics like architecture, history, women and
7. their beauty, also talking about the designer’s experience in world fashion
capital, Paris. Her distinguished Indian customers are Madhuri Dixit,
Parmeshwar Godrej Shobha De, Rani Mukherji and Preity Zinta.
In 2012, the designer showcased her ethnic collection at Mumbai fashion
week. Her retail stores are located in Delhi, France & Germany.
Ritu Beri has also ventured into kid’s clothing by the name of Baby Beri.
EARLY CAREER
In December 1990, Ritu Beri launched her label, Lavanya.
In 1992, Liberty, London (Regent Street), bought a huge consignment, marking
her first grand success in the international arena.
In 1997, shecreated Ritu Beri Fashion Fraternity (RBFF), as a stepping stone for
young designers wanting to launch their brands. And this was India's First
Fashion Week.
Ritu Beri featured in Promostyl
8. In 1997, Ritu Beri also became the First Indian Designer to be featured in
PROMOSTYL's Acuastyl, a prestigious magazine which forecasts fashion trends
worldwide.
In August 2000, Ritu Beri flagged off the first Lakme India Fashion Week, in
New Delhi.
Achievements
In a countrywide poll, Ritu beri was chosen to be the MOST POPULAR
DESIGNER.
Representing the APPAREL EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL OF INDIA,
Ritu represented the rich Indian heritage clothing through her various
fashion shows.
She represented India to mark 50 YEARS OF INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE in
countries like China, Nairobi, Dubai, Zairo, New York and London.
Ritu Beri has been the most sought after designer for many Bollywood
actors.
First Indian Designer to showcase in PARIS.
Ritu Beri has designed a costume for THE BARBIE DOLL.
French Fashion House SCHERRER was headed by an Asian designer, Ritu
Beri.
In order to understand the growth in various Indian sectors, Ritu Beri
represented the Indian Fashion Industry in a seminar held by COMITE
COLBERT, PARIS.
Ritu Beri has designed clothes for the like of ex US PRESIDENT BILL
CLINTON, NICOLE KIDMAN, ANDY MCDOWELL, IVANA TRUMP, PRINCE
CHARLES etc, and brought a lot of fame to Indian clothing.
9. PARIS
Ritu Beri was the first Indian designer to present a Couture show in Paris,
where she successfully launched her first luxe collection in 1998. Her success
led her to be named by The Time magazine as the person to watch in
international business.Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor of the international
Herald Tribune quoted, 'Ritu Beri from Delhi gave a lesson in high fashion
aesthetics and client pleasing clothes – the essence of couture'. Newsweek
quoted, "By Blending Indian & Western Styles, designer Ritu Beri is fashioning
her own successful International Brand."
Francois Lesage, the world’s most famous embroiderer was Ritu Beri’s mentor,
guide & philosopher. ‘He gave me the confidence to never give up hope but to
go after my dreams.' says Ritu Beri.
From showcasing at the prestigious Paris fashion week to dressing up noted
international celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman,
The designer's journey is a perfect representation of Indian fashion's inroads
into the worldwide fashion scenario.
In 2000, Ritu Beri was the first Asian Designer to head a French Fashion
House, Jean Louis Scherrer, to design their pret-a-porter collections. She was
hired to inject a fresh vision and excitement into their conservative French
Label.
She also presented her first international Ready-to-wear collection, Spring
Summer 2001, at the Petit Palais in Paris in 2000. She, thus placed India on the
world map, the first international face from the Indian Fashion industry.
10. Her famous couture show in July 2001 at the Buddha Bar in Paris was covered
live by Fashon TV. It was an extravagant spectacle and drew immense
attention.
In July 2006, Ritu Beri presented her 15th show in Paris at the world famous
Lido at the Champs Elysees. She also launched her book, ‘Firefly – A
Fairytale’ at the show.
Ritu Beri, in 2010, was bestowed the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres
(Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government.
PUBLICATIONS
She is the author of the 5 books: The Designs of A Restless Mind, The Fire of A
Restless Mind, Style File, Firefly - A Fairytale & 101 Ways to Look Your Best.
101 ways to look your Best was her first book, about making fashion a part of
people's everyday living. Style File is her travel exploration from different parts
of the world and an introduction to the simple unique things that challenge set
notions & explore the discrete, exclusive, intimate space of living.
She wrote the Most Expensive Indian Book, Firefly - A Fairytale. The book was
priced at Rs 1 lakh and is published by Ritu Beri herself. The book deals with
topics like architecture, history, women and their beauty. It also talks about
Ritu Beri's experiences in Paris which were important in shaping her
career. François Lesage, the guru of embroidery, has written the foreword to
the book. Firefly - A Fairytale was a limited edition of only 100 copies . The
book was also sold at the Louis Vuitton flagship store at Champs
Elysee in Paris.
11. On 9 April 2016, Beri launched The Designs of A Restless Mind & The Fire of A
Restless Mind. In The Designs of A Restless Mind, Ritu Beri shares her story in
stunning pictures & her iconic style. This book is a fashion inspiration & an ode
to beauty. The Fire of A Restless Mind carries first-hand account of the
designer's experiences that she encountered in her effort to create an Indian
global Brand.
CLIENTS
Her notable international clients are former US President Bill Clinton, Prince
Charles, Nicole Kidman, Hollywood actress Andie MacDowell,
Supermodel Laetitia Casta, famous Parisian Socialite Mrs. Lagerdere, Langes
Swarovski & The Swarovski family, Elizabeth Jagger, Jerry Hall to name a few.
Her notable Indian clients are Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta, Vidya
Balan, Sushmita Sen, Shobha De, Dia Mirza, Akshay Kumar, AR Rahman,
Rekha,Hema Malini, Hon'ble Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj, Shazia
Ilmi, Meenakshi Lekhi, Smt. Najma Heptullah, Parmeshwar Godrej, Shobha
De to name a few.
Ritu sells her creations through boutiques in France and a store in New Delhi.
CHARITY
Ritu Beri is an active volunteer fund Raiser for the Indian Red Cross Society and
has received meritorious certificates for fund raisings from The New Delhi
Branch.
12. In 1998, at a fund raiser for AIDS by Richard Gere,Ritu Beri's ensemble was
auctioned and was one of the highest fund raisers.
Selected amongst the World’s Biggest names in fashion, Ritu Beri for
Scherrer designed clothes for ‘A ten year old princess’ as PartOf A Fund Raising
Auction During Euro Disney’s Ten Year Celebrations in Nov. 2002.
Ritu Beri is an honorary PATRON of “Savera”, a popular charity involved in
work to uplift the condition of the Indian Woman.
Ritu Beri also created & launched a product line 'Caring Means Sharing' for an
animal protection fund raiser, People for Animals.
In 2009, She also launched Blessed Hearts Foundation, a charity to improve
and uplift the condition of the less fortunate children as well as to create
awareness of autism. Ritu Beri has also launched Baby Beri, her line of occasion
wear for kids, in support of the charity.
HONOURS
2016 - The Inspirational Power Brands Glam Award[16]
2015 - Icon of the year Award
2014 - The Lady of the Order of Civil Merit by the Spanish Government[17]
2013 - Conferred as Honorary Doctorate by Rai University
2013 - Declared by Tag Heuer as their ‘Link Lady of India’[18]
13. 2013 - Delhi's Most Stylish[19]
2012 - Today's Traveler Award for Indian Fashion Icon
2010 - Chevalier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French
Government[20]
2010 - Amity Leadership Award
2007 - Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award
2005 - AIAC Arch of Excellence Award
2005 - Whirlpool GR8 Women Award
2005 - Wisitex Foundation Award "Fashion Design Ratna"
2004 - The "Best Award" in Paris
2004 - Global Excellence Award
2003 - Designer of the Year at Bollywood Fashion awards, New York.
2003 - India Times Asmi Woman Award
2001 - Sir Syed National Award- 2001
2001 - Rashtriya Ratan Award' 2001
2001 - Hind Gaurav Outstanding National Citizen award.
2001 - Pune Festival Outstanding Award
2001 - Kingfisher Designer Achievement Award
2000 - All India Feroze Gandi Memorial Award
2000 - Millennium Achiever's Biographical Record
2000 - Gem of India Award
2000 - Pride of the Millennium Award
14. 2000 - Dadabhai Naoroji Award
1999 - Achiever of the Millennium Award
1997 - Rashtrya Udyog Award
1997 - Hind Gaurav Award
1996 - Hind Gaurav Award
1996 - Creative Woman of the Year Award
1996 - Bharat Nirman Award
1996 - Akea Best Delhi Designer Award
1995 - Mescos Award for Best Design
1995 - Hind Gaurav Award
1994 - KLM Cargo Competition
1994 - International Excellence Award
1994 - Mahila Shiromani Award by the First Lady of India
1994 - Jewel of India Award
1994 - Udyog Gaurav Award
1992 - Udyog Gaurav Award
1992 - Yuva Ratan Award
1992 - Hind Gaurav Award
