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Ritu Agnihotri

Ritu Agnihotri

"You could say I was one of the pioneers in fashion design, and what a struggle it was at the time!"

"I'm Ritu Agnihotri, and to me, to have the ability to create is something I treasure dearly. I so enjoyed the drawing classes I used to take during my free time. I would sit quietly making my own sketches and paintings.

"I was born on September 6, 1961, which makes me part of a generation when fashion design was new to India. You could say I was one of the pioneers in fashion design, and what a struggle it was at the time! After graduating from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, I pursued my dreams with earnest. Now I specialize in textile design featuring a blend of embroidered work with strong print lines.

"What I enjoy doing most are textured prints, which are not the regular flat prints you find in the markets. I use traditional motifs from different regions in India, but I make them slightly different. It's not contrived, as I intentionally avoid drawing it out too perfectly.

"When I exhibited my designs in Calcutta, all who came appreciated what they saw. Through their comments I was aware they could tell my designs are somewhat different from what they usually see in the market. I also had an exhibition in Kenya with my prints and embroideries, and I realized I felt a connection with the rustic prints they make there. I am familiar with historic patterns, and believe the vibrant compositions in their woven baskets and fabrics can be related to the way we Indians use our colors.

"Just like I connect with the past, I have a deep bond with the prints I make, which are all done with linoleum cuts. I make the designs on a rubber plate and etch out my patterns, then take a paper impression. During those moments of creation, I am just quiet and at peace with everything around me, while inside I am vibrant with energy that gets transferred into my designs. It's an incredible exploratory moment. All the prints you see come from my initial explorations, which I transform into something you can relate to.

"I've made my prints and designed my clothes with a lot of passion and delight; I hope you enjoy wearing them."

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Empowering Women

95 items by Ritu Agnihotri

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

107

Judy

Verified Reviewer

04/04/2020

"Very pretty"

Makes me look pretty:)

Tags By Judy

Pretty lovely workmanship

Best Uses

Wear to feel pretty

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Purchased Item:

Green Quest, Cotton Embroidered Blouse Top

William

Verified Reviewer

01/19/2020

"wife loved it"

as pictured, color and style

Best Uses

causal

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Gift Occasion:

This was a gift for: Wife
Occasion: Christmas

Purchased Item:

Lemon Lime, Handwoven Cotton Embroidered Blouse Top

MJ

From Willamette Valley Oregon USA

Verified Reviewer

12/02/2019

"My very favorite blouse"

I get compliments every time I wear this blouse. Runs a little small, wish I sized up, but still love the gorgeous embroidery and beautiful silk pattern.

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Purchased Item:

Scarlet Lotus, Silk Tunic Grey and Embroidered Apparel India

Michele

Verified Reviewer

10/29/2019

"Pretty blouse!"

Lovely color and nice workmanship

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Purchased Item:

Blue Floral, India Handwoven Cotton Blouse

Stephanie

Verified Reviewer

10/26/2019

"Even prettier than the photograph!"

I love this shirt. The color is deep and vivid and the fabric is soft, plus there is a pretty beaded embellishment I didn?t notice in the photo.

Tags By Stephanie

Best Uses

Casual and comfortable

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Purchased Item:

Indigo Raindrop, Hand Crafted All Cotton Indigo Blue Ikat Tunic for Women

PRJ

From ??

Verified Reviewer

10/06/2019

"Perfect measurements"

Lovely simple design and elegant! Exactly what I wanted ( needed;))

Tags By PRJ

Off white

Best Uses

Casual

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Purchased Item:

Desert Flowers, Embroidered Cotton Tunic in Snow White from India

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