Reliance Retail buys controlling stake in Ritu Kumar designer brand

This includes the purchase of a 35% stake from Everstone.

Reliance Retail is acquiring a controlling stake in India-based designer wear brand Ritu Kumar for an undisclosed amount, expressing plans to collaborate for new, untried interpretation of local crafts and textiles, a press release revealed.

This acquisition includes the purchase of 35% from private equity firm Everstone.

The Ritu Kumar business includes four fashion brand portfolios that cumulatively retail out of 151 points of sales globally. Whilst the brands retain a core DNA of embroidery, artisanal crafts and prints, each has a distinct brand definition. 

The classical ‘Ritu Kumar’ brand is rooted in India’s rich legacy of textile aesthetics. Since the 1970’s it has been symbolic of how the contemporary Indian woman dresses, the company said.

Label Ritu Kumar which launched in 2002 is for a younger, global consumer of western pret. Its design influences come both from the brand’s heritage, as well as the international fashion landscape. 

The third RI Ritu Kumar is a luxury bridal couture and occasion wear line. Its products are considered heirlooms and are produced by the finest craftsmen and artisans.

Lastly, aarké is the newest addition to the brand portfolio. It is an accessible product line blending the aesthetics of Ritu Kumar in easy dressing intended to reach a larger consumer base. 

Ritu Kumar Home & Living is a category extension under Ritu Kumar that defines comfortable luxury for homes that like to tell their own story, the company said. The collection is an amalgamation of modern pieces inspired by Indian textile and craftsmanship.