Ritu Agnihotri

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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."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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