Our story began with a desire to honor India’s rich textile heritage while embracing contemporary designs. RA Studio is the brain child of Ritu Agnihotri, who is a post graduate from theNational Institute of Design (NID). Having worked for 25 years, on numerousGovernment of India projects related to sustenance and design developmentwith different groups based in rural India, she perceived the gap between theartisan and the ever essential market. Ritu Agnihotri decided to make a difference, to revive the glorious traditionof fine Indian designs and fashion, in order to improve the income of theeconomically under privileged – in the rural heartland, where India lives. Ritu was inspired by the teachings at NID, where she had learnt that it was theCalicos (along with spices) of India that were so much sought after the world over in the ancient world. RA Studio combines the skills of different artisans from parts of India with modern design to create the product lines showcased on this site. It is a humble tribute to the Handloom weavers making the Mangalgiri fabric in Andhra Pradesh that are steadily diminishing; the Mashroo weavers of Gujarat,the hand embroiders from West Bengal, the artisan from Bhubaneshwar working on intricate applique work, the Orissa Ikat weavers and many more. RA Studio works hand in hand with women in remote Indian villages, giving them an opportunity to be financially independent, while managing their family and educating their children.
