The Ritam Foundation is a registered Section 8 non-profit initiative — India's designation for companies operating exclusively in the public interest — established as the incubation and research wing of IIFT Bangalore. Founded on the philosophy of Late Sri B. Vedhagiri, who built IIFT into a NAAC-accredited institution ranked #1 Emerging Fashion College in Karnataka by India Today (2024), Ritam carries that legacy into its next chapter. Over 10,000 IIFT alumni now have a direct pathway back into the creative economy — through placement assistance at Ritam House of Couture, paid student internship tracks, a design marketplace, and entrepreneurship support. One campus. Three Bangalore locations. Zero compromises. This is what 25 years of excellence was building toward.
The Ritam Foundation opens five distinct career and income pathways for IIFT Bangalore students and alumni. Whether you are still studying or an established industry professional, there is a track designed for where you are now — and where you are going. NAAC-accredited. 10,000+ alumni strong. 60+ placement partners.
IIFT graduates are eligible for full-time roles at Ritam House of Couture across three departments: Creative Direction, Production Management, and Marketing & Branding. These are not internships — they are career placements with professional growth pathways in an active couture house that bridges Indian craftsmanship with contemporary luxury.
Current IIFT students access structured paid internship tracks within Ritam House of Couture — earning while learning in a live production environment. Interns work on real briefs, meet commercial deadlines, and build portfolios that carry genuine market credibility before graduation. Placement assistance through the Ritam network begins here.
Students list original designs on the Ritam marketplace through Ritam House of Couture — gaining direct market access without the overhead of running an independent label. No wastage. Every piece is produced on-demand or in limited editions. This track turns academic projects into revenue-generating products while you are still enrolled at IIFT Bangalore.
The entrepreneurship track combines education with enterprise. Students develop a design identity, access Ritam's production and mentorship infrastructure, and build a commercial practice during their degree at IIFT Bangalore. This is the Learn + Earn + Experience model — graduating not just as designers but as design entrepreneurs ready for the industry.
IIFT alumni already working in the fashion industry can generate a second income stream by selling freelance design work through Ritam House of Couture on weekends or between projects. The Ritam platform handles production, fulfilment, and customer relationships — alumni focus on creativity and earn from their craft without leaving their primary role.
“True leadership in design begins with the discipline of the mind and the refinement of the craft. We build designers who lead.”
— Late Sri B. Vedhagiri, Founder, IIFT Bangalore (Est. 2001)Twenty-five years of design education. One singular vision. The Ritam Foundation is where IIFT Bangalore graduates go beyond placement — into production, enterprise, and lasting creative careers. Explore the Foundation or discover the Atelier that brings their craft to the world.