Rithika Merchant and Natacha Ramsay

About

Rithika Merchant is a visual artist from Mumbai, India, known for her work in comparative mythology, science, and speculative fiction. Her art often features hybrid creatures and symbolism, blending organic shapes and muted colors inspired by 17th-century botanical prints and folk art. Merchant received her BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York and has showcased her work globally, including solo exhibitions in Paris and Mumbai. She collaborated with Chloé, a French fashion house, on several collections, which earned her the Vogue India Young Achiever of the Year Award. Natacha Ramsay-Levi, the former creative director of Chloé, collaborated with Rithika Merchant on fashion collections that seamlessly integrated Merchant's artistic style with Chloé's folklore-inspired aesthetic. This collaboration resulted in a unique blend of timeless and modern elements, creating structured and imaginative pieces. The partnership was notable for its ease and fidelity to Merchant's original vision, allowing her to think sculpturally and adorn clothing and accessories with her mythical worlds. This artistic collaboration not only highlighted Merchant's versatility but also brought a fresh perspective to Chloé's designs.