Fashion Friday Feature: Gaurav Gupta

Welcome to #FashionFriday on Marigold Events! #FashionFriday posts feature Indian Fashion Designers, talking about how they got started in the industry, and their unique style. Continuing with our series of posts written by Gina Mathew, Founder of Couture Rani, today we will feature Indian Fashion Designer Gaurav Gupta, and his claim to fame.

Gaurav Gupta might not be the most talked about or well known among the Indian designers but his talent, design ingenuity and global outlook make him one of the few Indian designers poised for international success. Born and raised in New Delhi, Gupta was resolute in his decision to become a designer. Like many of his industry peers, he attended the National Institute of Fashion Technology in the capital city. He then furthered his design education by earning a degree from the prestigious Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London from which he graduated with honors. While there, his graduate collection was awarded the Future of Couture trophy at Altaroma Altamoda, Rome Couture fashion week. He then went on to work with designers Hussein Chalayan and Stella McCartney before returning to India in 2006 to launch his own label.

Design Aesthetic

Gupta is credited with bringing a new, modern edge to Indian fashion.  His use of volume, draping and the beautiful contrast of hard metal detailing like chains, crystals, and metallic beads against soft fabrics like tulle and chiffon have become his signature. While many designers attempt to “modernize” Indian fashion, Gupta has the skill and confidence to create garments that truly blur the line between Indian and Western, yet retain the essence of the garment. His sari gowns are a perfect example of this seamless fusion and his ability to push the boundaries and go beyond the basics without distorting the beauty or elegance of the garment. Of his design sensibility, Gaurav has said, “Even if you design a pair of Jodhpurs or straight-cut trousers, it needs to have something more special to it. There is deconstruction, there are zippers. There’s a grunge element to our design but at the same time it’s very sophisticated.” (The Hindu, 6/2011)

Fan Following:

Gupta is the go to designer for the cool, stylish crowd of fashion editors, models and young starlets like Jacqueline Fernandes, Anushka Sharma, Neha Dhupia and Sonakshi Sinha among others. Gaurav’s unique pieces, such as his digital printed dresses, draped gowns and use of 3-D embellishments with crystals, sequins and beads make his designs a red carpet staple.

International Retail:

Gupta is one of the few Indian designers whose retail presence has grown internationally. His fusions collections are sold at L’eclaireur in Paris, H. Lorenzo and Anastasia in Los Angeles, Myst in Hong Kong and online at L-Atitude. His couture bridal and evening wear collection is sold exclusively through CoutureRani.com

Delhi Couture Week 2010

Video Credit: Couture Rani

Image Credit: fashionfad.in

Check out our Facebook Page for more pictures from Gaurav Gupta’s Collection.