Indian designer Gaurav Gupta has made a name for himself in the fashion world with his iconic swirl gowns. These stunning creations have been worn by celebrities on the red carpet and have gained international attention. But Gupta's success didn't happen overnight. It all started two decades ago when he launched his own fashion brand after graduating from London's Central Saint Martins college.
At the time, the Indian fashion industry was dominated by traditional clothing and basic Western-inspired styles. Gupta's designs were different. He drew inspiration from mythology, spirituality, and surrealism, creating dresses that were both dramatic and intricate. Instead of relying on lavish embellishments, Gupta focused on sensual draping and sculpted silhouettes, blending Indian craftsmanship with European techniques like corsetry.
One of Gupta's most notable innovations is the sari-gown, a reinvention of the traditional Indian garment. With Gupta's design, women only need to zip up the sari instead of draping and pleating it themselves. This modern twist has made Gupta's saris popular not just in India, but around the world.
Gupta's designs have been worn by celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Aishwarya Rai, Cardi B, and Mindy Kaling. He even caught the attention of Beyoncé, who wore several custom Gaurav Gupta ensembles, including a sari-gown.
In 2023, Gupta became the second Indian designer to join the Paris Couture Week calendar, cementing his place in fashion history. But Gupta doesn't want to limit himself to celebrity and haute couture. He has expanded his brand to include bridal wear, ready-to-wear, and even menswear. He plans to enter new markets like the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
In a recent interview, Gupta discussed his creative process and inspiration. He draws from nature, mythology, and spirituality, believing that creativity is a form of spirituality. Gupta also emphasized the importance of Indian techniques in his designs, blending ancient embroidery techniques with a futuristic twist.
Gupta is proud to be part of the change happening in the Indian fashion industry, which is slowly evolving from traditional styles to ready-to-wear and luxury fashion. He sees India as a unique and important market that will always remain true to its roots.
Designing for both Eastern and Western stars, Gupta believes that innovation, celebration, freedom, and infinity are qualities that resonate with people from both cultures. He feels at home showcasing his designs in Paris and collaborating with artists like Beyoncé.
As he celebrates 20 years in the fashion industry, Gupta credits hard work, perseverance, self-belief, and originality as key qualities for longevity. With his passion and dedication, he continues to work on multiple collections, including couture, ready-to-wear, and menswear.
