If anybody had asked me to describe Gaurav Gupta before this interview, the five adjectives on my fingertips would have been dark, mysterious, brooding, creative and intimidating. I wouldn’t use all of those today, for one this man isn’t as intimidating as he appears to be (looks can be deceptive), in fact he happens to posses a fine sense of humour, and is a great joy to chat-up with.
Gaurav completes his ten years in the industry this year. He crossed the bridge and survived the storms. As his label turned a decade older, I decided to be brave and face the man myself. After following his work for years and quietly observing him from the sidelines, I took the step forward and decided to not just introduce myself but also to quiz him about his Big Ten. One of India’s leading couturiers lets out his fun side for a tête–à-tête with me!
Excerpt from the interview:
How would you describe Gaurav Gupta in one word?
Curious
And label Gaurav Gupta?
Fantastical
Your label completed a whole decade in the industry,
how does it feel?
I suddenly feel like I’m really old…and fat! (chuckles). But honestly, it’s time for me to shake the world, yet again!
What’s the one thing you think people misinterpret a
bout you?
People think I’m intimidating and snobbish, but I’m actually just a warm, caring teddy bear! Hahaha!
Who is the ideal Gaurav Gupta muse?
Anybody with an explorative mind in a confident body.
One person from history you would have liked to dress?
Two actually, Amrita Shergill & Cleopatra.
Do you think there’s one international designer who has similar design sensibilities as you?
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen & Azzedine Alaia are the ones I identify with. And Givenchy & Balenciaga!
How would you describe the Fashion ‘media’ scenario in India?
Every media organisation or publication is defining its own route and taking their individual routes. At the same time there is a lot of trash out there!
What does the term Couture mean to you?
I suddenly get drawn into a fantasy zone when I hear the word ‘Couture’. It’s something which is carefully thought about, ideated upon in an eclectic way and executed with utmost care.
How would you describe the current scenario of the Indian Fashion Industry?
The Indian fashion industry is going through a lot of change. There is a lot of confusion yet a huge amount of potential. A lot of talent just needs the right direction & infrastructure.This is where there is possibility of a lot of innovation.
Gaurav Gupta is synonymous with the cocktail sari now, how did that come into being?
In India, women traditionally did not wear gowns as much as they wore sarees. When we married gowns with sarees, it was an intentional global Indian feeling that we generated and it is reflective of the times we live in. They’re sexy yet still traditional!
One thing people must know about you?
I am quite loving, am not a mean person at all! Haha
Gaurav recently shot his first ever fashion feature film with Kalki Koechlin to celebrate the ten years of his brand.
The not so anymore intimidating Gaurav, also agreed to answer a few rapid questions:
Favourite Colour? – None
Star Sign? – Capricorn
Favourite Poison? – All illegal things
Crush of All times? – Gael Garcia Bernal
Favourite Movie? – The Birds by Hitchcock
Favourite Food? – Rajmah Chawal
Guilty Pleasure? – Smoking
Music or books? – Music
Favourite Author? – Haruki Murakami
Favourite Book? – Viewpoint
One critic you admire? – My friends, Navkirat Sodhi & Vijendra Bhardwaj
Favourite Blog? – A Shaded View On Fashion by Diane Pernet
So next time you spot Gaurav, don’t be intimidated, go up to him and declare your love, and give him that bear hug, because I for one will be surely doing that.
A big thank you to Sarthak Raswant for making this possible and his patience.
All pictures courtesy Gaurav Gupta.
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