Gaurav Gupta - Master Of His Own Universe

Gaurav Gupta is master of his own universe

- Phyllida Jay

Gaurav Gupta cuts a distinctive figure with his piercings, angular buzz cut and edgy personal style. Over the past 15 years, the Central Saint Martins graduate and goth at heart has not only carved out his own unique space in the Indian fashion industry, he’s done so by defying convention. The 40-year-old designer is soft-spoken, effortlessly warm, with a devilish sense of humour. He loves to party with an entourage of close friends dressed in his extraordinary clothes. Gupta recounts how, at London’s most recent Animal Ball (hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to support wildlife conservation), he spent hours conversing with the Godmother of Punk, Vivienne Westwood – “the real Queen,” he says wickedly, tongue-in-cheek. He’s openly gay, and a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He’s also a passionate advocate for a comprehensive anti-pollution policy in Indian cities. Gupta is a rule breaker.

He’s known for his alluring, alternative vision of Indian luxury – and his menswear is no exception. The elemental forces of nature and mysteries of the galaxies and universe are enduring themes in his work. Meteorite particles seem to have taken form on the surfaces of his women’s gowns and menswear. His suits have names like “Iridescent Star Rain Tuxedo”, and are literally starry suits for starry people. His formal eveningwear has been seen on every Indian celebrity from Saif Ali Khan to Shahid Kapoor to Ranveer Singh.

Gupta launched “Gaurav Gupta Man” just two years ago, at GQ Fashion Nights 2017, with a show comprised of men’s Western formalwear called “Diamonds and Demons”. “I think Padmanabh [Singh] is the embodiment