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
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.