SAY IT WITH SPARKLE

As Ashish Gupta's first retrospective opens, the designer talks about sticking to his guns, subverting stereotypes, and expressing himself through sequins.

- By Brooke Theis

Kaleidoscopic trousers, shimmering sequin dresses, and bold slogan T-shirts are Ashish Gupta’s love language, through which he communicates his vision for liberation. The designer, who founded his eponymous label over two decades ago, creates glamorous clothes that reflect both what he describes as ‘the sexiness and freedom of night-life’ and his experiences as an immigrant; some of his most striking pieces feature phrases such as ‘Love sees no colour’.