Gaurav Gupta's Tryst With Infinity

With his ruffled, beaded and sculpted gowns adorning icons like Sharon Stone, Cardi B and Kylie Minogue, Gaurav Gupta delves into indigenous concepts to create 'future primitive' fashion, wearable art that flirts with commerciality and behaving responsibly for the next generation

- Priya Kumari Rana

THE MAVERICK of Indian fashion—an enfant terrible of couture, à la John Galliano or Vivienne Westwood (both of whom sit high on his most admired list)—Gaurav Gupta is basking in the glow of his success at Paris Haute Couture Week even as he prepares for his July Paris couture collection.

“It honestly felt super exciting,” says Gaurav Gupta, about his first show in the official calendar of the Paris Haute Couture Week for Spring Summer 2023. “It felt really natural. We were prepared as a team. I live for those moments, being up until 4 a.m., with 20 people working at the showroom the night before the show. Stitching last-minute dresses and altering them, understanding the system, and having these supermodels from all over the world.” The show was attended by the likes of singer Luis Fonsi (of Despacito fame), celebrated fashion columnist Suzy Menkes and a host of international influencers.

The New Delhi-based designer, known for his sculptural lehengas and gowns (and a whole lot of ruffles, much of it in tulle) and credited with inventing the now ubiquitous sari-gown, started his eponymous label 18 years ago. Today, his gowns are worn by celebs like Sharon Stone, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Kylie Minogue and Lizzo—for film and music award shows.

From bridalwear to western couture (what was shown in Paris), to his lighter, ready-to-wear westernwear, Gaurav’s brand is on an upward trajectory. “We are at a stage where everything is growing,” he says. “Indian couture (also bridalwear) more so. We are one of the big players there.”