Cover Journey with Tatler into the ethereal world of Gaurav Gupta in this exclusive interview

In this exclusive interview, Tatler delves into the sculptural creations of the avant-garde couturier Gaurav Gupta, the third Indian designer ever to present at the prestigious Paris Couture Week

In the kaleidoscopic realm of haute couture, where creativity and imagination know no bounds, Gaurav Gupta sets himself apart with a design language rooted in surrealism and from fantasy. “What is amazing about being from somewhere like India is that you are able to see the endlessness and vastness of the universe in a very absolute way. That’s what I tried to reflect in my artistic expression,” the Indian couturier says.

Indeed, Gupta’s creations evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty. They have carved out a world that is Indian at its core while remaining boundless in its forms—merging indigenous construction and embellishment techniques with a future-primitive aesthetic. The visionary designer also holds the distinction of being the third Indian designer ever to present at the prestigious Paris Couture Week.

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Tatler Asia
Above Gaurav Gupta

Tatler spoke exclusively to Gupta when he was in Singapore in March to unveil a collaboration with bespoke jeweller Renu Oberoi. A landmark in luxury fashion, the dazzling showcase was organised by Mèlange, the premier platform for South Asian fashion and jewellery in Singapore.

Watch the video here:

Above Step into the ethereal world of Gaurav Gupta

For Gupta, fashion is not merely about clothing; it is a medium through which he explores the vastness of the universe and the human spirit. “I don’t have a starting point or an ending point. Everything is infinite, and everything is in loops,” he reveals of his creative process. His artistic vision comprises a range of abstract inspirational sources, drawing from spiritual concepts, elemental forces and even ancient mysticism, and invites viewers to immerse themselves in a realm of uninhibited imagination.

Emphasising the diversity of influences that shape his artistic journey, Gupta says: “It’s more like a philosophy—abstraction, surrealism, Dadaism, magic realism, fantasy. The whole pool of creativity in the universe is where I draw inspiration from.” 

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Photo 1 of 4 Gaurav Gupta Spring/Summer 2024 Paris Couture Week
Photo 2 of 4 Gaurav Gupta Spring/Summer 2024 Paris Couture Week
Photo 3 of 4 Gaurav Gupta Spring/Summer 2024 Paris Couture Week
Photo 4 of 4 Gaurav Gupta Spring/Summer 2024 Paris Couture Week

Gupta is renowned for transforming fabrics into wearable art, something he explains stems from a fascination with sculpture in his youth; working with clay, in particular, laid the foundation for his sculptural approach and origami-style patterns and pleats. “I’ve made sculptures since childhood, so it’s just naturally translated to clothes as well,” he says.

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Photo 1 of 3 Shakira
Photo 2 of 3 Fan Bing Bing
Photo 3 of 3 Cardi B

Gupta has created looks for and worn by an impressive range of clientele, spanning from brides across Asia to global icons like Shakira, Cardi B and Fan Bingbing.

Fans of his design span the spectrum of cultural and geographic diversity, and his collections have graced red carpets, stages and intimate gatherings. There is, though, a special joy in creating bespoke garments that resonate with a client’s unique identity and aspirations, particularly for a wedding day. Celebrated for revitalising bridal couture in India, Gupta has also worked closely with women outside his homeland. “I remember making these bridal outfits for our Indian brides brought up in Singapore, and they come to India to have special appointments with me,” he says. “I really enjoy those appointments.”

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Photo 1 of 4 Beyoncé wears Gaurav Gupta for her Renaissance World Tour
Photo 2 of 4 Beyoncé wears Gaurav Gupta for her Renaissance World Tour
Photo 3 of 4 Beyoncé wears Gaurav Gupta for her Renaissance World Tour
Photo 4 of 4 Beyoncé

When asked to name an especially notable moments in his career, Gupta is quick to answer: when Beyoncé wore his designs for the Renaissance World Tour, her highest-grossing concert tour to date. “She wore three amazing Gupta looks, including a neon green sari from the Paris Couture Week collection and an infinity bodysuit custom-made for the tour,” he says, the excitement still evident in his voice. “Who doesn't love Beyoncé? She embodies a feeling of freedom, positivity, infinity and celebration. All of those things resonate with [him and his brand] a lot.” 

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Photo 1 of 3 Gaurav Gupta India Couture collection
Photo 2 of 3 Gaurav Gupta India Couture collection
Photo 3 of 3 Gaurav Gupta India Couture collection

As the architect of an 18-year-old fashion empire, five retail stores and a strong international presence, Gupta’s legacy continues to evolve and inspire. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair has earned him accolades and admiration from fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Across high couture collections, ready-to-wear lines and bespoke creations, Gupta invites those who don his pieces on a journey through his limitless imagination. In his hands, fashion becomes more than mere clothing—it becomes a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. A visionary artist whose creations seamlessly blend mysticism and fantasy with modern elegance, Gupta’s navigation of the fashion landscape is as intricate and awe-inspiring as the garments he crafts.

Credits

Images  

Courtesy of Gaurav Gupta

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