‘Couture isn’t just about clothes, it’s about the energy and the emotions’
25 Feb 2025 3:51 AM
Gaurav Gupta is a name that evokes instant awe, for the magic he creates with fabric. His designs are poetry in motion and his impeccable construct can transform even the most mundane textiles into pieces of art
Gaurav Gupta (Image/X)
In the fashion realm, Gaurav Gupta needs no introduction. He transforms personal experience into exquisitely curated garments like he did at the recent Paris Fashion Week, as an ode to his wife Navkirat. We caught up with the designer who lives life fearlessly, for an enlightening conversation. Excerpts:
Q: You have dressed many an international star. We recently spotted global singer Shakira in one of your creations. How did this collaboration come about and how different is the approach that you take while designing for Western personalities?
Shakira’s team reached out with a strong vision, and from our first conversation, it was clear how deeply the wolf motif resonated with her. For the opening of her ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ World Tour, we designed the Lunar Blue Wolf Gown, a sculpted piece with cascading layers and a metallic breastplate featuring an intricately crafted wolf. It embodied her untamed spirit, strength and resilience. Designing for global icons is about balancing their persona with our couture philosophy, and this collaboration was a seamless blend of both.
Q: Your much- talked-about show at the Paris Fashion Week was a tribute to your partner Navkirat, who suffered much pain and trauma. How has this experience altered your perception about the vagaries of life?
This collection was deeply personal. Watching someone you love go through immense pain and emerge from it with resilience is transformative. It gave me a different perspective on beauty, one that isn’t just about aesthetics but also about emotion, vulnerability and strength. That experience shaped my approach to design in a way that felt even more raw and authentic. It reaffirmed my belief that couture isn’t just about clothes, it’s about the energy and the emotions they carry.
Q: Your unconventional love story transcends the concept of romantic love. How would you define the relationship that you share with her and what keeps this bond unbroken?
Love, for us, is fluid. It isn’t bound by convention, it’s poetic, it’s rebellious, it’s meditative. Navkirat and I share a bond that’s beyond definition. It’s built on trust, creativity, and a shared understanding of the universe in a way that feels almost cosmic. What keeps us together is the constant evolution of our relationship, celebrating individuality, and at the same time, being deeply connected.
Q: Speaking of Paris Fashion Week, you have marked your presence thrice in a row. How did you manage to retain the magic each time?
Paris is a dream, but it’s also challenging. Each season, we push ourselves to create something new, something unexpected. The key is evolution. We don’t repeat, we reinvent. Whether it’s through structure, fabric innovation or storytelling, we ensure that every collection brings a fresh perspective. But at the same time, we stay true to the DNA of Gaurav Gupta — the surrealism, the drama, the movement. It’s about striking that balance.
Q: You have defined your style as bold, experimental and unapologetically individualistic.
Absolutely. My designs are an extension of how I see the world, unconventional, surreal, and unbound by rules. I’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries, whether it’s in fashion, in thought, or in the way I live my life. The rebellious spirit, the avant-garde approach — it’s all deeply personal. Fashion, for me, is not just about creating garments, it’s about building a universe.
Q: What inspires you today?
Inspiration is everywhere. It’s in nature, in mythology, in human emotions, in music. Lately, I’ve been drawn to the idea of fluidity — how things move, how emotions shift, how energy flows. There’s also a deep fascination with ancient structures and futuristic elements. I love playing with contrasts, the old and the new, the structured and the fluid, the seen and the unseen.
Q: What are your other passions besides fashion?
Art, poetry, architecture and music are big influences in my life. I love exploring different forms of creative expression. Travel is another passion, it opens up the mind, introduces new perspectives, and fuels imagination. I also find a lot of peace in meditation and philosophy.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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