by Patrycia Afzal

Gaurav Gupta has been making headlines in the fashion scene lately as he brought surrealism, fantasy and his avant-garde vision again to the hallowed halls of Haute Couture Week. 

The Indian designer who graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology is becoming known for his elaborated majestic, sculpted aesthetic statement pieces. He recently caught the world’s attention when celebrities such as Cardi B, Meg Stallion, Jennifer Hudson and Aishwarya Ray started donning his work.

The Gaurav Gupta Fall Winter Couture 23/24 was a bold ode to Hiranyagarbha, the source of creation of the universe, under Indian vedic philosophy, the press note reads. It is a flamboyant display of sculpted exaggerated volumes morphed into challenging garments that stormed unto the runway. Figure-hugging, embellished jaw-dropping dresses with delicate hand-embroidered waves created high levels of complexity in each runway piece.

Gupta’s signature draping form transforms asymmetrical shapes, chiffon satins, and organzas to give a poetic note of appreciation towards contemporary silhouettes, the color palette goes from lush green, subtle poetic shades of beige and ivory to acid neon yellow.

The strength of this collection lies in the innovative dimension he gives to Couture. Creating high fashion is about pushing boundaries; his conceptual mind translates into each piece and resonates as bold, dramatic creations and a visceral quest for uniqueness while stirring the existing narrative and, finally,  creating a dialogue between architectural designs and traditional couture Which coincidentally shows that Gaurav Gupta offers us a parallel universe, that we all wish to embrace.