Modern development and timelessness are the essence of my brand
Shilpi Gupta is a visionary Indian designer who marries traditional Indian crafts with contemporary fashion to create unique, high-end pieces. Driven by her passion for Indian craftsmanship and innovative textiles, she has bridged the gap between rustic and modern India, offering bespoke collections that stand out for their sophistication and artistry. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, she talks about Indian crafts and merging them with new techniques for modern audience.
With the increasing globalisation of fashion, do you think there is a risk of traditional designs and crafts losing their identity?
Every craft faces challenges and a fear of losing identity. Traditional crafts and designs can be at risk of becoming out of date in the global fashion market, but this risk can be reduced by adopting ethical and moral practices. Collaboration and a dedication to sustainability and ethics should be prioritised to guarantee that traditional crafts not only endure but also flourish in the face of growing fashion globalisation without losing their unique flavour.
What are your views on the balance between sustainability and the ever-changing trends in the industry?
It is necessary to maintain a balance between sustainability and ever-changing trends in the industry. For the betterment of future generations, it must be ensured that sustainability is practiced. The essence of true fashion resonates when trends are carried out while keeping sustainability in mind. Likewise, the use of environmentally friendly and organic materials such as cotton, Tencel, and recycled materials, encouraging sustainable practices and innovations including the use of circular designs, encouraging ethical working conditions, implementing waste reduction and zero waste techniques, as well as innovative recycled packaging, are some ways and techniques to maintain sustainability.
How do you see the future of Indian crafts in the global fashion scene?
It is promising! Designers need to be receptive to rich cultural diversity. Through the adaptation of historic elements to evolving fashions, we can set the world ablaze. In addition, our fashion sector shall be at the forefront if Indian designers continue to pursue ethical and sustainable practices, as well as a balance between marketing India’s crafts with their culture and historical significance.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and vision behind starting your fashion label?
Intense passion led me to develop a deep knowledge of the subject. I am designing on a range of materials that have distinctive textures and subtle embroidery to produce high-quality collections in today’s world. Modern development and timelessness are the essence of my brand. In my opinion, craftsmanship is a combination of ancient methods with innovative designs. I encourage incorporating my own and my client’s ideas.
How do you maintain the authenticity of Indian crafts while introducing them to a modern audience?
I have designed the most innovative treatments on versatile fabrics and unique textures with a contemporary edge, all inspired by my passion for Indian crafts. Timelessness and modern breakthroughs are depicted in my label. The craftsmanship is a blend of modern design and conventional techniques. The outfits have a lively hue and intricate handcrafted surface embellishments. I like designing embellishments in the form of edgy embroidery motifs.
How important is the role of textile innovation in your creations, especially when merging old crafts with new techniques?
The preservation of heritage while acknowledging the prospects that modern goods and methods offer is the driving force behind textile innovation, particularly when merging traditional crafts with new techniques. It encourages innovation, increases sustainability, and guarantees that the results are not just appealing to behold but also long-lasting and productive.
What is the process behind selecting the perfect textile for a specific design?
My creative vision, prerequisites, and practical needs are quintessential to choosing the perfect textile for a specific design. It is necessary to do extensive research on the various kinds of fabrics, their properties, and whether or not they can be made to work with the overall design idea. I meticulously create and choose each cloth, which is a creation sourced from different continents, to ensure it matches the style I have in mind.
Bespoke fashion demands a unique touch. How do you ensure that each piece from your bespoke collection remains distinct and carries your signature style?
The bespoke collection by Shilpi Gupta combines current flare with classic ingenuity. It features fabrics and laces from France and Italy, and is a stunning fusion of elegance and tradition. Each silhouette’s grace and elegance capture the essence of the royals of bygone ages. I make sure that the timeless skills of haute fashion are perfected through exquisite surface embellishment and unmatched craftsmanship.
With fabrics sourced from places like Italy and France, how do you ensure they harmonise with the Indian aesthetics in your designs?
Integrating fabrics from Italy and France into my designs while honouring the rich tapestry of Indian aesthetics is both a challenge and a joy. My love for traditional Indian crafts serves as the foundation for all my creations. When I source laces and fabrics from international markets, I look for materials that can seamlessly complement India’s indigenous crafts and techniques. The luxurious textiles from Italy and France not only bring a global touch but also elevate the craftsmanship involved in each piece. It is like blending the best of both worlds—sophisticated European charm and the rich, cultural heritage of India. This intermingling creates garments that are timeless, yet modern; traditional, yet global—a true reflection of what my label stands for.
What drives your choice of colours and embellishments, especially when you talk about edgy embroidery motifs?
It is a systematic and well-organised process that demands a distinct creative mind that will enhance the overall design and align it with the intended aesthetic. My team and I go beyond our comfort zones to maintain the designs’ aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance.
You have bridged the gap between rustic and modern India through your designs. How do you envision the next phase of this evolution?
The journey to bridge the gap between rustic and modern India has been incredibly fulfilling, but there is much more to explore and achieve. Going forward, I envision taking this blend of the traditional and the contemporary to new heights. I plan to delve deeper into the reservoirs of our rich Indian crafts and techniques, while also keeping an eye on global fashion trends. My aim is to collaborate even more closely with artisans from Gujarat, Varanasi, and beyond, bringing their time-honoured skills into the spotlight through modern design interpretations. It is a continuous, dynamic process—like a tapestry that is forever being woven, each thread a marker of where we have been and where we are going.
Can you share any specific collection or piece that resonates deeply with you or has a special significance?
Each collection has a deep significance—from the AKS collection, which emphasises the fascination of enigmatic shadows and the alluring beauty of reflections, to the Sitaara collection, which is a refinement of the traditional saree or age-old drape and adds a contemporary edge without sacrificing elegance. The Gota line, which uses Marbelling techniques to make it more fascinating and contemporary, gets its name from the traditional practice of adding gold metallic yarns to the fabric, also known as ‘Gota’. The intricate designs of each ensemble capture the elegance of traditional workmanship while perfectly blending modern aesthetics.
What are your aspirations or plans for the future, both in terms of design evolution and expanding your brand’s reach?
My journey never ends. Every year, my team and I create collections that will transform the world of fashion. We strive for sustainability in our design processes by employing circular fashion, eco-friendly materials, and waste-reduction strategies. My label upholds the essence of each culture while continuing to uphold its diversity. The future will present many chances for us to grow and diversify; therefore, the rest is up to us.
How do you see the role of fashion weeks in today’s interconnected world? Are they still as relevant as before?
Fashion weeks are now vital venues for innovation, commercial expansion, trendsetting, and promoting ideals such as sustainability, diversity, and ethical fashion practices. They have encouraged the creation of relationships and networks. Cross-cultural interaction has opened up new opportunities and effortlessly integrated the world. The ability to adapt to evolving consumer and industry dynamics ensures perpetual prominence in the world of fashion.
Finally, many young designers these days are turning to their roots for inspiration. What advice would you give them to ensure the authenticity of their creations?
The future entrepreneurs and fashion designers must be tenacious and tough while incorporating their origins. The designer must identify the vision, mission, and target audience. Brands should establish the rapport and understanding that will lead consumers to favour them over rivals. Entrepreneurs need to be authentic to their roots and compelling from an artistic perspective to build the foundation of their businesses. They ought to build a strategy based on client requirements and expand their network using cutting-edge marketing techniques created according to client interests. Finally, to make it a success, they would have to trust themselves and their brand.
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