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MEET AKAARO

Who Gaurav Jai Gupta’s work is a new kind of juxtaposition of materials and techniques within the context of contemporary Indian handlooms. Known for his commitment to revive the appreciation for contemporary Indian textiles and the innovative use of artisanal textiles into laid-back contemporary, hand-woven and sustainable dressing.

The Beginning Originally from Rohtak, Haryana, he moved to Delhi for his undergrad in Design&Fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and then trained in Woven Textiles at the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. His work looks at a fine balance between Craft and Design and highlights the importance of handcrafting before machine.

 “I was more interested in design - the process and imagery and I liked the whole idea of putting things together and presenting them. I didn’t make clothes – I made fabrics. I began to drape a lot, that remains a starting point for me to begin understanding the shape of the garment and perhaps why my pieces look quite sculptural. The fabrics I made created a buzz as I used copper and steel, which was unusual.

Think metallics, silk zari jackets, ombre-dyed chanderi pants and textured cotton capes in energetic but earthy colors and bold stripes. His collection plays with the idea of East-West, in a sense of a dual identity, the tug-of-war of Tradition and Reform.

Some of his other work highlights include being commissioned for “The Design Lab” at the Central Saint Martins as a trend reporter for a year and has collaborated with Jimmy Choo , Duro Oluw London & Heim- stone Paris in the past for various projects.

Finalist “International Woolmark Prize 2015/16 & 2014/15 ” for India, Pakistan and Middle East. Launched the Cool Wool Menswear collection for Woolmark and Raymonds in India in 2014. Garments acquired by V & A museum London for research and archival purposes. Collaborated with Swarovski for AW 2012 & became the first designer internationally to develop collection with crystals embedded clothes in textiles. Invited to showcase at the Alchemy Festival at the Southbank Centre in association with British Council and Blow PR London.

 



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