Brides and grooms today are not conforming to norms, says ace designer Gaurav Gupta

In a landmark moment for Indian couture, Gaurav Gupta unveils his first-ever dedicated Bridal Day Collection—a poetic fusion of sculptural form, spiritual symbolism, and deep-rooted tradition. Known for pushing the boundaries of movement, silhouette, and storytelling, Gupta now turns his lens to the ceremonial heart of the wedding day, reimagining heritage with a futuristic soul.From fluid drapes inspired by Art Nouveau to the regal opulence of Banarasi brocades, each piece is a dialogue between the ancient and the avant-garde, the intimate and the spectacular.In a candid conversation, the designer opens up about his inspirations, the ‘new-age bride’ and how love, nature, and storytelling continue to shape his creative universe.This is your first dedicated bridal collection. What made you explore the ceremonial heart of the wedding now, after all these years of redefining couture?For years, I’ve explored the edges of form, movement, and identity through couture and looked at fashion as a medium of transformation. Nothing has changed. But, it’s interesting to see this evolution of the brides and grooms today and how they’re not conforming to norms but celebrating fashion in their own personal way. It’s something that speaks to me. It felt right, to step into this moment which is deeply intimate for a bride and groom along with their families.In your eyes, who is the ‘new-age bride’? How did she shape the silhouettes, emotions, and essence of this collection?The new-age bride is a paradox; she loves tradition but is futuristic at the same time. She doesn’t conform to norms and has her own dressing language. I think the fact that she’s unafraid to reinterpret tradition is very special to me.Your bridal wear is equal parts sculptural and spiritual. What were the key inspirations—visual or emotional?This collection draws from a fusion of Art Nouveau fluidity and Indian regal craftsmanship. We looked at the elegance of heritage textiles like Banarasi silks, handwoven brocades and reimagined them through a sculptural lens. Traditional zardozi work was layered over engineered drapes and architectural embroideries, creating a tension between softness and structure. Cascading silhouettes, crystals and structured brocade panels form the foundation, while architectural inspired patterns bring depth.It’s a balance of heritage and innovation.Your work often speaks in metaphors—of ascension, rebirth, and cosmic energy. Do you approach bridal wear more as a ritual or as a visual statement?For me, bridal wear sits at the intersection of both. It’s a beautiful visual statement rooted in ritual.While the forms are bold and sculptural, every detail carries meaning, whether it's a cosmic embroidery or an architectural motif. The garment is deeply special because it’s a lifetime memory and an integral part of a bride’s most special moment.From saree gowns to Met Gala moments, your designs have constantly evolved. What threads from your earliest work do you still find yourself returning to?The core language has always been rooted in movement, form, and emotion. I still return to the idea of sculpting fabric as if it's in motion-free-flowing, yet precisely constructed.Elements like fluid draping, asymmetry, and the idea of wearable art have remained constant since the beginning. Whether it’s a saree gown or a couture piece for the Met, I’m always exploring the tension between structure and softness, the ancient and the avant-garde. That dialogue continues to define the evolution of the brand.Your label has taken Indian couture to Paris, the Oscars, and the Grammys. How do you view your responsibility as a storyteller for Indian fashion on the world stage?I see it as both an honour and a responsibility. Indian couture has an incredibly rich visual and cultural heritage, and my role is to present it in a way that feels global yet deeply rooted.It’s about reframing tradition through a contemporary lens; merging ancient craft with experimental form. Whether it’s a handwoven textile or a silhouette inspired by Indian mythology, I want the story to feel relevant, powerful, and boundary-less. We’re not just representing a country, we’re shaping a new visual narrative for what Indian fashion can be.What continues to fuel your creativity outside the world of fashion?If I had to name one it would be nature. It’s my constant source of inspiration – the fluidity of water or the diverse colours in a forest, they all give me clarity and have always been a part of my design language. These moments in nature – the untouched elements really keep me connected to my creative core and allow the rawness to come through.Fashion — off the rampAce designer Gaurav Gupta on Friday presented his highly anticipated bridal couture showcase, Quantum Entanglement, in Mumbai.The fashion gala was attended by who's who of the film industry. From Dulquer Salmaan to Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia, Malaika Arora and Disha Patani, many film stars gathered together under one roof to cheer for Gaurav Gupta.

Brides and grooms today are not conforming to norms, says ace designer Gaurav Gupta

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