Arpita Mehta Founder and Creative Director, Arpita Mehta Arpita Mehta started her journey in the world of fashion in 2009, and her name has consequently become synonymous with her signature aesthetic of hand-embroidered mirrorwork ensembles in contemporary cuts and eclectic colour palettes. The designer developed her interest in fashion very early on in life and secured her degree in Apparel Manufacture and Dress Design from the prestigious SNDT University, Mumbai. With perseverance and a knack for detailing, she debuted at the Lakmé India Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2013, showcasing her very first collection, ‘Violet Garden.’ Today, Arpita’s illustrious clientele includes industrialists, fashion industry stalwarts and celebrities like Alia Bhat, Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Sonakshi Sinha, to name a few. Her most prized possession is a ruby and diamond pendant chain that her sister gifted her when she opened her first flagship store. She further added, “I’m someone who always believes in balance. I’m not an extremist and I do believe in a full-circle life. So, I make “Work hard & smart, be honest and consistent, don’t take everything too seriously and learn to have a little fun with everything you do.” sure once I’m home from work, I avoid bringing work home or taking work-related calls and messages unless it’s from my team.” Gaurav Gupta Couturier, Artist, and Designer One of the most celebrated designers in the industry, Gaurav Gupta founded his eponymous label in 2005. He graduated from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London. Through his 18-year career, Gupta has carved a world that is Indian at its core and boundless in its form, merging indigenous Indian construction and embellishing techniques with his idea of the future. His sculptural silhouettes have been heavily acclaimed and have repeatedly appeared on the world’s Best Dressed Lists for the Oscars, the Emmy Awards, the Tony Awards and the Festival de Cannes to name a few. His designs have graced magazine covers, billboards, music videos and red carpets around the globe. Global celebrities too have been spotted in his designs on the red carpet, including names like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Cardi B, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Mary J. Blige, and Maluma among others. Best described as future primitive, the couturier’s design language is a composition of what might be “The fashion industry is one of the biggest pollutants in the world, it is now the industry’s responsibility to reflect upon it.” and what was. Hailed as the ‘Future of Couture’, ‘Rule Breaker’, ‘Ecopolitan Designer of the Year’, Gaurav has been awarded at Mittelmoda, Altaroma Altamoda, Makuhari Grand Prix amongst other prestigious platforms. 40 | | 41
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