We’re a fortnight away from Pride Month, and the world is prepping for Pride parades to support the LGBTQIA+ community. Ahead of the celebrations, celebrated Indian designer, Mayyur Girotra in collaboration with pride at Google and the Indus Google Network is gearing up to kickstart New York Pride 2023. Indeed, a landmark and historic event for the South Asian LGBTQIA community across the globe. This is his first luxury pret line, which will debut at an exclusive showcase on June, 2 at Āve – Soho NYC.
AIKYA translates to unity, and the collection is a fusion of Western silhouettes with Indian embroidery and techniques. Mayyur Girotra has been worn by noted celebrities such as Sara Ali Khan, Sridevi, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shilpa Shetty, Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Virat Kohli, Badshah and many more. Known for his versatile and unique bridal couture, the designer incorporates his deep Indian heritage with creative aesthetics that help cultivate outfits with his signature work including gota, mirror, tilla, and resham work.
Photo Courtesy: Mayyur Girotra
Mayyur Girotra is known for his signature style that is playful and youthful, featuring custom-made prints and Kutch embroidery, inspired by Gujarat and Rajasthan, blended harmoniously on Western silhouettes. Carrying forward the same ideology, AIKYA features expert craft that blends a vibrant mix of colours and emotions that represent the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. The collection will be showcased at Āve – Soho, amidst a backdrop of historic photographs of queer people from India. Creative Director Mayyur Girotra, says that the collection pushed him out of his comfort zone, “I dedicate a love letter to my LGBTQIA+ family through the lens of my craft. From concept to execution, the Google team have been strategic partners in building my vision”.
Tell us about your first-ever pret collection, AIKYA, and what pushed you to create one.
Aikya, which means unity, is my first luxury pret collection. This collection is a celebration of diversity and the power of unity, which is more important now than ever before. The Aikya collection is a reflection of my belief that fashion can be a unifying force that brings people together, regardless of their differences. Each piece in the collection has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the unique beauty of different cultures and styles. The inspiration was to make a luxe pret line which celebrates love while keeping the Mayyur Girotra sensibilities in mind. It was a big privilege for me to be chosen to do so and I have gone out of the box to make something truly unique, just like our wonderful community.
What are your thoughts on gender-fluid clothing?
Fashion has always been the language with no words for many in the community. Throughout history, fashion has spoken about identity, breaking societal norms and embracing bold change on the runway. Ensembles have also always played a major part in all our creative endeavours, indicating the background and the time period it was set in. Gender-fluid clothing is a step towards the same direction. Fashion has been the greatest LGBTQIA+ ally, supporting it silently yet ferociously. For our latest collection. AIKYA, we made sure that the collection is gender fluid. All Love is venerated by my designs, where the community is free to express and wear, regardless of their gender, orientation or identity.
How does it feel to be one of the first South Asian to support the LGBTQIA+ community on a global scale?
I truly believe I have manifested this. I always wanted to use my platform to do something for the community. I have previously mentioned, my AIKYA collection is a love letter for my LGBTQAI community, expressed in terms of my art. I hope everyone who witnesses the collection enjoys and experiences the love. This project is the closest to my heart. It has been a very soul-satisfying journey and is a very special moment for me.
Photo Courtesy: Mayyur Girotra
What were the thoughts in your mind while creating this collection for New York Pride 2023 and what kind of silhouettes can we expect?
My designs highlight the uniqueness of each individual who wears them, I am lucky to have the freedom to express myself creatively and want to pay homage to all the brave individuals who have fought for the freedoms that the community has today. I like to bring together designs and embroideries which are very different from their predecessors while retaining my signature style, which is opulent yet classic. Our luxury pret line takes this one step further, incorporating traditional Indian crafts and textiles into designs while appealing to a global audience.
To talk about silhouettes, we’ve curated a wide range of silhouettes right from trenchcoats to bombers and oversized jackets to name a few. I along with my team have made sure that the collection is gender-fluid. From intricate embroidery to bold prints and vibrant colours, amalgamate the East and the West with our unique touch, creating silhouettes which commemorate fashion and pride.
What are the key silhouettes for the summer?
Minimal chic, fun colours, street style meets couture and not-too-serious glam will be big this season.
If you were to style a wedding look for the LGBTQIA+ community what would it be and why?
About 5 years ago, I styled a couple from the community for their stunning wedding in Thailand. They both wore a mix of indian and western silhouettes. They are one of my closest friends and It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended.
Has Indian fashion made an impact on the global scale? How?
Presently, India is at the centre stage of fashion right from structuring of garments to embroideries and handicrafts. My brand is so well accepted internationally, not only by south asians but all nationalities across the globe. I have international clients who wear my lehengas as skirts and jackets as trench coats. They have a boho-chic eclectic taste, understand Indian fashion and value the depth and hard work of indian craftsmanship.
Photo Courtesy: Mayyur Girotra
What are the challenges of being a South Asian in fashion in New York City?
I have personally not faced any challenges in this part of the world. There is so much respect and love for designers and their art. Ever since I created a base in the states, I have been working so closely with american business and fashion houses. It has been an extremely smooth and beautiful journey with mutual love and respect. It is a very different market. I have received immense acceptance, love and respect from not only my partners and associates but also from my wonderful clients.
