Born in Delhi, Ashish Gupta studied fine art in his native India before moving to Middlesex to complete a BA in Fashion Design. Now a fashion designer based in the UK and having a high-street label under his name, this energetic and flamboyant designer has designed several outfits for M.I.A (my one and only.), Madonna, Victoria Beckham and many more. With his mix of western and eastern influences in his collections, Gupta proves that he definitely a designer capable of showmanship with a touch of his asian sensibilities.
A little throwback here, I particularly enjoyed his 2014 spring/ summer collection, where he mixes beggar chic, pop culture and several African/Middle Eastern silver jewllery. His inspiration came from a girl after a night of partying pops by a local corner shop to get her quick fix of Coca-Cola. Kinda out of this world for such inspiration you might think but Gupta proves he’s more than just this.
The story was also about the internationality of the shop owners: They are Indian, Arabic, African. Said Ashish: “My local corner shop is owned by Arabs, and I love seeing everyday products like beans stacked next to exotic products like figs, where the packaging has this wonderful lettering that looks like calligraphy.” That explains looks like this show’s gray sweatshirt suiting, and caftanlike robes with Arabic characters spelling out “Thanks for coming,” “Joy,” or “Love.” It also explained the abundance of African and Indian chunky jewelry—never mind the regal crowns that might’ve belonged to a Viking. “It was all a celebration of everything international and what a great multicultural city we live in,” Gupta explained. -Review on style.com, September 14, 2013
In recent years, fashion labels have started to embrace a little pop culture in their collection and shows. Such as the Chanel Supermarket, Moschino by Jeremy Scott, and Anya Hindmarch collection of bags inspired by confectionery and objects. Looking up to everyday objects and popular culture as a source of inspiration for new creative and art projects can be a start off point for many out there. To appreciate what is around us (not just pop culture) and hopefully doing great things with the many new discoveries to come.
Secondly, embracing ethnic and traditional design is a form of eco-fashion as well. It’s not just about protecting culture and tradition but it also provides the artisans and craftsmen a livelihood much needed for them to continue their art. Dent de Men, Stella Jean, Dries van Noten are known designers for their usage of ethnic craft and fabric mixed modern sensibilities and silhouette. Especially in the world we live in, many fashion ideas and concepts come together with globalisation and I believe that our roots, culture and history should be apart of it.
Meanwhile, more images here.
Image Source: style.com