There is nowhere Gaurav Gupta has expressed his love of theatricality as much as he did at the opening show of FDCI India Couture Week — with a film titled 'Name Is Love'.

Harnessing the potential of the digital edition, he didn't miss a thing when it came to the storytelling power of Fashion. The narrative was charged with emotion — from diverse love stories to the casting of 'models' i.e. lesbian and gay couples, teen trans-male; curvaceous ladies, model Anjali Lama; jewellery designer Nitya Arora, poet Navkirat Sodhi. To the collection — GG did not take his audience on a flight of fancy. His celebration of love and inclusivity was crystal clear as he showcased fifty womenswear and twenty menswear accessorised with high- fashion jewellery. All beautifully streamed on the social media handles of FDCI.

Given the demand for lightweight couture, his body of work struck the perfect balance between ensembles that catered to this need and his sculptural take on fashion that's loved and looked forward to by clientele. Handcrafted with his trademark bugle beading, the second-skinesque cocktail dresses and evening gowns will surely be seen at the next gala — some with beautiful drapes- others with ruffles and fabric manipulation. The menswear, handcrafted with velvet, will be snapped up by those who want to make a style statement in the proverbial sea of black. I loved the tuxedos, sherwanis, bandhgalas and asymmetric long jackets — accessorised with velvet footwear!! And, the gender fluid silhouettes. 

In short, pure theatre that enthralled audiences with its conceptual brilliance and a retail- friendly couture line. Speaking of his vision, Gaurav Gupta says, "We are proud to have partnered with these fierce individuals as our models and to have represented diverse forms of love. We wish this message connects with people who feel inhibited to express themselves..."

— JASMEEN DUGAL