Tete-e-tete With Gaurang Shah

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While Indian fashion designers are busy aping the West, Gaurang Shah firmly believes in the future of indigenous handlooms. He has a bank of 500 weavers who work for his fashion label. It is rare to find an Indian fashion designer who is so rooted to our culture. Boldsky caught with Hyderabad based fashion designer, Gaurang Shah who talks about hand woven fabric, Indian fashion and his fashion label.

How much of your success do you credit to where you studied?

I had no formal education either in textile design or fashion designing. I attribute my success to the love I have for the Indian tradition and handlooms. My learning began, as a young boy who made frequent visit to my fathers saree store.

Gaurang Shah: The Badshah Of Handloom

Gaurang Shah, the man himself.

Kiron Kher Walks For Gaurang Shah

Famous celebrity Kiron Kher walks the ramp for Gaurang Shah.

Sunflowers

Pretty Indo-western outfit by Gaurang Shah.

Red And Yellow Saree

Indian weavers can give you the brightest fabric in the whole world.

Kaftan Dress

The beauty of both, the kaftan and the fabric is mesmerising.

Lehenga Choli

A bright coloured lehenga choli designed by Gaurang Shah.

Pink And Green Saree

Traditional silk saree with a lovely colour combination.

Mixed Fabric Saree

This saree is made with two different types of fabrics.

Traditional Saree

This is a traditional Indian saree with floral motifs.

How would you define your basic creative statement when it comes to designing?
My love for sarees is the foundation of my creativity. I am very much inspired by nature and Indian traditions. My creative work at Berlin Lavera Fashion show highlighted Khadi weaved in florals and leaves. At the Lakme Fashion week in Mumbai, I gave the fashion world a view to Kancheevarams with Kalamkari bright colours seen never before.

You love weaves; which is your favourite material to design clothes?
I love khadi, cotton and silk; all completely hand woven.

Do you think handloooms have a future in India?
My belief is very strong. Today the world is leaning towards eco-friendly fabrics and natural dyes. The response I get from my clients across the world gives me the courage to experiment more and do all that I can to bring Indian weaves back in vogue. I work with a team of over 500 weavers who are exponent of jamdani weaves.

Words of wisdom for budding Indian fashion designers...
Don't mimic. To be successful young designers you should experiment aggressively with new nature friendly fabrics and introduce design concepts that break conventions.

Where do you find your inspiration to design?
Nature and the unlimited boundaries of hand weaves.

Where do you see your career going next? What are the commercial plans?
My first designer store opened this week in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. I plan to expand brand 'Gaurang Store' to other cities as well. My dream is to make brand Gaurang global and showcase Indian hand weave creativity in the global market. I will soon launch new line of men's bridal wear, children wear and western outfits done in handlooms.

Where do you sell your designs?
Globally and even in the Indian market.