Shyam Gupta & Ravi Gupta
Co-founders Gargee Designer’s
Plan to introduce wedding couture, kids collections soon
Based out of South Delhi, Gargee Designer's provides bespoke formal and indutvas or ethnicwear for men. The tailoring process at the company combines traditional methods with a modern approach. Each outfit is customised with utmost attention to provide the wearer perfectly crafted clothing. The company's store houses Indian apparel like sherwanis, achkans, bandgalas and Jodhpuris along with tuxedos and suits. Co-founders Shyam Gupta and Ravi Gupta discuss the market for tailored menswear and more.
If given an opportunity, which international designer would you like to collaborate with and why?
RG: Tom Ford has always been an inspirational designer. The design he has created has taken the fashion industry to new heights and given a new direction to trends. Ford is also one of my idols and therefore, I would definitely like to collaborate with him.
Tell us about your early years in the fashion industry. How has your label evolved since its inception?
Shyam Gupta: The fashion industry works at a fast pace, and early years are always the tough ones, but these do teach you a lot. It is not only about the industry but also about yourself. We have always focused on delivering products of excellence and total customer satisfaction. Progressive vision and technical strength has got Gargee Designer's (GD) to a different benchmark of custom tailoring. Ravi Gupta social skills and positive personality has led GD to an elite client base comprising athletes, socialites, politicians, who admire the services we provide.
What is your inspiration for creating clothes?
Ravi Gupta: Nature has always been my inspiration for innovation and I always try to maintain a balance between nature and trends.
What is the next big thing on your list?
RG: Even after three decades, every project has been as challenging as the first one. So they are all special to me. We plan to introduce our wedding couture and kids collections in the near future.
What is the projected turnover by 2020?
SG: Projected turnovers only define your expectation; I believe in making the most out of my talent and work but also keep in mind that my inner conscious is satisfied.
How would you describe the menswear market in India?
RG: Men nowadays are taking interest in trends and want to dress fashionably. So the market for menswear is drastically growing and gives immense space to designers, both established and newcomers, to explore this market. The potential for growth and demand is huge in the menswear niche.
How is Indian fashion perceived at the international level?
RG: Indian fashion is being recognised and appraised globally. Fashion in India is a goldmine of designs and hand-crafted work. International designers use our skills in their designs and promote Indian heritage worldwide.
What are the leading menswear trends in clothing and accessories for Spring/Summer 2019?
RG: The season will include black and navy suits and tuxedos for formal events. While for traditional gatherings you will see bandhgalaas, bandai, and kurta-pyjamas. To enhance the formal look, you can pair subtle oxford shoes, narrow tie or a bow-tie, and a pocket square. For the traditional look, you can invest in a brooch or you can also play with a lapel pin to mark a unique impression.
How versatile are your collections? What is the latest innovation in your designs?
RG: All our collections are versatile in their own way and suitable for any occasion or event. The westernwear collection is not only appropriate formal events but also can be worn at work.
How can fashion businesses survive in the long run?
SG: The fashion industry is growing. Talent, skills, quality, uniqueness and customer satisfaction are some tools that drive the business. It is the crafts and designs that take a fashion business to new heights.
Fashion is as dynamic as technology. So, how do you keep up with challenges and new trends in order to be on top of the game?
RG: In a fast-paced industry, you always have to be on your toes and keep an eye on the changes. The challenges you face are all neutralised by your creative and innovative thinking and how you execute your ideas into outfits.
Where do you source raw materials from?
SG: We source material from the finest and premium distributors with decades of legacy.
What is the design strategy? What is the strength of your designing team?
RG: Each person of the designing team is well skilled and craves perfection. They give their sole attention to the creation of design and bring their expertise to the final fitting with sheer excellence.
What is your strategy to counter competition, especially from the unorganised market?
SG: A designer strategises to provide utter satisfaction to the customers in terms of trend, designs, premium fabric and budget. Offering designer outfits at budget prices is worth every penny and is also the focused strategy to counter competition. (HO)
Published on: 20/09/2018
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
