HZ Exclusive: Designer Gaurav Jai Gupta Talks About His Label Akaaro's Showcase At Lakme Fashion Week 2025: "Sustainability Isn't A Trend"

Gaurav Jai Gupta, the founder of Akaaro, recently presented his collection, 'Starlight,' at the Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI 2025. The opening was a grand showcase of Indian artisanship with a modern touch. For over a decade and a half, Gaurav has been a pioneer in textile design, consistently finding new ways to bridge heritage Indian fabrics and current fashion trends.

His 'Starlight' collection celebrated the brand's exploration of material modernity through handwoven silk, khadi silk, cotton, metallic threads, and their signature kinjis. The result was an architectural yet deeply human collection that redefined the language of Indian handloom.

In an exclusive interview with HerZindagi, Gaurav shares his evolution as a designer, the inspiration behind his iconic collection, his eco-conscious practices, personal style, and much more.

Q. What was the inspiration behind your latest ‘Starlight’ collection?

⁠‘Starlight’ draws from a sense of quiet radiance — the shimmer that exists in stillness, in the pause between light and shadow. It’s an exploration of luminosity, interpreted through handwoven silks and metallic threads that reflect light subtly, almost like constellations on cloth. The collection is about restraint and depth, rather than spectacle — a reminder that light doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.

Q. With sustainability being a rising conversation in the fashion industry, what are some eco-conscious practices you imbibe in your design process?

At Akaaro, sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s an inherent part of our process. We work exclusively with handlooms, natural fibres, and small-batch production, ensuring minimal waste and mindful making. Our fabrics are woven in-house, which gives us control over every step — from the yarn to the final garment. We believe true sustainability lies in longevity — in creating textiles and garments that last, both in quality and relevance.

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Q. Which designers do you look up to in the industry?

I’ve always admired Issey Miyake for his philosophy — how he bridged technology and craft without losing the human touch. Also designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo, who have consistently challenged conventions and redefined beauty through restraint, imperfection, and depth.

Q. What’s your design philosophy and how has it evolved with time?

My design philosophy has always revolved around textile as the starting point. Over time, I’ve realised that simplicity is the most complex pursuit — that refinement, quietness, and authenticity have their own strength. Akaaro’s language has evolved from experimentation to clarity — from searching for meaning to expressing it with confidence.

Q. Describe your personal style.

Minimal, functional, and rooted. I gravitate towards pieces that feel effortless — well-cut, tactile, and timeless. I like clothes that don’t try too hard, that move easily between day and night, and that reflect a sense of calm rather than statement.

Q. Which is a fashion accessory you cannot do without?

A nice fragrance or a cool pair of shades — they’re both functional and fashionable.

Q. How do you approach the fusion of ancient handloom techniques with modern silhouettes?

⁠For me, it’s not about fusion but continuity. I see handloom as a living, evolving craft — not a relic of the past. We use traditional techniques as a foundation and build upon them with contemporary materials and forms. The goal is not to modernise craft but to let it breathe in today’s context — to make it relevant without losing its soul.

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Q. One piece of advice for aspiring designers…

Stay true to your material and your voice. Fashion is fleeting, but authenticity endures. Learn to listen — to your fabric, to your process, to your instincts. Everything meaningful begins from there.

Image courtesy: Instagram

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