In the Spotlight

For someone who started out to learn music and then turned to fashion designing,Masaba Gupta has done well,really well for herself. Into her first fashion week,the debutante designer has been awarded the title of ‘Most Promising Designer’. Instituted by the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) at the Lakme Fashion Week,the award has not just put Masaba – until now best known as actor Neena Gupta’s daughter – in the spotlight but made her richer by Rs one lakh as well! “It’s such a great feeling. I wasn’t expecting this and surely it’s a big award for me,” Masaba told us over the phone from Mumbai. Showcasing her collection at LFW under the ‘emerging Designer and Gen Next’ category,Gupta Junior presented her label ‘Masaba’ and ensembles that made the most of an ethnic charm. “I love colour and I like my clothes to be not just comfortable but have a fun element as well,” explains the designer. The winning collection was themed around ‘Kattran’ or pieces of cloth patched together to make one fabric. “I put together an Indo-Western line that had sarees with pockets,jumpsuits in Ikkat,brightly coloured dhoti and jackets…the Indian element was noticeable,” Masaba points out. We quiz her whether her mother’s sense of style which is earthy yet vibrant has had a bearing on her work. “Although growing up I never really noticed my mom’s wardrobe I guess it’s something I have been exposed too. She likes Indian colours and fabrics and so do I,” admits Masaba.

However,her foray into fashion designing was quite by chance. “I wasn’t going to be an actor and was studying music in London. On a holiday back home in Mumbai,a close friend enrolled me in for a fashion design course at SNDT University. My mom too thought it was a great idea and before I knew it I was already into the thick of things,” reminisces Masaba who is currently in her third year. And looks like the decision has paid off well. “I won three wards including one for best collection at our annual show and that inspired me to try for Lakme Fashion Week,” says the young designer who is looking to exhibit her collection at forthcoming fashion weeks. “I will also be retailing through stores such as Zoya in Mumbai,” she adds.

Masaba and those in the lineup of ‘Gen Next’ designers were judged by celebrity designer Ashley Rebello,fashion designer Rahul Mishra and actor Mahek Chhal who stars in the film ‘Wanted’. Announcing Masaba’s win,Anil Khosla,CEO,INIFD expressed his eagerness of recognizing young talent in India. “It is a matter of pride for us to encourage a young talent such as Masaba and we will be promoting her design and her talent through all centres of INIFD across the country. Her collection will be displayed at the centres and her experience will encourage and motivate students to participate at the Lakme fashion Week,” he said.