Runit Gupta is a new-age designer based in Raipur. He is one of the most promising names in menswear. He started his career as a jewelry designer later turned into a fashion designer.
Tell us about your childhood, education & family
I have been born and brought up in a joint family wherein education has been an utmost priority and my family supported me to explore wherever whatever and whenever I wanted to. I started my schooling in Raipur until 3rd grade but I finished my 4th grade in The Aryan School, Dehradun where I experienced great exposure to academics and sports. I shifted back after that and joined Kaanger valley Academy for my further education until 12th grade. I have done a Diploma in Jewellery Making from the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery, Mumbai.
What sparked your interest in fashion?
After completing my internship in VERA- Mumbai, I launched my collection of handcrafted jewelry at Kalaghoda Art Festival wherein I received an overwhelming response that developed my interest further in crafts. I shifted to Ahmedabad. I worked with several NGOs and as associated design head, along with a mate (fashion designer), and developed various collections in clothing & accessories. That phase was a turning point and that’s how I developed my core interest in fashion. Shifting back to my hometown and continuing my passion for fashion was not easy until I started exploring resources and developing capsule collections & supporting local talents to come together and executing my vision for Menswear. Gradually things grew and social media has been a life-changing platform since then.
What made you take fashion more seriously & make a career out of it?
I had joined my family business after shifting back to Raipur and utilized my Sunday breaks to create samples and shoot them to spread awareness about my vision. Overtime when I started receiving orders for my collections and the demand raised, the family supported me to eventually launch my store and live my dreams ahead.
Are you self-taught or did you study fashion designing?
Yes, I am a self-taught designer and I have witnessed numerous practical learnings while traveling across the country which has boosted my knowledge in fashion. The internet has been a cherry on the cake and I am still learning every day. I always try and indulge my vision in a story deeply to connect every ensemble, some on the other way.
How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to be a fashion designer?
They have always been very supportive of the inborn creativity in me. They have praised and appreciated my every effort to date and are extremely proud of the response and achievements I have attained so far.
How has your work evolved since you began your label?
Initially, I collaborated with various photographers and model talents to bring my collections to Life in the Virtual world of Social Media. Gradually, the efforts started paying off and I kept on developing collections, polishing my vision, and updating my knowledge. The details started getting better and the hustles started reducing. Today, I am associated with several multi-designer stores in the country and abroad and this all has been a long sleepless journey so far. This passion has my mind working 24×7, trying to bring a change in fashion and creating a difference in the Fashion world.
What do you think about the Indian fashion scene?
I believe that it is growing rapidly with emerging talents and concepts. The growing awareness along with the social media impact is something like never seen before.
Are there any types of clothing that you avoid designing?
My collections have a story deep down. I wish to explore every genre of clothing and accessories along with considering my pockets but for sure I will be coming up with new things every season. I may say, I avoid asymmetrical silhouettes because I love a balance in everything I design.
Does your approach differ when designing menswear compared to womenswear?
Yes, indeed it differs a lot. I have to be cautious of the comfort and style a man would carry. It could be in terms of colors, silhouettes, or even fabrics. Sometimes I do have to create market-oriented collections in my vision, in which I need to consider the norms of Men’s fashion until now. Although the pattern is breaking and I am too willing to be a part of this breakage, I design only that which I myself can confidently carry. I love involving different crafts and hand techniques to create collections for the modern-day man.
What advice would you give to young designers?
I have been living a journey of passion for a few years with highs and lows. The few advice I have for young designers are that I wish they explore the most of knowledge in Fashion before starting up, they connect with numerous artisans and Industry people which will help them grow, they apply their theoretical knowledge and practically themselves explore the techniques to know in & out about the details, they travel and eventually explore their inspirations and figure out their forte to be noticed by all one day.