Pinkvilla.com Exclusive Interview with designer Masaba Gupta

Masaba, daughter of actor Neena Gupta and legendary West Indian cricketer Vivian Richards has made a mark on the Indian Fashion scene. Her label 'Masaba' known for its unique mixed and matched colors and prints is already a hit in Bollywood.

Pinkvilla.com caught up with this young designer where she talked about her work, her inspiration and future plans.

Has fashion always been a passion? How did you enter the fashion industry?

Fashion happened by fluke actually. I wanted to be a musician and studied vocals in London for a year and then I gave it up. I realized I wasn’t good enough so I came back to Bombay and next thing I know I was at SNDT studying fashion I hated the technicalities of the course but just kept going and in my 2nd yr. after my graduation show I applied and got picked up for LFW.

Did you ever consider acting as a career option?

Yes, when I was about 17 but I knew I didn’t have the conventional looks and plus I can’t stand some of the things you hear and have to do to be a part of the industry sometimes. So I decided against it. I can’t be diplomatic or compromise or take crap from people so I’d probably make an exit way before I even made a proper entry into Bollywood.

You have made a mark on the Indian fashion scene. How would you describe your clothes?

They’re fun. They're misfits. They're confident. They have their own place in the industry but they're also very mature. Very little thought goes into making this stuff I make. It is on impulse. I think of colors all day and suddenly if I think of ice blue I wonder if red or yellow will go with it. If I think it doesn’t match I'll do it. The fun is when you see the result of 2 totally offbeat colors working wonders.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

People, my maid (she wears the most bizarre type of saris in pop colors), paintings, temple carvings, world events.

What do you think of the Indian fashion scene?

It’s in a great phase creatively. It’s getting more and more experimental and people are taking to Indian designer wear on a day to day basis. Prices are great and affordable but I have to say local buyers are very hard to deal with. Returns / payments etc. everything is a big mess. Consignments need to stop; markups and markdowns need to be leveled out. It’s hardly professional. Also the state buyers returning your clothes in sometimes is saddening.
But I have to say this season at Lakme was a fresh change, buyers were only looking at buying and that too in bulk and all transactions were handled very professionally. Hats off to Anjana for this!

How did it feel to see your work at the Cannes film festival?

I cried for 1 hour at 2 in the morning out of joy! That’s when Sonam was just about to get ready in the sari and go to the L’Oreal dinner. And she sent me a picture I woke up from my sleep and I read Rhea's message that said ' Sonam is just changing into your sari'. It was a huge moment for me. It was such a simple understated sari but Sonam worked it on one of the most prestigious international events.

If you had an opportunity to design an outfit for a celebrity, who will it be?

Rihanna or Oprah.

Do you plan on designing for Bollywood movies?

I am already working on a Balaji film called 'Kya Superkool Hain Hum'. It’s not designing though it’s just styling you mix and match high street and designer brands. Although I have used Shivan and Narresh swimwear and Kallol's outfits, I don’t think that’s ever been done on a commercial film like this. But I will only style one particular actor henceforth that too if it’s a challenge to create a character through costume.

Do you plan to foray your collection into the international market?

Planning is one thing. Strategizing it is another. It needs proper moves to happen, also if I go international I’d like to go in the exact same way as my brand already is not reposition it else it loses its charm.

Your parents are legends. Do they ever advice you?

Mom does, dad sometimes advices me on the business aspect but otherwise I’am usually left alone to many decisions.

What do you love wearing the most?

White T shirt and blue jeans.

What is a typical day in your life look like?

Chaos from 9am - 7pm.and then dinner and sleep I don’t like going out much but sometimes for certain events.

Any piece of advice for aspiring designers?

Be yourself; build a strong signature for yourself and then makes the entry else you’ll be lost in a vast pool of designers.

What’s next for Masaba?

I do want to do a strong bridal line. Also some tie ups maybe if all goes well with high street brands!

Interview Credits: Soniya Guragain