Self- taught textile and fashion designer ,Gaurang Shah from Hyderabad personifies elegance and beauty of traditional handlooms and weaves through his collections. Shah has reached fascinating heights, including global recognition for winning the best Indian weaves designer award at Lakme Fashion Week winter fest in 2012.
Today, he is touted as one of the most admired fashion designers whose collections are eagerly awaited in the show. Celebs like Vidya Balan, Sonam Kapoor, Chitrangada Singh and Sonali Bendre vouch for Gaurang’s creations for his intricacy, and the way he mixes and matches khadi, silk and cotton in his sari, flowing gowns and jumpsuits. In a brief interaction with Salon India, he shares his perspective on hair and beauty industry of India.
Thoughts on hair and beauty industry of India
As a designer my perspective about hair and beauty is fairly simple. It has to complement a woman or a man’s attire whether it is casual or an occasion wear. Over the years the hair and beauty industry has grown leaps and bounds. Though there is a tremendous amount of western impact in hair and beauty care, but the traditional Indian beauty still stands out for its simplicity from head to toe.
Relevance of hair and beauty in the fashion industry
To look beautiful, one must spare some moments to choose the right kind of accessories, hairstyle and beauty products that help to enhance their character and personality.
Beauty and hair styles on the ramp
We choose styles that seamlessly weave into the collections we present. For instance, in our collections Stridhan, at the LFW winter fest 2013 , we showcased patan patola. To match our styling, we have used accessories and styling like the pagadi for men and vintage accessories for the models. We brief the stylists on both hair and beauty aspects involved in the fashion show. We ensure that they come up with ideas and concepts that match the mood and theme of our collections.
Trends witnessed in the past few years
I am glad that in the last few years, the fashionistas are seriously considering traditionally hand-woven Indian textiles, known for rich heritage and longevity.
Favourite muse
My favorite muse is my dream. I love Jamdani and always lay emphasis on innovation and fusion that can make a woman or a man steal the limelight wherever they go.
Favourite make up and hair products
I like traditional Indian make- up. For a woman, a bindi and a gentle touch of kajal can make the whole look.
Plans to be more involved in the cosmetic and hair industry of India
I am a textile and fashion designer. My aspiration is to make Indian handlooms a vogue globally.
Favourite make-up and hairstylists
Anyone who can craft make-up and hairstyle that can match the persona of the consumer who wears my collections.
