A Celebration of Indian Folklore Reimagined Through Signature Prints and Textile Narratives
London, February 24, 2025 – The buzz surrounding London Fashion Week reached a crescendo as Aarti Vijay Gupta unveiled her highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 collection. This season, Gupta masterfully intertwines heritage and modernity, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian folklore. Collaborating with the custodians of Kolkata’s Kalighat and Patua traditions, she has crafted a collection that not only pays homage to these art forms but also reinterprets them through her signature prints, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.
A Tapestry of Culture: The Inspiration Behind FW25
At the core of Gupta’s FW25 collection lies a profound connection to Kolkata’s historic Kalighat and Patua art forms. Known for their bold lines and striking visual narratives, these traditional styles serve as a vibrant backdrop for Gupta’s creative vision. By working closely with artisans who have inherited these age-old techniques, she refracts Indian folklore into a modern context, establishing a visual language that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The collection is not merely a showcase of clothing; it is a celebration of the artisans’ journey. These skilled craftsmen and women strive to keep centuries-old practices alive while navigating the complexities of modern influences. Gupta’s collection highlights the beauty of Midnapore’s traditional scroll paintings, an art form that tells stories through intricate hand-painted details. Each piece is a canvas that captures vibrant depictions of mythology, folklore, and everyday life, breathing new life into these narratives.
The Art of Storytelling: Patua Feet and Cultural Preservation
One of the standout elements of Gupta’s collection is her tribute to “Patua Feet,” a cultural phenomenon where folk artisans blend music and lyrical expression with their artistry. This unique storytelling approach not only preserves the essence of Indian folklore but also elevates it, allowing it to resonate with a global audience. Gupta emphasizes the importance of spotlighting traditional artists, stating, “Traditional artists are often swallowed up in the global conversation, so to be able to spotlight their work at a global forum feels special to me. I wanted to rephrase the unbalanced narrative around the representation of Indian art through this collection, using the old to make new.”
A Palette of Mythology: Colors and Textiles
Gupta’s collection is characterized by a sophisticated yet earthy palette, featuring deep indigos, rustic reds, and muted golds. These colors are not just aesthetic choices; they are deeply rooted in the mythology and cultural narratives of India. By negotiating the space between past and present, structure and fluidity, preservation and reinvention, Gupta weaves mythology into fabric. The hand-painted textiles serve as a canvas for these historic art forms, while contemporary tailoring breathes new life into them.
The result is a collection that transcends mere fashion; it becomes a medium for storytelling and cultural expression. Each garment is a testament to the artisans’ skills, transforming traditional motifs into wearable art that speaks to today’s world.
A Diverse Collection: Gender Fluidity and Inclusivity
Gupta’s FW25 collection features a total of 35 looks, showcasing 25 female and 10 male silhouettes, all of which embrace gender fluidity. This inclusivity reflects a broader trend in fashion, where boundaries are blurred, and self-expression takes center stage. As London Fashion Week continues to celebrate global narratives, Gupta’s collection stands out as a homage to cultural preservation, transforming folklore into art that is accessible and relevant for everyone.
In a world where fashion often prioritizes fast trends over meaningful narratives, Aarti Vijay Gupta’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of storytelling through textiles. By reimagining Indian folklore and collaborating with traditional artisans, she not only honors the past but also paves the way for a future where cultural heritage and modernity coexist harmoniously.
