Distinguished for its captivating designs that effortlessly capture the spirit of Indian femininity, Gopi Vaid has evolved into a household name synonymous with luxury womenswear. Delve into the intricacies of the label’s recent collection, unravel the essence of their brand philosophy, and gain insight into their future aspirations – as we indulge in a candid tête-a-tête with the designer herself!
FL: Gopi Vaid has been a coveted name in the fashion industry for two decades now. Tell us, how has your design journey changed and evolved with time?
GV: Change has been constant throughout our design journey, allowing us to grow and mature while discovering new influences, ideas, and techniques. Today’s younger generation’s sensibilities are bold and they are open to trying brand-new concepts, which gives us more space to explore and innovate. Naturally, today, our creations offer a diverse range of silhouettes that include a six-yard drape and also a modern pre-stitched saree which offers convenience and ease of movement.
FL: Your latest collection, GOLCONDA, showcases a fluent blend of traditional and modern elements. What was the inspiration behind it?
GV: Being an old soul at heart, most of my inspiration comes from vintage textiles, heritage art, architecture and, quite fascinatingly, Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings. From the very beginning, time-honored crafts have been my inspiration and hence, all of my designs have an element of culture that forms the very essence of the garments. Our recent collection, GOLCONDA, has been inspired by my grandmother’s old lehenga. Right from the motifs on it to the intricate embroidery woven onto the age-old textile, each element has inspired the mood board of this collection, which showcases our focus towards intricate craftsmanship.
FL: This year, a lot of celebrities were spotted wearing the GOLCONDA collection, setting trends all over social media. How do you keep your creations fresh and modern while keeping the brand’s core ethos alive?
GV: For us, passion plays a crucial role when creating an ensemble. We do not hurry our process in order to follow trends, hence, our work is meticulous. However, when it comes to our silhouettes, we keep our designs fresh and contemporary and enhance them with heritage embroideries. The GOLCONDA collection took about three years to come together, but ultimately, we achieved a result that matched our vision. The lineup features vintage-inspired brocades and intricate marodi work but in easy-to-wear silhouettes. Ever since the collection was launched, it has been loved by our patrons and many Bollywood personalities who donned them on various occasions, especially during Diwali. I think the harmonious blend of the old with the new made the collection a great success.
FL: Gopi Vaid silhouettes are perennially laden with intricate craftsmanship. What are some of the heritage crafts that are synonymous with the brand?
GV: Our brand’s signature embroideries include gota patti and mirror work. We use these heritage crafts of India and amalgamate them with modern elements and new colour palettes. Gopi Vaid collections also feature unique prints and patterns that are exclusively designed for each collection separately. One of our signature looks is the classic Kasab work that is lightweight and has a metallic look that helps to set our collection apart from the crowd. All the crafts showcased in our designs go way back in time, portraying the rich artisanship of India. Today, we put a modern twist on these heritage crafts to appeal to urban sensibilities, but in essence, they remain traditional.
FL: For brides-to-be, what, in your opinion, are some modern-day trousseau must-haves that seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary style?
GV: Today’s brides are extremely practical and waste conscious. As a result, they always choose fewer pieces that have more usage over the years. Effortless yet chic silhouettes, like tunics with a statement neckline and sleeves are a major hit amongst young brides-to-be. In my opinion, a modern bridal trousseau must have different kinds of silhouettes which can include a saree, a cape & palazzo and a classic suit set. Instead of carrying a hefty trunk with heavy, less utilitarian pieces, it is better to carry a few variations of outfits that can be worn for a long time to occasions like poojas, parties and weddings.
FL: Collaborations with other artists or brands have become increasingly popular. Are there any dream collaborations on the horizon for Gopi Vaid, and how do you believe such partnerships enhance the brand’s creative identity?
GV: After completing about two decades in the industry, we certainly want to branch out into accessories and footwear, like traditional mojaris and batuas that have been in our culture for ages. We aim to collaborate with accessory experts in the near future that can give life to our design visions.
On a personal level, with my son’s wedding coming up, our designs have seen great creativity through decor. Currently, we are looking to collaborate with wedding planners to create unique pieces like upholstery fabrics, cushion covers, decor accessories and more.
FL: With the rise of bespoke and personalised fashion experiences, how do you cater to individual preferences and unique customer requests, ensuring a personalised touch in each creation?
GV: The Gopi Vaid brand is known for being extremely customer-friendly, and we have achieved this niche by offering personalised customisations to suit every taste. Whether it is fit, colour or silhouette, we happily provide a wide range of customisations. Over the years, we have created innumerable looks not only for the brides but also for their bridesmaids. As a designer, what I enjoy the most is creating personalised looks for brides to match their unique personalities. We also offer the convenience of directly contacting the designer, in case of any queries or additional changes, which makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
FL: Your collections include easy-to-wear, contemporary silhouettes like cape sets, co-ords, kaftans, and more. Do you have a personal affinity towards any of them that you often wear?
GV: Our collections have moved with time. We understand that while it is important to match the modern sensibilities, it is equally imperative to cater to the traditional crowd. One of my all-time favourite silhouettes is the one-shoulder cape that I often wear at fashion shows and also on my regular days. It is great for curvy body types and offers optimum comfort with style. It is one of our signature silhouettes which is popular amongst all age groups, and I am definitely one of its ardent fans!
FL: The fashion industry has witnessed a shift towards inclusivity and diversity. How does Gopi Vaid incorporate these values into its designs to ensure a wide representation of cultures and body types?
GV: One of Gopi Vaid’s fortes is size-inclusivity and we highly support diversity. We customise for every individual that comes to us, no matter what age or size. As a brand, our main focus is making our outfits look flattering on all body types. No matter what style a client chooses, we offer size customisations to achieve their dream look. And I truly believe that we can not grow without being inclusive, but this is just the beginning, and we need to expand our horizons much further.
Middle: Embroidered Sharara Set
Right: Sharara Set
FL: Can you tell us what we can look forward to in 2024 from the Gopi Vaid label?
GV: 2024 summer will be about pastel prints with our signature gota patti embroideries. As destination weddings are huge right now, our focus is to create more and more designs that match that exotic celebratory vibe. We are also looking forward to incorporating more elements of bling and glam while keeping the ensembles comfortable for all-day long functions.
“We understand that while it is important to match the modern sensibilities, it is equally imperative to cater to the traditional crowd.”
– GOPI VAID
