• Fashion

Gaurav Gupta Released A Capsule Collection With Dubai Tourism

Each gown was inspired by Dubai’s cultural tapestry and landscape.
  • ByRadhika Bhalla

The Dusk Sculpted Gown by Gaurav Gupta, as part of the capsule collection that was created in partnership with Visit Dubai.

The City of Gold is shining brighter for Indian tourists looking for award-winning cuisine, fabulous shopping, adventure, art, and more. For the ancient city of Dubai—yes, there are links to a trade route with the Indus Valley Civilisation—is turning a keen eye towards the Indian traveller, with an array of offerings, privileges, and this unique collaboration.

Recently, Visit Dubai partnered with couturier Gaurav Gupta to unveil a capsule collection that celebrates the deep cultural ties, at an exclusive soirée at Gaurav’s boutique in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai. Drawing inspiration from Dubai’s rich cultural tapestry, architecture, and modern landscape, five looks were created in the designer’s signature style.

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The Celestial Sculpted Gown features over 2,000 crystals.

The Silver Pearl Gown was the star of the show…a shimmering, beaded dress with a cascading, diaphanous cape. Gaurav’s iconic breastplate showcased the finesse of his craft, as serpents and wings of birds framed the buxom metallic blouse. Staged in a silver room, this design evoked the arches of the historic districts of Dubai, especially the water reflections around Dubai Creek.

The Celestial Sculpted Cascaded Gown, meanwhile, boasted over 2,000 crystals, and was inspired by the sunlight on the rugged mountains of Hatta and Al Seef. As for the Wave-Sculpted Sand Gown, there was moondust embroidery on it along with wave-like sculpting, reflecting the interplay of sunlight and shadow in Hatta’s mystical terrains. And, finally, the Sculptural Pearl Gown was defined by cascading arches, channeling the golden dunes of Dubai’s desert.

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Designer Gaurav Gupta with Bader Ali Habib, Director of Proximity Markets at Dubai Corporation
for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai).
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The Silver Pearl Gown with a metallic bustier.

Each of these styles celebrated India’s rich craft heritage alongside the modern, minimal approach towards fashion. And, with it, the styles also reflected Dubai’s marriage of the past with the future, a linchpin of our rich histories.

As Gaurav explained, “For this capsule, we have pushed the boundaries of our signature sculpted drapes with intricate hand embroidery techniques inspired by Middle Eastern artistry. We incorporated metallic threads, 3D embellishments that mimic Dubai’s futuristic aesthetic, and fine crystals reminiscent of the shimmering cityscape at night. Each piece is a fusion of tradition and innovation, crafted with precision by our skilled artisans.”

The designer already has a strong presence in Dubai, and it is only growing. Along with sculpted silhouettes and craftsmanship, there are customers who are drawn to couture as an art form, whether for red carpets, weddings, or special celebrations. Those who are interested in the current collection can get their selection via a private appointment across his stores in India.

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The Moondust Dusk Gown.

“The collaboration with Indian designer Gaurav Gupta celebrates the shared cultural heritage and ties between Dubai and India, expressed through the medium of fashion and style,” said Bader Ali Habib, Director of Proximity Markets at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai). “India is a key, priority market for Dubai and this partnership strengthens creative connections and reinforces Dubai’s position as a premium lifestyle destination. It demonstrates the commitment to shaping Dubai as a progressive, sustainable fashion hub where tradition and innovation converge, driving global trends and setting standards for the future of fashion.”

Dubai’s attraction as a second home for Indians is complemented by a host of reasons, and that it has been ranked among the top five safest cities in the world is certainly one of them. But, along with that, there are a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants for those with a finer palette, totalling 106 restaurants across 35 cuisines as per the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai. Luxury hospitality is also a major attraction, with destinations like the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, and Ciel, Vignette Collection by IHG (the all-hotel tower will be the world’s tallest once it opens this year), among others.

As of February 13, getting a visa has been made all the easier for Indian nationals, too. Any Indian citizen holding ordinary passports and valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from any of the six countries—Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea—can get visas upon arrival at all UAE entry points. These countries are in addition to the previous list of the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States.

With the percentage of visitors to Dubai growing exponentially every year, the Indian traveller holds an important place for the global destination. 

All images: Courtesy the designer and Visit Dubai