- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Designers Asha And Gautam Believe in Weaving Legacy into Modern Love
Ahead of the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend, mother and son duo Asha & Gautam tell us about reinventing tradition for today’s to-be-weds...
Manifest
At the heart of every Asha & Gautam creation lies a reverence for Indian textiles — an ode to the heirlooms of the past, and a celebration of the contemporary bride and groom. In his opinion, building a meaningful trousseau comes with history, intention, and heritage which has been woven and designed to tell a story to be passed down for generations.
Ahead of the upcoming FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend happening on the 2nd and 3rd August at Taj Palace, New Delhi—designer Gautam shares his love for handlooms, how Indian weddings are evolving, and why patolas and petnis still reign supreme.
In Conversation with Asha and Gautam
Manifest: What inspires you to create every day?
Gautam: “The love for craft, handlooms, and saris keeps us going on every single day.”
M: What is your favourite part about Indian weddings?
Gautam: “The favourite part about Indian weddings is the rich Indian textiles which are being reimagined year after year to make the bride, and the family look great on important days of their life.”
M: Tell us about some fashion trends we could witness this wedding season?
Gautam: "While I’ve always been a believer in timeless fashion, I think this year’s play on colour — from bold blocking to unexpected contrasts — is going to be especially exciting to watch.”
M: What are the three things to-be-weds need to know when they're choosing their wedding outfit?
Gautam: "Firstly, wear what makes them comfortable. Secondly, invest consciously, because it's just not about wearing something for your wedding, these pieces also carry a lot of emotion. Thirdly, always have a variety of heirloom pieces in your wardrobe.”
M: How can a bride include their heritage in their trousseau?
Gautam: “Talking about heirloom pieces, there are a bunch I’d like to name... Think Patolas, Bandhani, Petnis and of course Banarsi. To give it a modern spin and keep the history of it intact, play with blouse styles, accessories, belts and even the way you drape yourself in it.”
M: Tell us about menswear elements having a moment right now.
Gautam: “I think the menswear is going to a whole new level. The artistry that is being shown now when it comes to menswear is something which has never been shown before. The kind of embroidery, playing with texture, and the many ways silhouettes are layered along with drape elements are being incorporated in menswear is really enchanting to see.”
M: What can to-be-weds expected from your showcase at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend?
Gautam: “The finest heirloom pieces one can ever see, year after year, and this year especially.”
Inspired to get started on that wedding wardrobe moodboard? Head to the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend this August 2–3, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, for the hottest fresh-off-the-runway couture looks and jewellery. Register now by contacting: +91 88004 32645 | +91 88006 11645
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