Aarohanam by Gaurav Gupta – Paris Couture Week SS’24

Aarohanam is ascension. A Sanskrit word that has a deep spiritual significance marking the journey of a being from the gross to the subtle, from solid to sublime, from darkness to light. The collection, inspired by this phenomenon, illustrates the ascent from reason to innocence and the letting go of all constructs to unite with existence’s inherent design. Similar to a snake’s journey as it sheds its old skin to emerge renewed and reborn. It’s reminiscent of the idea of kundalini, the coiled snake that lies dormant at the base of our spines until powerful will and intense meditation unleash it. At that point, the flame ignites, the chakras open, and the curtain of illusion rises.

Colors that unify the collection can be seen while closely examining the flame. The color black is a metaphor for everything empty. Agni orange is a reflection of a flame rising. Sand is a symbol of reflection and light.

Silhouettes play with volume in a way that shows the flickering dance as a flame rises to dissolve into limitless space.

Exaggerated capes, flowing trench coats, cropped jackets, and sculpted metal structures combine to create a surrealistic look reminiscent of the ancient Indian scriptures found in the Vedas. Native American traditions like Badla, Mukaish, and Zardozi peeking through multi-dimensional crystals greeting luminescence provides richness to chiffon, woolen suitings, and fitted textiles. Throughout the collection, the couturier’s unique sculpture art is interwoven.

Aarohanam is a journey to the edge of the world, a winding transition from electricity to light