My stint with Satya Paul an eye-opener: Masaba Gupta

At 24, she's perhaps the youngest fashion director at Satya Paul. Tagged as one of the most promising designers of the new age, Masaba Gupta, daughter of cricketing legend Vivian Richards and actress Neena Gupta says that people's perception of her changed after she took up the position with the fashion house

When I took the decision to work in the industry, I was treated like a young kid trying to make it big, and everyone was supportive. It was only when I was appointed Satya Paul's fashion director that people sat up and took notice," shared Masaba. "It was an eye-opener to see how people change and you are exposed to the industry's tough realities," she added.

Masaba, daughter of cricketing legend Vivian Richards and actress Neena Gupta, was appointed the Satya Paul fashion director in 2012. Since then, she has worked hard to bring a revolution in the design and inspiration of the brand. Sharing her journey with the brand, she said that "print has been Satya Paul's DNA and remains the core of what I create for them". Her latest debut demi-couture line for the brand, which she showcased at the recent Delhi Couture Week, was totally in sync with her aim. "With my debut demi-couture collection, I have developed experimental silhouettes coupled with engineered prints. The young bride-to be will fall in love with our sleek peplum lehengas, easy shararas and pre-draped saris," she said. "I have a lot of exciting things lined up for the brand in future," said Masaba, who will complete an year as Satya Paul's fashion director in November.

Masaba made her foray in the industry with GenNext fashion show at Lakme Fashion Week 2009. Her collection made her win the most promising designer award at the event. It was followed by the launch of her flagship store in 2010. Known for quirky prints, with feminine drapes and silhouettes, Masaba prefers to use organic fabrics with classic weaves, patchwork and all in vibrant colours. Her loyal client list boasts of glamorous names like Sonam Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and actress-host Mandira Bedi.

Relatively young in the Indian fashion scene, Masaba is happy to see how the industry is going digital. "Like all major industries, I feel that the Indian fashion industry is slowly shifting online. With brands launching their first looks, stocking exclusive e-collections and going viral on social media, the internet is gradually becoming the best tool to stay up-to-date," said Masaba.

In a short span of time, Masaba has earned name and fame for herself. But what keeps her grounded are the many good qualities that she says, she has inherited from her celebrity parents. "I have inherited a strong mix of their personalities - strength, humility, a certain Caribbean laidbackness. The biggest lesson that I've learnt from them is that the only way you will rise above tyrants is by doing good work, and lots of it," said the designer, who also thanks veteran designer and her mentor Wendell Rodricks for his support. Asked about her parents' reaction to her instant success, Masaba say that her mother is proud and overwhelmed. And it even shows with the way she carries her daughter's designs.

"She was overwhelmed (with my success) and so was I. It's something that hasn't sunk in for both of us yet. What keeps me grounded is that barring my creative talent, it was the timing that really propelled my work. The industry was aching for a new approach to Indian wear and somehow, it just clicked," said Masaba, whose saris are a hit.

- Nivedita