This event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
The "King of Sequins," Ashish Gupta, visits Denton, Texas, USA!
Renowned as the "King of Sequins," Ashish Gupta, also known as "ASHISH," is celebrated worldwide for his dazzling designs that fuse a vibrant rainbow palette, a maximalist aesthetic, and meticulous craftsmanship. His creations have graced the wardrobes of celebrities such as Beyoncé, Madonna, and Taylor Swift — and now, he is bringing his high-fashion designs to Denton!
Designer Talk
Join us for "A Conversation with ASHISH," where the designer will offer an inside look into his creative process, discuss the cultural themes that inspire his work, and explore how fashion extends beyond the runway to influence our everyday lives.
A Conversation with ASHISH
Oct. 23, 6-7 p.m. CANCELED
Greater Denton Arts Council, 400 E Hickory St, Denton, TX
Free | Please register on Eventbrite!
This event is part of the program accompanying the exhibition "Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World," curated from the holdings of the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design. Hosted at the CVAD Gallery in the UNT Art Building, the exhibition showcases over 30 high-fashion ensembles from global designers, all featuring intricate beading and embroidery crafted by master artisans in India. The exhibition includes several standout pieces designed by Gupta, which he has generously donated to the exhibition and the Texas Fashion Collection's permanent collection.
"A Conversation with ASHISH" is sponsored by the UNT Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series, with support from the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design. The program is generously hosted by the Greater Denton Arts Council.
Originally from Delhi, Gupta studied fine art in India before moving to England to complete a Fashion Design degree at Middlesex University in London. After earning a master’s degree at Central Saint Martins in 2000, he planned to work in Paris. However, when his entire portfolio was stolen, he started making clothes for friends instead. In 2001, Yeda Yun, one of London's best-known fashion names of Browns Focus, noticed his designs, leading to his first big order.
Gupta’s style combines Western and Eastern influences, blending sportswear with high-glam looks and intricate craftsmanship. His signature use of color and sequins is often his way of staying positive in response to negative world events.
Gupta is also a trailblazer when it comes to diversity in fashion. Over the years, he has built his label into an influential name, winning the NewGen award three times and showcasing his work in prestigious museums like the V&A and The Met.
Exhibition Reception (NOT canceled)
You are also invited to meet Gupta at the exhibition reception.
Oct. 24, 5–7:30 p.m.
CVAD Gallery, UNT Art Building, Room 160
Free, open to the public, complimentary food and beverages.
Attire: Cocktail dress, especially with sequins and embellishment, is encouraged but not required.
Register through Eventbrite. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Questions
Email: Texas Fashion Collection, cvad.TFC@unt.edu.
Media Contact: Lisa Sciortino, Lisa.Sciortino@unt.edu, UNT Media Relations, 940-565-3501.
Images: 1) Sweater of synthetic knit with all-over gold sequins, white bands outlined in black sequins on the upper arms, an oversized "USA" outlined in black on the chest, and trim around the neckline, cuffs, and hem in white beading and faux pearls. Jewel neckline, long set-in sleeves, boxy fit, center back zipper, unlined. Label: ASHISH, small, embroidered by hand, Made in India.
2) This is a photo of Ashish Gupta in profile, looking to his right. He has short dark hair, a gray beard and a white shirt with a red flower bush in the background.
3) A jumpsuit of multicolored, hand-embroidered sequins in trompe l'oeil textile appear as crocheted wool yarn squares, often called granny squares. Sequin work is accomplished through sequin sequencing. Long, flared sleeves; bell bottom pant legs. Rounded neckline. Center back zipper closure. Designer label: Ashish. Fall 2019, gift of former CVAD Dean Greg Watts, courtesy of the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design, Texas Fashion Collection.
