His larger than life persona and grand designs camouflage his dexterous and industrious method. Manav Gangwani stays true to his design philosophy and keeps his focus on couture.
Reaching the top hash’t been a cakewalk for Manav Gangwani, but despite all the odds the man has carved a niche for himself. Today he is recognised as one of the leading couturiers in the country. Gangwani’s exquisitely crafted garments represent the perfect balance of flamboyance and elegance. His creations stand the test of time despite their whimsical notions of sophistication, surrealism and fantasy. His label is for the bold woman who is sexy yet demure.
Your ensembles are undeniably spectacular in their daring, do you feel that limits your clientele?
No not at all, I do have a signature style which is daring and risqué that women with extremely fit and fabulous bodies look great in, but I also have an equally wearable bridal couture line that is tailor made and customised to suit individual needs. That’s the beauty of couture, there is no one size fits all concept in this segment. It is meant to be created and crafted by design for a particular client.
Tell us about your journey in the fashion industry.
It hasn’t been easy be any means, however because I am a master at disguising my feelings, and I don’t like to make my life public knowledge people could never even imagine so. In the early years I faced a lot of criticism and adversity from both my contemporaries and the media. I didn’t let that turn me off, in fact it pushed me to work harder and prove my worth as a couturier. I put in longer hours and strove to create a clientele that believes and trusts in my design philosophy. Today professionally no one can point a finger at me.
What makes Manav Gangwani tick?
My friends, I am very close to my friends and they are like my family. I have a brother who lives abroad so I spend all my spare time with my buddies and close friends who have become like siblings to me. If I am ever in a bind I go to them and have their full support no matter what. That’s what makes me happy and that is what inspires me. Appearances are not everything, I may look like a very outgoing guy and an extrovert, but I am actually a real introvert. I keep my friend circle very tight and only open up to someone when I feel at ease and comfort with them. Trust is very important for me, I cannot be buddy-buddy with everyone. I have very close friends around the globe, a lot of them happen to be celebrities and this is because they trust me. I am discreet, dependable and brutally honest, at least my friends seem to think so.
You have been missing in action for a while, what is the reason for this?
People seem to think I’ve taken a break because I haven’t showcased at a fashion event for almost two years now, but that’s not the case. I have had two very tough years in my personal life which left me with no option but to take a back seat for a while. I have ailing parents both of whom have been in and out of hospitals these past years and this period has been a very tough and emotional one for me. Recently I suffered a huge personal loss as my home literally burnt to the ground, so I pretty much lost everything I had. But with support and God’s grace I am back where I belong. This has also made me a very spiritual person and I have become a believer.
Who is your muse?
My muse is a sensuous woman, who is disposed to make a bold statement and break all norms.
This is the first time you have every gone on sale, why?
I have agents situated across the world who carry my collections for my special clients, but I believe every woman is special enough to own a Manav Gangwani creation. I decided to take this step to make it accessible to a lot of people, who I have heard feel intimidated to walk into my store. I wanted to change that mindset and women should be comfortable to walk in and out of my store without batting an eyelid. I am also launching a fun T-shirt line which will scream ‘Look at me’.