LFW: Aarti Vijay Gupta’s Collection Found Inspiration in Kalighat Paintings

Aarti Vijay Gupta’s FW25 collection at London Fashion Week, felt like you had stepped into a living painting. Known for her bold storytelling through fashion, Aarti brought something truly special to the runway this season—a fusion of tradition and modernity that celebrated India’s rich heritage while making a statement on contemporary design.

The collection, titled Kalighat Stories, was created in collaboration with Kolkata’s Kalighat and Patua artists, whose centuries-old craft is steeped in folklore and storytelling. Their intricate, hand-painted artwork was turned into stunning, uninterrupted prints on luxurious fabrics, with Aarti’s signature seamless pattern-cutting techniques allowing the artwork to flow across garments without disruption.

“I’ve always believed fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a canvas for storytelling,” Aarti said. “With Kalighat Stories, I wanted to honour these incredible artists, their traditions, and the stories they’ve carried for generations.”

Aarti Vijay Gupta has made a name for herself as one of India’s leading contemporary designers. After graduating from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Mumbai, she quickly rose to prominence, dressing Bollywood icons like Sonam Kapoor and winning accolades such as ELLE India’s Design Visionary of The Year in 2024. But her mission goes beyond just fashion—she hopes to preserve and celebrate Indian art, working closely with artisans to ensure their craft continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Fashion should connect people to their roots,” she explains. “It’s about pride, identity, and keeping traditions alive in a way that feels fresh and relevant.”

Read more on Fashion Week from KLATMAG.

Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo