Remember the voluminous blue gown worn by social media star and actor Uorfi Javed that took the internet by storm this year? The Met Gala-worthy dress received attention from Diet Sabya and filmmaker Karan Johar, among others. Behind every unconventional vision of Uorfi has been the creative skill of fashion designer Shweta Gurmeet Kaur, who has made history one outfit at a time.
Having designed 80 per cent of Uorfi’s avant-garde pieces, Shweta made her first guest appearance on the reality show, Follow Kar Lo Yaar, based on Uorfi’s life.
Shweta was born in Uttar Pradesh and studied in Lucknow. Her life started with a master’s degree in music business from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2018, she returned to India. Unfortunately, her music career didn’t pan out as she expected, so she decided to try her luck in fashion, having done some research in that field in the US.
What started as an Instagram page for her brand led her to design clothes for her dear friend, Uorfi, when she was doing a reality show back then. As a self-taught designer and visionary, Shweta takes pride in being able to create something exceptional and extraordinary with her skills.
Speaking to News18, Shweta Gurmeet Kaur talks about working with Uorfi Javed, the impact of social media and why she wouldn't mind showcasing her creations on the runway one day.
From designing Uorfi Javed’s outfits to participating in her reality show, how would you describe your career as a designer?
I feel really good because, looking back, I had no idea that this would be so big. Plus, I'm doing something unique; no one had done it before. My creations are distinctive and original, and I feel really special. I'm constantly excited about my new creations.
How challenging has it been to execute Uorfi’s vision for her looks?
It was extremely difficult from the beginning because we were creating something unique and original that no one had done before. Each time we had to come up with a new creative design. Uorfi's ideas were always very different and she trusted me with her vision, which I carried out.
How long did it take to create Uorfi's most talked about blue ruffle dress and how did you feel when the dress received so much media attention?
It took me three months to produce the dress, which was difficult for me because it was a very large dress that weighed 90-100 kilograms. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Plus, I knew it would be a talking point because it was a unique outfit, similar to a dream dress. I was so happy when it went viral. It was worth it.
DIY has been your forte, but is that the only aspect of your design skills you want to show off or do you have more in store?
It is not something that can be done by oneself. It is impossible to do it yourself. We get inspiration and then modify it. We include a lot of international ideas and modify them accordingly. It has been very difficult because there are fewer suppliers in India.
Have things changed for you as a designer after associating your skills with Uorfi's DIY ideas?
I repeat: it's not about doing things yourself. The term “DIY” refers to projects that you do yourself. I have invented something that has never been done before. Also, I don't think anything has changed for us as designers because we have always known what we wanted and what we were doing, but yes, it has always been difficult and complex.
How many looks have you designed for Uorfi to date?
Honestly, I don't need to count because I make almost all the outfits, about 80%. We started this journey two years ago.
What is your opinion on fashion in the world of social media?
Fashion in the world of social media is all about immediacy and influence. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have transformed the way trends are created and spread. Social media allows for a more democratized fashion landscape where anyone can become a trendsetter, not just traditional designers or celebrities. However, it also comes with challenges, such as the pressure to constantly update one’s wardrobe and the impact of fast fashion on the environment. Overall, social media has made fashion more accessible and diverse, but it also requires a more conscious approach to consumption.
Celebrities you would love to design for in the future?
To be honest, I am open to everyone. I would like to design for many celebrities. I want my design to be shown at the Met Gala, as long as they accept my unique ideas.
Do you plan to take your designs to the runway one day?
As for the catwalk, I've never considered it, but if the opportunity arises, I will. The last two years have been crazy. I just go with the flow. I'll take every opportunity to be there and make history.
What changes would you like to see in the world of fashion?
If you talk about changes, I feel like I am making some with my designs, because developing something like that in India was extremely difficult. At first, people made fun of me for how crude and cheap it was, but I never cared what others thought. In Hollywood, people wear what they want, but it was difficult to accept that in India at first. Things are changing and people like it and appreciate it.
