Mayyur Girotra makes history as first South Asian designer to open New York Pride

Mayyur Girotra, the first South Asian designer to open New York Pride, unveils Aikya, a gender-inclusive luxury pret line.

Couturier Mayyur Girotra becomes the first-ever South Asian designer chosen to inaugurate New York Pride. On June 2, coinciding with the commencement of Pride month, Mayyur will unveil his highly anticipated luxury pret line, AIKYA, in an exclusive showcase. The event will unfold at Āve – Soho NYC, amplifying India’s burgeoning influence in the global fashion landscape.

Amidst the deliberations in the Supreme Court on same-sex marriage, the Delhi-based designer is channelling his talent to make a powerful statement. Expressing his unyielding position on the matter, he shares, “The fundamental right to marry the person you love is a basic human right.”

Mayyur’s inaugural luxury pret collection, named Aikya, embraces the fluidity of gender by harmoniously merging Western silhouettes with traditional Indian embroidery techniques. Infused with his trademark vivacity and youthful aesthetic, the designer incorporates custom-made prints and Kutch embroidery, drawing inspiration from the cultural opulence of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Setting itself apart from his previous collections, the collection is testament to Girotra’s commitment to gender inclusivity, promoting inclusivity and empowering self-expression.

The exclusive showcase, staged in collaboration with Google, will feature a backdrop of photographs portraying queer individuals from India. “We are delighted to collaborate with queer models for this showcase,” shares Mayyur. With the deft hands of skilled artisans from Lucknow and Gujarat, the designer integrates local embroidery into his gender fluid garments.

During the making of the collection, the designer engaged in conversations with his Indian artisans about queerness. “It was truly heartwarming to witness their genuine curiosity and eagerness to understand what being queer means. These conversations fostered beautiful discussions centred around love and acceptance, creating treasured memories that reverberate throughout the collection,” says the banker-turned-couture designer.

This year, India’s influence on the global fashion stage has been undeniable, from the acclaimed Dior show in Mumbai to the Kerala-made MET Gala rug. Mayyur’s distinction as the first South Asian designer to open New York Pride further amplifies this. “India is stepping into the spotlight in the fashion world this year,” Mayyur emphasised.

Describing the appeal of Indian designs, he explains, “Our creations embody the richness of our culture, exuding a boho and colourful aesthetic that resonates with the fashion preferences of Gen Z. The younger generation are seeking individualistic styles, embracing vibrant colours and investing in garments that tell a story.”