Bharat Gupta is a leading fashion stylist based in Mumbai. Bharat hails from Delhi basically and moved to Mumbai around 10 years ago to pursue his dream. Bharat has done styling for many top-notch fashion designers, national & international brands.
Tell us about your childhood, education, and family?
Born and brought up in Delhi, I belong to a family of chartered accountants and educationists. With liberal parents, I was always encouraged to participate in extracurricular and sports to ensure a more holistic upbringing. My school (Modern School) encouraged the same and I grew up with multiple opportunities for the same. For ten years I was active in Delhi premier theatre group founded by Mr. Feisal Alkazi. I moved to professional dancing and was a part of Shiamak Davar’s Dance Company. I graduated with an honors degree in Economics from Delhi University and a Masters in Journalism and Public Relations.
How did you get your start in styling?
During the time I handled Public Relations and Marketing Communications for Shiamak Davar, I got a first-hand experience at costumes as he choreographed award shows and films. I grew up with a strong sense of fashion as my family was always very fashion aware. It was in due time that I made the switch and began training and learning the art of styling. One of the first few projects I did was for Puma (Suede Gully Campaign) was very well received and was nominated for Cannes Lions Awards. That is when things started picking up
How did your family react when you told them about your career choice?
While I was academically driven, my parents were supportive of my career choices. They ideally wanted me to do a masters in Economics, I decided to move into a more creative field. Though they were apprehensive of the unknown, this was not imposed on me. My sister has always been a mentor and guide. With her confidence in me, my parents trusted the decision as well. This is something I respected and became a driving force to be performance-oriented.
What’s your approach when you first start styling someone?
A premise of styling is understanding the person. While fashion may be based on trends, styling is personalizing those trends and making a conscious decision to adopt or discard. So unless you understand the person, the designer, the brand, or their ethos, it will not have a definitive purpose.
What do you like most about your job?
Ability to make your own choices. Any form of creative job is a very personal choice, this adds passion to your profession. Also, it is never mundane. Every day is a new project, a new canvas, a new perspective.
What is one no-fail styling trick you have?
Minimalism. There is nothing more stylish than a clean, classic look. The style should be effortless.
Can you tell our readers about your future plans?
The current scenario has taught us to slow down and live in the now. Planning things will share in due time.
What would you like to suggest youngsters who want to work in the fashion industry?
Today, alternative career choices are more acceptable so you have that advantage. But learn to give your passion in the right direction. Professionally, things don’t come as easy as swiping left or right. So be prepared to work hard, to be original, and not to have any sort of ego or pride. Profession growth must reflect in personal growth as well.