Who started it? Known as the 'king of sequins', Ashish Gupta burst onto the international fashion scene when he showed his eponymous collection at London Fashion Week in 2004. Born in Delhi, India, Gupta moved to London to attend Middlesex University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in fashion design. He followed up with a master's from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. After graduating, he began making clothes for friends and a few years later launched his first collection. The label is now stocked in stores around the world.
Why we love it: a mix of sequins, sportswear and pop culture, Gupta's work is vivid, witty and unusual. All the pieces are handmade in India. The 'bold and sexy' clothing has earned Gupta a legion of celebrity followers, including Madonna, Katy Perry and rapper M.I.A. His spring-summer collection is fun and flashy, with a Western twist. Featuring sequinned dresses and skirts, and jackets with fringes, the collection is accessorised with cowboy hats, American Indian feathers and embellished trucker caps. In a nod to pop culture, McDonald's golden arches adorn boots and hats.
What we'd pick: the sequinned floor-length dress in leopard print (bottom left; HK$19,500) and the sequinned little black dress with V-neck (above left; HK$13,500). We also love the A-line, cowhide sequinned skirt (top right; HK$6,200).
Where can you get it? Ashish is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.
