After a successful debut at the New York Pride last year, fashion designer Mayyur Girotra is back in the Big Apple with his second Pride collection, Ride To Pride 2024.
Capturing the true spirit of inclusivity, Ride to Pride will be showcased on June 5th, 2024 at New York Pride, all will feature a cast of only LGBTQA+ members taking the runway at 5th Avenue, New York.
With an intent to create an impact and bring change through the medium of fashion, Mayyur Girotra speaks to News18 about what it means to celebrate inclusivity in 2024, respecting traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary fashion in his designs and why the LGBTQA+ members are the true celebrities of his show.
After a successful showcase at the New York City Pride in 2023, how have you shared the love and experience in the new collection Ride to Pride?
The Ride to Pride collection celebrates inclusivity – diversity and unity with my statement, bold colours, prints, embroidery with inclusive designs, and messages of love and acceptance that resonate with the pride community.
What about New York encouraged you to head back to the Big Apple to showcase your new line?
New York being my favourite city where I have always felt and enjoyed freedom. The city is dynamic, diverse, and its inclusive atmosphere is incredibly inspiring. The city’s rich cultural tapestry and boldness make it the perfect place to showcase a collection that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the enthusiastic response from the New York audience for my work and their love for the previous show played a significant role in my decision to return.
Your new Pride collection Ride to Pride captures the true spirit of inclusivity. How would you describe inclusivity in 2024 and how much influence does it have in the world of fashion?
Inclusivity in 2024 means celebrating and embracing diversity in all its forms—regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or body type. It has a profound influence on fashion, driving designers like me to create more representative and accessible collections. I do feel inclusivity shapes trends and the overall ethos of the fashion industry, pushing it towards equality and its true representation.
Embracing love is love and expressing it through your art, who gave you the strength to follow your heart and embark on this journey?
The strength to follow my heart and embark on this journey comes from the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Their unwavering belief in me and their own stories of courage and resilience inspires me every day to create art that celebrates love in all its forms.
The collection boasts of Indian embroideries celebrated on global silhouettes. Describe the balance of both worlds in this collection.
The balance of Indian embroideries on global silhouettes in my 2024 collection is achieved through thoughtful design that respects traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary fashion. The intricate details of Indian embroidery, patchwork, Kantha work and our staple Kutch work adds timelessness and texture, while modern silhouettes ensure the pieces are versatile and accessible. This fusion highlights the beauty of cultural heritage in a modern context appealing to a global audience.
How many statement pieces will you be showcasing and do you have a celebrity showstopper this year?
This year, we will be showcasing a total of 34 statement pieces, each designed to make a bold impression. 34 LGBTQIA+ members are walking for us and they all for me are true celebrities. They all embody the spirit of inclusivity and pride that our collection represents.
If you had one thing to say about Pride and what it means to you, what would you say?
Pride is a celebration of authenticity and love. It represents the freedom to be oneself without fear and the joy of belonging to a community that embraces and celebrates diversity. It’s a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality.
Moving from the indoors to the outdoors, what attracted you most about the Loft & Garden at Rockefeller Center and why did you choose it as the venue for the show?
The Loft & Garden at Rockefeller Center offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, the skyline of 5th Avenue is a dream. Our collection also talks about the same, it’s a mix of floral and industrial representations. This venue provides a stunning backdrop for our collection. The outdoor setting allows us to create an immersive experience that highlights the vibrancy of our designs while connecting with the natural world. The iconic location also adds historic significance to the event.
Music played an integral part in your show last year, tell us what makes it an integral part of your fashion journey?
Music is a powerful storytelling tool that enhances the emotional and aesthetic impact of a fashion show. It sets the tone, influences the pace, and helps to convey the themes and messages of the collection. For me, music, especially a mix of classical, is integral to me personally and also it creates an immersive experience that resonates with the audience on a deeper level, making the fashion show more memorable and impactful.
Going forward, will the Indian audience get a chance to see the collection being showcased in India this year?
Yes, we are planning to bring the ‘Ride to Pride’ collection to India. This dream began at my homeland and it calls for a celebration there once I go back with the collection.
