Life Lessons with Gavin Miguel: “Live life as a teaching every day”
— By Esha Gakhar
Gavin Miguel built his reputation as one of the most respected names in Indian fashion and created a benchmark of individuality through self-education and helping the family business. Expanding his window to the world through books, magazines, movies, and travel, Miguel developed a timeless signature style that graces red-carpets to ramps. A celebrity favourite, his impressive clientele features names such as Priyanka Chopra, Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Hrithik Roshan, to name a few. Apart from customised couture from his Atelier, his brands — Gavin Miguel (Couture) & W.O.M – World of Miguel (High-end Pret) — retail through the store in Mumbai as well as several multi-designer stores. His unique talent has also landed him a Disney contract to design for international musicals like Beauty & the Beast and Aladdin. Miguel is also the couture master behind trendsetting looks featured on L’Oréal Professionnel Indian Hairdressing Awards (IHA) showcases.
Milestones in the Artistic Journey
Being able to creatively express what I love to do and have the freedom to do it, is a blessing and then, to have an audience to appreciate it is a milestone in itself.
I started off my journey with a firm belief in myself and all that I would create. I was also prepared for what I would have to face entering the industry. I believe, if you can hold your ground firmly and not get deterred, most of the battle is won. Being competitive is something I only hold with myself. I never let my artistic journey be dictated by the on-goings in the industry. In a country filled with trousseau filled collections and Bollywood, I stuck to my beliefs. I was told off, but I held on to my sensibilities and to what I was meant to create. I continued with a fiercer passion. I silenced all the voices (noises) around me and continued. I wish to grow further, creatively and hope the fire within me gets even stronger so as to keep creating those breakthroughs in this country.
Finding Happiness
Happiness is a state of mind. All of us at times have felt different kinds of lockdowns, be it physical or mental. I think this has been one of them, and a long one too. Fortunately, I and my family were not badly affected. We were fortunate to live peacefully and move around. Unexpected times like this has taught me to still be thankful for all around me, in my world.
Inspiration that Drives Art
Inspiration comes from your core, it is from within. Factors that nurture your inner feelings is what you experience in the external physical being. When creative people say they get inspired by travel or culture or nature, that would be something they borrow. That’s not my interpretation — my mind is a constant library of thoughts and feelings which come out through my creative process. Hence, there is a strong signature in all of my collections be it fashion or paintings. I compartmentalise all ideas and bring it out season after season. To evolve is to keep growing as a person from within; it will always show in your personality and your work.
Life Lessons to Inspire
Life is how you see best that fits your comfort zone. There will be lots of times you feel out of that zone. Passing through those times are your biggest lessons. Making it through, without it disturbing your core is a blessing and your success. Live life as a teaching every day.
All of us feel we have goals, achievements, and targets. Once you create that, it limits the thought process. Keep everything infinite and you will feel a freedom of “limitless possibilities”. There is no set formula. Knowledge, Experience, and Wisdom is the gateway.