Rohan Gupta, MD & CFO of Gargee Designer’s, shares insights on bespoke menswear, craftsmanship, technology, sustainability, and key Indian fashion trends shaping 2026
Gargee Designer’s has built a strong reputation in bespoke menswear. How would you describe the brand’s evolution—from its early days to becoming a nationally recognised luxury label?
Gargee Designer’s began as a small tailor shop in Nehru Nagar, deeply rooted in craftsmanship and personal relationships. Over the years, our focus on tailoring excellence has helped us build a loyal customer base of over 50,000 clients, with their measurements securely archived. Now, as a second-generation business with a 40-year legacy, our journey has been about blending heritage tailoring with contemporary menswear sensibilities.
When you talk about contemporary menswear, which segment are you primarily addressing—Indian, western, or a blend of both?
It’s very much a blend of both. We cater to occasion wear as well as modern, everyday menswear. Today’s younger customers want tailored pieces not just for weddings, but also for daily and professional wear. A growing number of men prefer well-fitted suits, jackets, and separates as part of their regular wardrobe, and they form a significant part of our clientele.
What are the core craftsmanship values that define Gargee Designer’s, and how do you maintain consistency across bespoke collections?
We are a purely bespoke brand; we don’t operate in ready-to-wear. Our foundation lies in the tailoring skills our craftsmen have honed over decades. To maintain consistency, we regularly conduct training programmes for our team. At the same time, we are redefining traditional tailoring by adopting modern technology. Over the last five to six years, we have significantly upgraded our machinery to meet high-end tailoring requirements. This balance of craftsmanship and technology is central to our brand philosophy.
Premium menswear in India has seen strong growth, driven by weddings, celebrity influence, and luxury retail. How has this shift impacted your creative direction and product strategy?
Earlier, weddings were our primary revenue driver. Today, we’re seeing a clear shift, with new-age entrepreneurs wanting their personal style to reflect their professional identity. What was once a seasonal business lasting three to four months has now become a year-round opportunity. We introduce new designs every quarter and focus on versatile products like blazers and multi-purpose jackets, which are highly functional for entrepreneurs.
What are your expansion plans? Are you focusing more on digital growth or physical retail?
Currently, our priority is strengthening our digital presence. We’ve built a strong online audience across India and overseas, including a growing base of international clients. Internally, we are also optimising processes to prepare for future scale. On the physical retail side, we plan to expand selectively into tier-2 cities, but only through company-owned and company-operated stores. We are not exploring franchising. Our approach will be a hybrid model—exclusive physical stores supported by a strong digital ecosystem.
With increasing demand for personalisation and sustainability, what innovations are shaping your future roadmap?
Sustainability is a key focus for us. We’re prioritising natural fabrics like linen, pure wool, and cotton, and consciously reducing the use of blended fabrics containing polyester. Given Delhi’s climate, linen works exceptionally well for summers, while pure wool remains ideal for winters. From a fit perspective, we digitally store client measurements and create patterns based on their exact body shape. Over time, this allows us to refine the fit continuously. Our aim is not just to be tailors, but long-term wardrobe partners for our clients.
Are technologies such as AI playing a role in your customisation process?
Yes, absolutely. We are collaborating with software companies for advanced pattern-making. Once a client’s perfect pattern is finalised, it is stored digitally. For future orders, there is no need to take measurements again—we can produce garments directly from the stored pattern with high precision. This is how we are integrating technology without compromising on craftsmanship.
Finally, looking ahead to 2026, which trend do you believe will dominate Indian menswear?
Shackets, without a doubt. They are extremely utilitarian—you can dress them up or down with ease. India, especially cities like Delhi, doesn’t have a strong suit culture except during winters, and shackets offer a versatile alternative. Our shacket category has grown significantly, particularly among younger customers, because they’re lightweight, functional, and suitable for multiple occasions.
