India-based couturier Mayyur Girotra unveiled his new Pride collection, ‘Ride to Pride’, on 5th June at New York Pride held at 5th Avenue. The launch celebrated the true spirit of inclusivity, featuring an all-LGBTQ+ cast of models walking the runway.
After making history as the first South Asian designer to open for Pride New York last year, with a show supported by Google, Mayyur Girotra’s latest capsule blends high fashion and traditional Indian textiles with genderless styles, showcasing his innovative approach to inclusivity and design. Each piece in the ‘Ride to Pride’ collection is gender-fluid, inclusive and global, designed to break the binary in style and beyond. Symbolising inclusivity, freedom, pride, self-acceptance and change, the collection serves as a sartorial expression for countless members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen, heard and safe.
Commenting on the collection, Mayyur said, “The idea was to create a safe space for people to explore and express their identities without judgement, restrictions or societal pressures.”
“This collection is for my soul. It fills me with a sense of purpose. The final intent is to create impact and change, and in this case, I have used fashion as a medium to achieve that,” Mayyur said.
Mayyur Girotra has been a vocal champion of the LGBTQ+ community for many years and this annual Pride collection is of immense personal significance to him. Every aspect of the collection has been designed in a manner that represents his beliefs and value system, showcasing his commitment to inclusivity and equality.
A SARTORIAL EXPRESSION
Combining traditional textiles and high fashion, the ‘Ride to Pride’ line is embellished with signature Mayyur Girotra embroideries, featuring Gujarati Kutch patchwork, thread work from the brand’s archives, ikat patterns and custom prints. These elements are tailored into silhouettes that are global in appeal yet deeply rooted in Indian heritage. Pieces such as high waist pants, trench coats and oversized shirts coexist harmoniously alongside lehenga skirts and sarees, carefully achieving a balance of cultures, values and aesthetics that are intentional and not accidental. Incorporating upcycled silk and linen in every garment, Mayyur Girotra remains true to his commitment to mindful design in this socially conscious line. The collection oscillates between a palette of bougainvillaea pinks, sandy neutrals and a delicate rainbow of hues, echoing the tapestry of Indian culture and the Pride flag. These colours infuse exuberance into the collection, celebrating individuality and the beauty of diversity.
“I’ve always viewed fashion as far more than just clothes and embroideries. I also see it as more than just a manifestation of India’s heritage and design legacy. For me, it’s a means to inspire dialogue and conversation through the medium of craft. When you think of slow fashion, you think of pieces made to last and pieces made with pure intentions. That’s the kind of change we are hoping to inspire by this collection — change that might be slow, but is steady and lasting,” Mayyur explained.
What sets Mayyur Girotra’s maximalist designs apart is his unique, differentiating DNA, which he seamlessly incorporates with a minimalist state of mind. These two sensibilities collide and coalesce simultaneously to create a harmonious design that marries the best of both worlds. Throughout his work, Mayyur draws inspiration from Indian crafts and colours, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
