An interview with Niti Gupta, Entrepreneur & Founder & Creative Director of The AFRA World
In this insightful interview, Niti Gupta, Founder and Creative Director of The AFRA World, shares her journey in the fashion industry and her vision for creating a brand that celebrates cultural diversity and sustainability.
She discusses the inspiration behind her designs and the importance of innovation in today’s fashion landscape.
What inspired you to start The AFRA World, and how did your journey in the fashion industry begin?
Niti Gupta: A graduate from the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) with a degree in leather garment design and technology, Niti further honed her artistic vision at Heatherley’s School of Fine Art in London.
This unique blend of technical expertise and artistic flair has underpinned her success in the fashion industry.
The AFRA World was envisioned by Niti as a platform to foster meaningful connections within the fashion ecosystem.
The event facilitates brands in expanding their global reach, connecting designers with buyers from diverse markets. Leveraging Dubai’s cosmopolitan appeal, The AFRA World facilitates meaningful interactions between designers and their international clientele.
Niti’s relentless efforts have ensured that The AFRA World has evolved into more than a fashion showcase; today, it stands as a cornerstone of the region’s burgeoning fashion industry, attracting a discerning global audience.
Niti’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond curation. Her ventures, Escapades and Epiphany by Niti Gupta, showcase her multifaceted talent.
Escapades by NITI GUPTA, a multi-design house, exemplifies her expertise in product design and branding. NITI GUPTA Events brings her passion for events and decor to life, crafting unforgettable weddings, exhibitions and more.
Niti’s dedication to fostering talent goes beyond her own ventures. As the founder of the NIFT Alumni Networking Group (NANG), she fosters a vibrant community connecting thousands of alumni worldwide.
As a curator, Niti has spearheaded several groundbreaking events, including the recent The AFRA World launched in April 2022. These initiatives have redefined the landscape of fashion exhibitions in Dubai and the broader Middle East.
How do you approach the curation process for The AFRA World? What influences your creative decisions?
Niti Gupta: With its focus on both established and emerging talent, The AFRA World is not only shaping the future of fashion in the region but also contributing significantly to Dubai’s cultural and economic landscape.
As the city continues to solidify its position as a global fashion hub, The AFRA World is poised to play an increasingly vital role in its continued success.
Personally, Niti is devoted to reviving age-old heirloom crafts and techniques, and is keen on promoting designers who use these in innovative ways. This informs her approach to curation, and is the theme for the line-up of talent at The AFRA World.
How do you differentiate The AFRA World in a competitive fashion market?
Niti Gupta: At The AFRA World, our vision is to be a transformative global fashion platform that inspires, empowers and elevates the industry.
By curating groundbreaking fashion events, merging global fashion and fostering emerging talent, we aim to shape the future of fashion and make a significant cultural and economic impact.
This dynamic platform transcends the traditional fashion exhibition format, offering a unique blend of luxury and creativity that has quickly garnered international attention.
The AFRA World, with its carefully curated selection of designers and its commitment to showcasing cutting-edge creations, has become a must-attend for industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike.
How does this edition of The AFRA World Fashion Confluence stand out?
Niti Gupta: Now in its 6th edition, The AFRA World Fashion Confluence 2025 will showcase the best of Indian fashion to new markets on a dazzling platform.
A transformative global fashion platform that aims to inspire, empower and elevate the industry, the four-day confluence is scheduled to kick off on April 23, 2025.
It is a unique opportunity for fashion, jewellery and lifestyle designers to present their creations before an exclusive audience comprising elite buyers, key media representatives and HNWIs.
Through a rigorous selection process led by Niti Gupta herself, the handpicked Indian designers—headlined by design maestro Rina Dhaka, and featuring highly skilled designers and artisans such as House of Tuhina, Kokommo, Preeti Kler, RSVP by Ssorabh & Roli, Subhashinii, Moh by Meera, Jafer Jafry, Nergisse & Veera, Sole Affair, French Rose and Attractions by Anni—will be offered the chance to showcase their most creative pieces of the season.
Complimenting them will be Jannath Lounge by Poonam Choudhari, a consortium of brands including Nafees Fine Jewellery, Priya and Tarisha Tholia & Taropa.
In addition to experiencing the oeuvre of these designers, audience members will be invited to an exclusive sundowner event and a roundtable discussion.
Set against the mesmerising backdrop of the iconic Mandarin Oriental, the event will continue to be a benchmark in luxury, with a perfect mix of Runways, Showcases, Networking, Awards, Conferences, B2B activations and B2C interactions.
What are your long-term goals for The AFRA World?
Niti Gupta: Going forward, The AFRA World will continue to be driven by the vision of uniting fashion and design across cultures, curated meticulously by Niti Gupta to foster a global exchange of ideas.
Her signature style has brought together the most sought-after names in fashion, haute couture, and lifestyle under one roof, creating a unique platform for showcasing the best the industry has to offer.
It will continue to present a unique opportunity for fashion, jewellery and lifestyle designers to present their creations before an exclusive audience comprising elite buyers, key media representatives and HNWIs, and offer them innovative ways to participate in shaping the future of global fashion experiences.
In conclusion, Gupta’s passion for fashion and commitment to ethical practices shine through, making her a trailblazer in the industry. Her insights inspire aspiring designers to embrace creativity and responsibility.
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