DENTON, Texas — The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas is showcasing high-fashion garments that celebrate the intricate embroidery of Indian artisans in a new exhibition, ‘Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World,’ which runs through Feb. 1, 2025, at the CVAD Gallery in Denton.
The exhibition is curated from UNT’s nationally recognized Texas Fashion Collection (TFC), which includes nearly 20,000 garments and accessories. It features over 30 high-fashion pieces from designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, and Ashish Gupta, also known simply as ASHISH, an India-born London-based designer known for his intricate use of sequins.
“Many stories about luxury fashion are based in New York, Paris, London, and Milan. We often forget that India is part of that story too,” said Annette Becker, TFC director and curator, highlighting that Indian artisans are responsible for much of the hand-stitched embroidery and beadwork in high-end fashion.
ASHISH, whose designs have been worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, will make two appearances in Denton in October. He will participate in ‘A Conversation with ASHISH’ at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center on E. Hickory St., and an opening reception for ‘Labor of Luxury’ from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the CVAD Gallery. During his visit, he will also engage with UNT students in design and art programs.
The exhibition also features work by UNT alumnus Michael Faircloth, designer of gowns for former First Lady Laura Bush. A discussion with Faircloth some three years ago helped inspire Becker to create this exhibition, which explores the often overlooked contributions of Indian artisans to the global fashion industry. Designs by other prominent Indian-American designers, such as Naeem Khan and Manish Arora, are also included in the exhibit.
Admission is free, and the exhibit is located in the Art Building on the UNT campus. For more information, visit cvad.unt.edu.