Hema BosePhoto Courtesy of Hema BoseSince launching Maison Bose, Bose now represents a handful of Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern designers. There’s the Indian couturier Gupta, who Bose has helped place on stars such as Megan Thee Stallion, Coco Rocha, and Aja Naomi King. “When I partnered with Gaurav Gupta just a little over a year ago, I was surprised how little the Western fashion industry knew about the brand,” says Bose. “[He] is hugely celebrated across India, and the 18 year old established atelier is well known across Asia for its breathtaking sculptural silhouettes.” Bose also works with the Lebanese couturier Jean Louis Sabaji—Sabrina Elba, Halle Bailey, and Quinta Brunson have all worn his glamorous gowns—and the Malaysian fashion house The Atelier, which was most recently worn by Chinese actor Tang Wei at Cannes. All of these moments have been the result of connecting with celebrity stylists, says Bose.
She hopes to introduce a whole new audience to the unique craftsmanship and design traditions found abroad. “Through curated showcases, collaborations, and fostering networks, we can empower fashion houses to navigate themselves in the industry and challenge prevailing narratives,” says Bose. Photo Getty ImagesThis cultural spotlight is especially crucial in an arena like fashion, given designers from North America and Europe have long drawn from the ornate design traditions found in these countries. “Recently, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior pre fall 2023 collection, held against the captivating backdrop of the Gateway of India, marked yet another milestone in this splendid journey,” says Bose. “While these instances of recognition and fusion are indeed appreciated, there is an ardent desire to witness the triumphant emergence of more [Asian and Middle Eastern] designers being rightfully celebrated on a global scale.”
