There is a certain ease to the way Syomirizwa Gupta talks about fashion.
At 49, the Kuala Lumpur-born designer, who is of mixed ethnicity and was raised in the city, seems to have arrived at a place where he is comfortable with what he does and, perhaps more importantly, why he does it.
The impression is of a man who has found peace in his work, comfortable in his creative direction and unhurried in his approach to what comes next.
When Syomirizwa last graced the StarLifestyle cover (then known as Star2) in 2017, he had just turned 40.
Nearly a decade later, his perspective has shifted, shaped by experience, the people who have supported his label and the relationships built over 24 years in business.
Fashion, for him, is no longer simply about what comes down the runway. It is about understanding his customers and growing alongside them.
“The questions haven’t become fewer. If anything, there are more,” he says. “But experience has given me the patience and confidence to look for answers.”
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It is a revealing admission from a designer who has spent much of his life creating for others, and who seems increasingly at ease with the idea that the work itself can be its own reward.
This growing sense of perspective also explains a personal dream he shares – to one day live in a “kampung (village) house beside a turquoise sea”, painting on the beach and enjoying a gentler pace of life.
For now, designing remains his anchor, a lifelong pursuit that continues to give him purpose while leaving room for the possibility of something quieter.
Your designs have always had a strong sense of identity. How would you describe your aesthetic and the identity of your label today, and how has that understanding evolved over the years?
The intention has always been to maintain a recognisable identity while responding to the world around us.
For me, evolving means staying curious while remaining connected to who we are.
Today, I would describe the label as a meeting point for storytelling, colour and pride in my personal heritage.
I also want it to be a welcoming space where people can explore their individuality through clothes and enjoy the process. That identity has become more expansive over time.
Versatility is increasingly important, especially as I am now designing for a second generation of customers.
It’s wonderful to see that continuity while discovering how younger customers interpret my work in their own way.
How has running a fashion business changed you personally, rather than just professionally?
I was a shy child, even though I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in fashion.
Running a label has taught me to be more confident in making decisions, communicating my ideas and speaking in public. It has also made me more mindful of the messages I put out, particularly during interviews.
You learn to consider how your words might be received.
Above all, this industry has taught me the value of human connections. Creativity is essential, but so are kindness and discipline. Those lessons have shaped who I am beyond my work.
Is there a part of your personality that people who only know your work might not immediately see?
I’m very much a homebody. I enjoy my own company and find comfort in the simple routines of being at home.
On my days off, I’m quite happy to put my phone away and take a break from social media. Having that personal space helps me recharge.
And I love to sing! That might surprise most people.
What have you become less willing to compromise on as you have gained experience in the industry?
My Mondays, which I protect as personal time, and my evenings. I try not to respond to work-related questions after 7pm.
With experience, I’ve learnt that rest deserves a place in my schedule too.
Having time to switch off helps me return to work with more energy and a clearer mind.
Of course, there are exceptions. If you hear from me during those hours, you can probably take it as a compliment!
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What’s next for you? If we were to have this conversation again a few years from now, what would you hope has changed in your life or your work?
Creatively, I hope to keep exploring the storytelling, colour and personal expression that have always been central to my work.
At the same time, I want the label to grow alongside our customers. The journey shouldn’t just be about me.
What message are you hoping to send with your designs these days? After all, fashion design is about storytelling too.
Across my latest bespoke and ready-to-wear collections, the message is to embrace what brings you joy and allow your personality to come through.
Earlier in my career, I was more particular about how certain pieces should be styled.
These days, I enjoy seeing customers interpret them in their own way.
Once someone wears a design, their experiences and individuality become part of its story. I want my clothes to encourage that freedom.
If a colour makes you smile or a piece makes you feel confident, that is a good place to start.
Fashion should allow room for pleasure, expression and a sense of being yourself.
