Meet Gurdip Kaur Jaspal Singh | Independent Fashion & Costume Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gurdip Kaur Jaspal Singh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gurdip Kaur, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
GypsyKorn Atelier is a startup independent fashion establishment founded in 2021 by me, Gurdip Kaur D/O Jaspal Singh.

I founded this business driven by a personal need I encountered in the Malaysian market. As a passionate advocate of punk culture with a distinctive aesthetic taste, I faced a considerable challenge when shopping for designs that truly resonated with my style preferences. The lack of options in terms of size, colors, and authentic punk-inspired designs motivated me to explore the untapped potential in the market. I aimed to fill this void in the market and offer a diverse range of clothing and accessories that authentically represented the punk lifestyle.

I saw an opportunity to create a business that caters to customers like me who share a love for punk culture and desire unique, edgy designs that reflect their individuality.

BRAND GOALS:

Our goal is to imbue anyone who wears our brand with a sense of magic and confidence, empowering them to express themselves boldly and fearlessly. We believe that fashion is a means of expression and a powerful tool for empowerment. At GypsyKorn, we strive to create pieces that make a statement, pieces that have something to say and we aim to create designs that do just that. Whether it’s a custom-made gown, a ready-to-wear outfit, or an eye-catching head accessory or props, our pieces are crafted with care and attention to detail, designed to make a statement and help our customers feel like they can take on the world.

“Dare to Be Different” : Freedom of Expression and Creativity at GypsyKorn Atelier. Our brand represents a unique and unconventional approach to design, inspired by the free-spirited and nomadic lifestyle embodied by the term “Gypsy”. At the same time, the word “Korn,” which is inspired by the mythical unicorn, symbolizes strength and resilience. The unicorn is also the logo and face of our brand, representing the magical and transformative power of fashion. The capital initials “G” and “K” in our name are a reference to the founder’s name, adding a personal touch to the brand. Through our commitment to celebrating individuality and embracing diversity, we create fashion and design that reflect the essence of our customers unique style and personality.

At GypsyKorn, we take pride in our unique selling point: every outfit we create is like a suit of armor, built to last and to be versatile. Our modular designs allow our customers to mix and match different pieces, making them sustainable and avoiding the waste of a “one-time use” garment. By breaking down outfits into interchangeable parts, we make it more affordable for customers to get the specific pieces they want without having to purchase an entire outfit. At GypsyKorn, metal studs, spikes, and cog are the key elements that define our brand identity. We’re proud to be an artisanal RE-UP label, reworking, up-cycling, and to give clothes a second chance at life.

We are not content with merely following trends; we strive to create our own. By stepping outside the box and pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal,” we hope to inspire others to do the same in their own lives. We believe that everyone has the power to make a difference, to challenge conformity and spark a fashion revolution that will change the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I am most proud of or excited:

Recently, I won the award of Best Fashion Designer at the New York Couture Fashion Week 2023 that was held in February in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. And with this win, I will be representing Malaysia in New York itself in February 2024.

The Collection Name: Punkature – An Ode to Queen “V”.

Inspired by the Victorian era, the Industrial Revolution, and as a tribute to the punk fashion icon, Dame Vivienne Westwood and the late Alexander McQueen whose bold and unapologetic attitude remind us to never settle for the norm and always strive to break boundaries. We take this spirit to heart, using it to propel us to step outside the box.

With a blend of punk culture elements such as steampunk aesthetics, metal spike studs, and faux leather, this collection showcases our commitment to sustainability, the leather used in this collection comes from discarded faux leather garments that have been stripped and deconstructed, giving them a new life. We are grateful to Life Line Clothing Malaysia for providing us with these materials.

Story that lead me to joining the competition and outcome:

Initially I was hesitant to confirm my participation in the competition even after being scouted by the event organizer and a fashion representative in Southeast Asia. The reason for my reluctance was that I only had a month plus to come up with a concept and produce a collection, which seemed like an incredibly tight time frame as an independent designer. I was uncertain whether I would be able to pull it off and feared that I would not be able to complete it in time..

Despite my doubts, I decided to take a risk and jump in, even though I was scared at the moment. I knew that this competition would provide me with a valuable opportunity to showcase my brand and gain recognition in the industry.

Participating in the competition alongside some of the industry’s most established designers, some of whom I looked up to and aspired to be like, made the prospect even more daunting. I felt like a small fish in a big pond and had doubts about whether I was ready to compete on this level. Joining the competition was a big step for me as I’ve always had a fear of competing.

For me, I saw joining the competition as an opportunity to face my fears and my self-doubt and to build my confidence as a designer despite the doubts and anxieties that I had. While it was daunting to face my fears and put myself out there, I knew that it was necessary for my growth and development as a designer. It was a chance for me to push myself to new heights and test my limits as a designer.

But what gave me the courage to jump in was more of a personal reason. I wanted to give my parents the opportunity to see my work debut on a big platform. As a young designer, I knew that opportunities like these don’t come around often, and I wasn’t sure when I would have another chance to showcase my work in front of a large audience.

I was both shocked and grateful to the community and judges for recognizing me in the fashion world. To be honest, I joined the competition without a single expectation of winning. I was already excited and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my collection on the same stage as these experienced designers. And that to me already felt like winning.

Hearing the judge say, “We saw your soul and authenticity in your collection,” was an incredibly rewarding moment for me. It was the best compliment I could have ever received because it validated all the hard work and emotion that went into creating my designs. To be recognized for showcasing my true self was an indescribable feeling, and it brought me to tears knowing that the judges truly understood and appreciated the depth of my collection.

In that moment, seeing my mom’s expression after the announcement was just as rewarding as the judge’s compliment. Her eyes lit up with pride and joy, and I knew that I had made her proud. Given her crucial state of health, it may have been the only time, or even her last time, to witness one of my fashion shows. It was an incredible emotional moment for us both till date.

(During the preparation of this competition, my mom was diagnosed with 4th stage cancer that affected her lungs, breast and spinal cord. It was a truly challenging moment emotionally and mentally for our family).

With this new journey and win, I hope this would open up more revenues and opportunities that will be able to help me in supporting my family.

Personal Background Story:

I am the only child in the family. Growing up, my passion was always for animals, and I had dreamed of becoming an animal behaviorist for as long as I could remember. But after graduating from high school, I soon realized that pursuing that dream would be more difficult than I had imagined.

Most universities that offered animal behavior programs were overseas, and the cost of studying abroad was too high for my family. I felt lost and unsure of what to do next, until I discovered my love for fashion.

At first, fashion was just a hobby. I would design clothes for fun since I was in high school and give my designs to a family tailor to make. But then one day, the tailor suggested that I try venturing into the fashion industry. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to take a chance and see where it would lead me. I was 23 years old when I ventured into Fashion Designing and I graduated in the year 2021. While I still have a deep love for animals, I have found fulfillment in expressing my creativity through fashion.

From a young age, my dad, who was a guitar instructor, instilled in me a love for rock and punk music. As a child, I would attend his band practices in garages, soaking up the sounds and energy of the music. My morning’s will be spent with my dad (while he researches or practices), I will be listening to iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, and honestly, the list goes on and on, may it be while doing the chores, or just simply eating. Their styles inspired me greatly.

I was drawn to the way that these musicians used clothing and accessories to express themselves, and I wanted to do the same. I began experimenting with my own style, taking inspiration from my favorite artists and creating my own unique looks. As I pursued my journey in fashion, I found that my love of music continued to be a driving force in my creative journey. I incorporated the edgy and bold elements of rock and punk into my designs, creating unique and daring pieces that reflected my personal style and love for both fashion and music.

My dad was always supportive of my interests, and he always encouraged me in everything. He is a simple man, humble and kind, and his unwavering support meant the world to me. He recognized the importance of pursuing what you love in life. But as much as he loved music, he never had the chance to pursue it as a career. My dad’s father, like many others in that time, was against the idea of his son going full time into the creative industry. He saw it as a useless pursuit, something that wouldn’t bring any real value to society. And so, my dad had to give up on his dream of becoming a musician and find a more “practical” path in life. As I started to pursue my career in fashion, I could see the pride in my dad’s eyes. And I knew that in some small way, I was carrying on his dream – the dream of a life filled with creativity, passion, and self-expression.

Looking back, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness for what my dad had to give up. I know that if he had been given the chance, he would have been an amazing musician, sharing his talent and passion with the world. But at the same time, I’m grateful for the lessons that his experience taught me, he didn’t doubt my abilities, and his belief in me gave me the confidence to take risks and pursue my dreams.

In addition to my dad’s struggles with pursuing his passion for music, my mom also had to sacrifice her own dreams at an early age. She had always wanted to become a nurse, but her father believed that education for girls was unnecessary and that their place was in the home. Despite her disappointment, my mom got married to my dad at a young age, and together they started a family. She gave up her dreams and dedicated herself to raising me and supporting the family.

While my parents faced many challenges in pursuing their passions, they also had to deal with the realities of financial constraints, their income was modest, and they had to work hard to make ends meet. They always made sure that I had everything I needed, and they never let their financial struggles dampen their spirits or detract from the joy and happiness that they brought to the home. They taught me the value of hard work, of saving for a rainy day, and of being content with what we had.

Their example taught me that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions or financial wealth, but rather from the love, support, and sense of community that we share with each other. I am grateful to have grown up in a household where these values were prioritized and instilled in me from a young age.

And while I now have my own financial struggles as a fashion designer, I take comfort in knowing that I have the foundation and support of my amazing parents to guide me through any obstacles that come my way. I am proud to say that I make do with what I have, living a happy and fulfilled life, just like my parents before me.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised by such amazing parents who refused to let the negative opinions of others dictate their choices. Despite the obstacles and opposition they faced, my parents persevered. Their unwavering support and belief in me gave me the courage and confidence to pursue my own journey, even when they seemed unconventional or impractical. They showed me that it was possible to challenge the status quo and forge my own path, and I carry that mindset with me in all aspects of my life.

I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have parents like mine – parents who are willing to put aside their own dreams and aspirations to support their children’s. With their encouragement, I decided to take my passion for fashion to the next level and become a designer.

The fact that currently I am the only Punjabi fashion designer in Malaysia, being a fashion designer is a challenging and unconventional choice, especially in a society/culture where fashion is not always viewed as a viable career even in this age of era.

So to my amazing parents – thank you for everything. Thank you for teaching me the value of pursuing my dreams, for showing me the importance of hard work and perseverance, to love each other and for always being there to support and encourage me, even when the path ahead seemed uncertain. You are an inspiration to me, and I am so grateful to have you as my mom and dad.

How did I get to where I am today professionally. Was it easy?

No, it wasn’t easy, as someone without any connections to the fashion industry or background in business, I made my own network by going out to events, music festivals and personally went up to artists to “sell my brand and designs”. It was a niche market, and being “new” in these field, I had to definitely “Do it Myself” if I wanted it. It was honestly scary at times, having to put yourself out there in between fields of people in the industry that you look up to and are your inspirations. But like I thought to myself “I have to be shamelessly promoting my work because as an independent designer, I am the one that is going to sell my story and brand – because if not no one would know of my existence. From there onwards, I slowly made designs that was worn by Maruxa Lynd for Northern Music Festival 2022, Late Night Frequency for Anugerah Indie Muzik 2023, KVEN DAVÉ Fantasy music video and an upcoming future project is a 6-piece collection in collaboration with Sekumpulan Orang Gila, a modern-rock band in Malaysia.

Lesson’s Learnt:

I believe that fashion is a powerful medium for self-expression and storytelling. As a designer, I create clothes that reflect my personal journey and experiences. Each outfit I design has a unique story to tell, one that is deeply personal and meaningful to me.

For me, fashion is more than just fabric and thread. It is a way to communicate who I am and what I stand for. Every design I create is a reflection of my personality, my values, and my experiences. From the colors and patterns to the cuts and fabrics, every detail is carefully chosen to convey a specific message or emotion.

I see fashion as a form of art that allows me to express myself in a way that words cannot. Through my designs, I am able to share my story with the world and connect with others who may have similar experiences or perspectives.
In the end, my hope is that the clothes I create not only look beautiful but also inspire and empower those who wear them. I want to use fashion as a means to promote self-expression, individuality, and authenticity, and to encourage others to embrace their own unique stories and journeys.

Through my own personal journey as a designer, I have learned that the path to success is rarely a smooth and easy one. It’s a journey that is filled with obstacles and challenges, both professionally and personally.

As a designer, I have had to overcome stereotypes and judgments that can come with being a young and new designer, as well as from the community based on my appearance due to having tattoo’s and piercings. Going through this journey with no prior business background in the family, also the financial struggles that come with building a brand from the ground up and finding my own network connections to be a part of the fashion industry.

While fully committing to my mother’s cancer journey, which has been emotionally and physically painful, has been a challenging undertaking. On top of this, witnessing my aging father still working in order to support our family has been difficult to bear. I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices that he has had to make to ensure that we are taken care of.
Furthermore, as someone who lives with anxiety disorder, I know firsthand the toll that mental health can take on one’s ability to pursue their dreams. There are days when the anxiety can feel paralyzing, and it can be difficult to stay motivated and focused. However, through therapy and a supportive network of my family, partner and good friends, I have learned to manage my anxiety and not let it hold me back from reaching my goals.

In a way, the process of designing also became a form of therapy for me. Each outfit that I created was not just a reflection of my personal story and journey, but also a way to channel my emotions and express myself.
These challenges can be overwhelming and at times can be an isolating experience. While the challenges I face in this journey may not be evident to others, it’s a reality that I face daily.

However, I refuse to let these obstacles and challenges discourage me from pursuing my dreams. Ultimately, my experience so far have taught me that success is not just about talent and hard work, but also about resilience, perseverance and a commitment to staying true to myself. It’s about having the courage to push through the obstacles and challenges that come my way, and it has also taught me to be resourceful and creative in finding solutions.
No matter what, giving up is not an option for me as I strive to create a better future for my parents and myself. My hope is that others see me as someone who tackles challenges with strength, determination, and courage, rather than viewing me as a victim of circumstances.

It is my sincere hope that I can inspire other independent designers who may be facing similar challenges. I encourage them to stay true to themselves and to never give up. I understand how challenging it can be to pursue your dreams, especially in the face of adversity, When you believe in yourself and have the courage to push past the challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. I truly believe that every designer has a unique vision and creativity that deserves to be shared with the world.

So, to all aspiring designers out there, I offer my heartfelt encouragement to trust in your abilities and to never let anyone else’s opinions or judgments dim your passion.

Conclusion:

As an independent designer hailing from Penang, Malaysia, I aspire to prove that creativity in my country is not confined to prominent brands. Attending this event in New York itself to showcase my collection could potentially open up new avenues for me to expand my brand. I am optimistic that this opportunity could lead to collaborations, networking, and exposure to a wider audience. Securing this opportunity would not only enable me to exhibit my own creativity but also motivate other independent designers who face similar struggles.

Despite Malaysia’s conservative reputation, I firmly believe that we should explore unconventional ideas and strive for global recognition. Winning this opportunity would not only offer me a prestigious international platform but also represent Malaysia positively. In my view, there exist many talented individuals in Malaysia, such as independent fashion designers, musicians, and artists, who encounter challenges in presenting our work and persuading others of our abilities.

My hope is to inspire others in my country to break out of their comfort zones and showcase their talents, much like I am doing. I look forward to making the most of this experience and exploring new possibilities for the growth and success of my brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Top Places in Penang, Malaysia that’s a must go to!

– Chulia Street/ Love Lane ( A street of bars and meeting creatives and tourists) with a stretch of street hawker food
– Batu Ferringhi Beach & Street Night Market
– Laguna Bay at Tanjung Bunga (A beach bar with fireshows, bbq, great food and environment)
– Gurney Drive Hawker Food

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank my parents, my mom and dad, Kelwant Kaur D/O Thakar Singh and Jaspal Singh A/L Bakshish Singh, for their immense support and understanding, motivation in me pursuing my passion, despite all the obstacles and challenges we’ve faced together, they had always been my stronghold in this journey. My loving and supportive partner for his guidance and patience being throughout this journey with me, Hishwn Kumar.

My personal mentors, Arzmy Hargreaves (Branding Strategist) and Malveen Kaur Gill for always pushing me to go above and beyond and believing in the impossible. I am also immensely thankful to my good friends and tutors who played an integral role with selfless support and love in this journey.

Special recognition goes to Omprekash (IG: shock0hmsyndrome) for creating the visual animation used for the Punkature : An Ode To Queen “V” runway, and to Marc Jungermann (IG: marc.jungermann) for his exceptional musical composition titled “Industrial Steampunk Music Point Of No Return,” which can be found on YouTube that was used for the runway.

I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the models who brought my designs to life on the Punkature : An Ode To Queen “V” runway. Without their amazing contributions, talent and hard work, the outcome of the runway would not have been as I envisioned.

Nonetheless, I’d like to express my gratitude to Life Line Clothing Malaysia for their invaluable support in providing us with used textiles and accessories. Their contribution has been instrumental in guiding GypsyKorn Atelier towards becoming a part of the sustainable fashion movement. By incorporating these reused materials into our creations, we are actively promoting environmentally friendly practices and reducing waste in the fashion industry. Sustainable fashion is crucial for minimizing the industry’s environmental impact, and we are proud to be a part of this positive change.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gypsykorn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gypsykorn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GypsykornAtelier

Other: Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/dipsy_mystique/

Image Credits
MAZACANE MAZANI, WANTA KERE, TEMPUSCAPTURED, JESSON WONG (jwphotography.my), MANUEL ALEJANDRO SALAZAR (www.manuelsalazar.fr), SPARK EPAL, KVEN DAVÉ FANTASY MV, ALIORIMRAN, KBFILMARTZ, PORTRAITURE.EXE