Esteemed London-based bridal couturier Bismill Khan of Gulsstyle has been dressing thousands of brides, grooms and their wedding guests for decades, making him one of the most respected and sought-after names in Asian bridalwear. The company boasts an impressive range of exquisitely ornate bridalwear and party collections, perfect for those occasions where you really want to make a lasting impression. Gul Jee’s innovative one-off designs, typically finished with elaborate silhouettes consistently make the label the instant go-to for hundreds of brides-to-be in the UK and across the globe every year. Fresh from another manic summer wedding season, we sat down with the man himself to discuss the genius behind the legend.
Thanks for taking the time out of your crazy schedule to chat with us, Gul Jee. How was your summer?
Well as you can imagine, it was an incredibly busy few months! I’ve been in the business for a long time now, and when you’re as established as I am, demand is always high. But I’m not complaining, it’s an honour to design for clients for the happiest day of their lives. Every Gul Jee bride has equal importance in my eyes. I think of them all as good friends.
You’re a pioneer in the Asian bridalwear industry, how did you begin your design journey?
I was formally trained at the College of Design, Quetta, but it was my informal training at my mother’s knee, which really lit the fire of passion in me from a very early age.
She was a master embroiderer in her youth, and was blessed with an eye for colour and a deep reverence for design that I’ve inherited. She always wanted me to go on to create great and beautiful things in life. Now I’m making her dreams a reality.
That’s lovely, it must be so satisfying to honour her.
It is, but where I am today is thanks to all my clients and family who have shown me so much support throughout my career. It’s very humbling. I give thanks every day for all those who appreciate my output. The fact is, I work with clients and they shape my work. With my catwalk collections shown across in major fashion cities including London, LA, Dubai, Pakistan and India, it’s rewarding to know that whatever I create appeals across the board, to so many cultures. I am well-known throughout the global fashion circles, so when any major fashion event happens in London, I’m the first person they turn to for advice. When I design, I have a strong, modern, multicultural muse – today’s woman – in mind.
Can you explain your design process?
I design completely original garments, but keep an eye on new techniques and fresh concepts to ensure my collections are on the very cutting edge. I draw inspiration from nature, because nothing can beat the creative genius of Mother Nature. The rich tapestry of Asian heritage along with western cuts and styles also play a part in the creation of every Gul Jee collection. By seamlessly uniting sensational concepts and techniques with eternal Asian design, my collections are innovative, exciting and timeless. Regardless of the whims of fashion, I prize workmanship and craftwork. My speciality is Zardozi work and colour themes, those are the trademarks that I’ve built my name on.
Tell me about your boutique.
Our flagship store is in ethnically diverse Ilford, east London, but customers can also browse our collections online through the website and via social media, for the ultimate in convenience. Even though my label is a luxury brand, I consider it a duty to ensure Gulsstyle is accessible to all.
The boutique showcases the very best bridalwear collections in the UK. I have commissions from customers all over the country and from around the world, which is a testament to my design skills and the strength of my brand. We deliver all our creations globally, right to your door, anywhere in the world.
What can a bride expect from your bridal service?
Firstly I invite my clients in for a face-to-face consultation so I can understand their ideas and discuss every last detail of what they want in their outfit. I also listen to their family members and take into account how they want to see their bride on the Big Day. Then I’ll show them what will and won’t work, which colours will best complement her features, and the embroidery and embellishments that will finish the piece off to glorious effect.
My goal is to create something different and unique, a truly bespoke piece for the client.
Once we're agreed on the initial idea and style, I’ll begin sketching, taking care to include all those important details such as the colour schemes, embellishments and pure fabric swatches so the client understands precisely how the outfit will be crafted.
It can take a hardworking and supremely talented team of 45 people to create one bespoke piece, so there’s a lot of love and effort going into each creation. I keep a close eye on every design to ensure each comes out perfectly.
How long does it take to make a Gul Jee design?
From start to finish, a traditional heavy bridal piece can take up to three months to complete. I will invite the client to come and see her outfit and advise her to return for a fitting a week before the wedding to ensure a perfect fit.
Thanks to my years of experience, I know exactly how and where to tweak an outfit so it fits like a glove. This is why I advise just one fitting. Scheduling a fitting a week before the Big Day means there is unlikely to be much fluctuation in her weight and shape.
Do you offer menswear?
Funny you should mention that! It wasn’t until recently that I realised there was a disgraceful gap in the market for occasion menswear - nobody was catering for the groom, who people tend to forget is just as important as the bride! So I launched a new menswear service, the Mehndi Collection, to answer the demand for menswear as stunning as bridal outfits.
What’s in the Mehndi Collection range?
The bespoke-only range includes kurtas, churidars and tailor-made outfits for the groom and other male members of the wedding party. It’s problematic to find flattering tones for men where the colours and layers all complement each other and conspire to tell a story, which is what the Mehndi Collection is all about.
Why should a couple choose Gulsstyle?
With many brides looking to coordinate with the groom and her bridesmaids with their wedding outfits, I find that our bespoke, personal service is priceless and an asset to our brand. I make it a point to be accessible wherever I am in the world. If I’m not in the country, clients can message me through WhatsApp, and Instagram and Facebook, anytime anywhere.
Gul's Couture • +44(0)208 5143 311 • +44(0)780 3332 442 (WhatsApp only) • www.gulsstyle.co.uk