For many fashion designers, the pinnacle of their work is witnessed when actors don the ensembles they’ve poured their creative energies into, often bringing characters to life on the big screen. The gratification is even more profound when the star in question is a beloved partner. This is the unique thrill that designer Gabriella Demetriades has recently experienced, as she took on the task of styling her actor-partner Arjun Rampal for the anticipated sports action movie “Crakk—Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa.”
Known within cinematic circles for her discerning eye and impeccable design sensibilities, Demetriades’ label Deme has frequently collaborated with top stylists for film and advertising projects. Her personal and professional relationship with Rampal is no secret, and it comes as little surprise that their shared passion for fashion has culminated in a creative partnership for Rampal’s latest film directed by Aditya Datt.
Demetriades recounts how Rampal envisaged a particular aesthetic for his character in the film. Trusting in her designer’s intuition and ability, he approached her to bring this vision into reality. With excitement lacing her words, she reveals, “Arjun had a specific look in mind for ‘Crakk’ and felt I could achieve it. So, my team and I started designing the looks and put the mood board together.” The result was a resounding success, garnering approval from both Rampal and director Aditya Datt.
This project stood out for Demetriades, not merely as a professional endeavor but as a journey shared with her partner, witnessing the synthesis of her craft and his talent. Such a synthesis had been previously seen in her work, with styling collaborations involving public figures such as Lisa Haydon, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Shibani Akhtar. However, “Crakk” presented an exciting new canvas.
The venture demanded a flurry of inventive approaches, including custom-designed pieces and sourcing from various international designers and brands. Demetriades highlights the incorporation of upcycled army gear and vintage materials, stating, “We used a lot of upcycled army gear, vintage leather, and denim.” The filming locations in Krakow and Warsaw provided dynamic backdrops, and observing her designs in such stimulating environments offered her immense enjoyment.
The shooting of “Crakk” was not just about realizing photographic moments but also about bringing depth and authenticity to the characters through style. Demetriades’ involvement in the film extended beyond mere aesthetics, contributing to how Rampal’s character would be perceived and internalized by audiences globally.
Moreover, Demetriades’ own cinematic journey is blossoming as she branches out beyond design into acting. Having debuted in the Telugu movie “Oopiri” (2016) alongside Nagarjuna, she now hints at further on-screen ventures. “I have done a cute role in a comedy where I play Arjun’s love interest,” she teases. The movie, which was shot in the UK and produced by Viki Bharari, is slated for release in the current year.
While Gabriella Demetriades’ journey in the glamorous world of fashion design and cinema continues to evolve, her latest role in styling for “Crakk” stands as a testament to her versatility and the power of collaborative creativity. As audiences eagerly await the film’s release, they can expect to see a rich tapestry of visual storytelling where costume design will play an integral part in bringing Arjun Rampal’s character to life. The movie’s promising narrative combined with Demetriades’ design flair seems poised to captivate viewers in a celebration of sports, action, and sartorial elegance.
