IN FINE FORM: For the Filmfare curtain raiser in early February, we wanted to go with a sexy vibe with finesse. The pink taffeta bow on this thick crepe number was eye-catching

As told to Nishi Tiwari (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 9, 2020)

Bhavana (Panday, Ananya’s mother), called us up seven months before her first film (Student Of The Year 2) was to release. She asked us to style Ananya for the film promotions, but before that she wanted us to meet and build a relationship. The first time we worked together was for the Bachchans’ Diwali party in 2018. We gave Ananya a beautiful Sabyasachi lehenga. She is a complete clothes horse and looked dazzling. Since she had started out at 19, we could foresee us building on her style trajectory. Together, we have done some amazing looks that are inspiring for young girls in India. It is exciting to see us evolving and taking Ananya to different heights in the coming years.

As a fun, perky person with an amazing sense of humour, she naturally gravitates towards pop colours. We also like to add elements that vibe with her personality, like frills, ruffles, pop colours and short looks. Even if it is a pant-suit, instead of being severe and dark-toned, it can be printed or in a bright colour, it can have a crop-top inside or worn with sneakers.

Ananya looks her best in short skirts and crop tops but sometimes, she takes us by surprise. For instance, we gave her a cream blazer with cropped pants and a bandeau for the promotions of Pati Patni Aur Woh. We weren’t sure if she would look nice in this elevated pant-suit with an edgy twist; she wasn’t ready for it either. But it turned out to be one of her best looks.

We make Ananya stand out by projecting her persona. Every person has an individuality and expressing that is the best way to create a standout look. It also depends on the event; we try to stick to the brief but at the same time, interpret it in an Ananya way without going too off-beat and still making sure that she looks 21. We have some surprises up our sleeves that you will see over time. There are certain silhouettes that she is going to be wearing in the future. We would like to try print-onprint or layering in new and interesting ways. As stylists, we don’t see Ananya as too skinny; her limbs are beautifully proportioned. None of us take trolls seriously. The idea is to always try and create an impact.


PROM QUEEN: This fresh-off-the-runway dress was for the Femina Beauty Awards. The handmade outfit has a lot of metal-wire detailing


LAYERING LOVE: People usually layer on a bustier but for this outfit, which Ananya wore for a TV interview in December last year, we did an apron layering on the skirt. It really caught on

RUFFLE EFFECT: For the Filmfare Style Awards in December 2019, we went with a fitted black leather dress with a pink ruffle. Since this was her first style award, we decided against a predictable gown. It was interesting as everyone else wore long dresses

TULLE PERFECTION: Since Ananya is going to be wearing gowns for the rest of her life, we decided to go down a different route for the Filmfare Awards. Tulle is young and refreshing and the colour vibrant. A skirt with a bra-top is different from what people usually wear on the red-carpet



STRIKING GOLD: Ananya wore this for one of Armaan Jain and Anissa Malhotra wedding events. Because it was a head-to-toe gold-and-lace look, we went light on the styling. There were no earrings, just a simple choker and gold bangles

ON THE EDGE: This is one of her standout looks. It is an elevated pantsuit with an edgy twist—a cream blazer paired with cropped pants (almost the length of cycling shorts) and a bandeau

IN FINE FORM: For the Filmfare curtain raiser in early February, we wanted to go with a sexy vibe with finesse. The pink taffeta bow on this thick crepe number was eye-catching

Designer Tarun Tahiliani behind Priyanka Chopra's hot cover look in July issue of InStyle defends the "lack of blouse" after trolls squeal, where's the choli?
Shweta Shiware (MID-DAY; June 7, 2019)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas's head rests lightly on her bare shoulder, the drape of the saree caressing her waist. The photograph is accompanied by the cover line: "I want to change the world a little bit."

It's possibly the first time that two of India's powerhouse brands, Priyanka Chopra Jonas (PCJ) and the saree, have graced the cover of a global fashion bible.

US fashion magazine InStyle's July edition cover, out for an early preview, most thought was inspired and path-breaking until the outrage broke on social media. And at the centre of the chaos is the saree, of course.

More pointedly about the way the saree's "graceful decorum" has been disrupted, because it is worn without a blouse. Comments on PCJ's Insta account went nuts on Thursday, including this: Saree is completed with blouse (sic)… respect the attire pls; This is not Indian culture!; How are you changing the world by showing your bare back.

The designer behind the saree, Tarun Tahiliani, who crafted it in sequins, gota and Swarovski crystals, thinks it is yet another example of trial by social media.

"There's nothing vulgar about it. In fact, not using a choli makes it a global statement," he said, breaking into his trademark laugh. Bajirao Mastani was the last PCJ-starrer Tahiliani watched, and says, "The transition from alluring Indian beauty to this modern goddess for a mainstream fashion cover only speaks of her [Priyanka] versatility. She is truly a modern Indian icon".

PCJ, in the interview to the magazine, says sarees are a favourite. "My problem is when it comes to Indian fashion, there are always these shiny, sequinned, over-the-top Christmas-tree outfits. Those are not the sarees I wear. I grew up with my mother wearing sarees to the hospital, as a doctor. She'd wear these beautiful ones made of French chiffon, with a bindi over here. And the nape of her neck would smell like Dior's Poison. That, to me, was a modern woman. And that's what I want to show the world."

Ami Patel, the actor's stylist for her India appearances, says PCJ and the saree share a special relationship. "Personally, I can't drape a saree, but she can nail it down with just three safety pins. She comes into her own in a saree; whether a jamdani with a three quarter blouse like she wore to the Padma Shri Awards in 2016 (above; left), or this sexy one on the cover."

Ironically, the modest accompaniments that the champions of Indian culture are upholding — the blouse and petticoat — are in fact, British imports. Sabyasachi Mukherjee's ruffled saree worn by PCJ in a photo-spread on the inside pages of the said magazine, was also critiqued for "objectifying the dress". And again, the blouse, or the lack of it, was lamented: "This is just a bra with material wrapped around waist (sic)."

InStyle's editor-in-chief Laura Brown said it was in fact, PCJ who suggested they embrace Indian fashion in the shoot, and called her "un-self-conscious and a rare bird". Sometimes, fashion sets out to provoke. Sometimes, it provokes by accident. But clearly, the only worthy Insta comment on the issue came from Brown herself — #sareenotsorry.


PCJ in a ruffled Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree

Kangana Ranaut reveals she'll flaunt a 'unique saree' designed by Falguni Shane Peacock for her second outing at Cannes Film Festival
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 13, 2019)

A gruelling schedule of Panga behind her, Kangana Ranaut is in the mood for a heady dose of cinema, couture and French Riviera. Before she heads to the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, the actor, who is representing Grey Goose at the event, reveals that her clothes will reflect the theme 'Live Victoriously'.

"The clothes I wear will have drama. At the same time, as an Indian actor, I have the responsibility of endorsing our weavers, and wearing outfits that reflect our rich heritage. My stylist Ami Patel and I have been brainstorming for a few weeks. We, along with Falguni and Shane Peacock, are designing a unique saree. The idea is to bring the forgotten weaves to the fore so that the world is more aware of our rich fabrics and culture," says Ranaut.

Easily one of the most fashionable actors in the business, Ranaut says she isn't one to fuss over a red carpet appearance for months. "I was so busy with Panga. I had to gain almost 10 kilos for the film. During trials, I realised I have to lose some weight," she laughs.

Citing the Met Gala's theme of Camp this year, she emphasises that having a unique style of dressing is essential at such international galas. "In 2012, I attended Rakesh Roshan's birthday party sporting a no-eyebrows look. So risqué dressing has never been a deterrent. I was one of the first actresses to wear sarees to the airport. When I was seeing the Met Gala pictures, I thought that in India, the real queen of Camp would be Rekha ji. It's wonderful how Priyanka [Chopra Jonas] and Deepika [Padukone] are making their mark there."

Manish D Mishra (DNA; August 19, 2017)

In a small span of time, Athiya Shetty has emerged to be one of the coolest dressers in Bollywood. Be it her appearances at promotional events or at airports — her style exudes an air of chic, simplicity and ease. The tall and statuesque beauty talks about brainstorming with her stylist and the red carpet scene in India...

How do you and your stylist brainstorm?
My stylist Ami Patel and I have a styling group on WhatsApp, where we share images, references and cool things we like. Ami keeps my personality in mind while styling me and does that beautifully. I love the person that she is. I am very close to her. She encourages me to try different new things and experiment. I like to keep it simple and easy and she is somebody who I just get along well with both personally and professionally, and when you have both things, it’s a win-win.

Which is your favourite fashion era?
I wore some ’70s-inspired looks in Mubarakan. I love that decade, especially the flared denims and I am constantly in them. I love the crop tops too. It’s easy and comfortable and at the same time chic. I am still in that phase two years later.

How do you see your style evolution?
I think, I am more aware of what I want to be projected as and what suits me. I am more comfortable and confident. I think that happens as you grow older, what looks good on you and what doesn’t. I have become confident today and I’m trying to experiment a lot more. I am a very simple person and dress very simply in my personal life. I love boyfriend jeans and mom jeans and love pairing them with crop tops and keds. I like to keep it simple and classic.

What would you wear at the Met ball?
I think, it’ll be a pantsuit. (Smiles)

What’s your take on the red carpet scene in India?
I don’t take myself too seriously. People assume that I think about my clothes a lot, but I really don’t. Like this outfit (I’m wearing) we figured it out this morning itself. I like clothes and enjoy putting them together and have an eye for it. Also, it’s a teamwork. I feel that without Ami, I wouldn’t be as stylish as people consider me to be.

Your favourite designers and why?
I am not such a designer person. I like shopping at different places and it depends on what catches my eye. My current favourite is Bibhu Mohapatra. I wore Prabal Gurung for the first time recently and loved it.

Do you enjoy shopping?
I don’t like shopping, I get tired and impatient. I am not a shopper, but I love clothes and accessories. I hate trying on clothes. I am a very lazy shopper. When the Mubarakan team used to shop in London, I would just sit and chit-chat.

Do you have a liking for any accessory?
I love keds — have more than 100 pairs — Adidas Original, Nike and Yeezy. You have to convince me to wear high heels.

Which city according to you is the fashion capital of the world?
New York is very personality driven. Their outfits speak for who they are. NYC is more versatile and find all kinds of people.

Who are your style icons?
I love Kendall and Gigi — admire their confidence, grace with which they carry their clothes. It’s not like she’s wearing an expensive dress. She’ll just wear a white T-shirt, but pulls it off beautifully.