Showing posts with label Priya Patil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priya Patil. Show all posts

The president of Nauru taking inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan makes me ecstatic-Priya Patil

A tie fit for a president
Stylist Priya Patil with Amitabh Bachchan

After Bachchan’s tie-bows in KBC 13 catch Nauru Prez Aingimea’s attention, veteran’s stylist approached by Nauru govt to create collection for leader
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 10, 2021)

It isn’t uncommon for Amitabh Bachchan’s on-screen style to be replicated by millions across the country. But the megastar’s suave appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 13 has earned him a new admirer — the President of the Republic of Nauru, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea. Bachchan’s stylist Priya Patil reveals that last month, she was requested to design a collection of tie-bows, similar to the ones the superstar wears on the quiz show, for the president.

Patil is naturally elated as she introduced the tie-bow — an accessory inspired by the Victorian cravat — this season. “I have used brooches, embroidery, and ribbons for Mr Bachchan’s tie-bows. In Nauru, one will find many Bollywood fans. President Lionel Rouwen Aingimea put in a request for the tie-bow after he saw Mr Bachchan’s styling and was fascinated by his wardrobe,” says the designer, who has styled Bachchan for commercials and two of his upcoming movies.

Knowing that the veteran prefers classic cuts in deep hues of greys and browns, she elevates the look with accessories. Little had she imagined that her quirky take would catch the attention of the political leader in the Central Pacific island country. Patil adds, “A member from the Nauru government contacted me, and requested me to design a collection of tie-bows and accessories for the president. It is an honour. Mr Bachchan is adored by many, and is the ultimate fashion icon. The president taking inspiration from him makes me ecstatic.”

The designer has begun work on the collection, having received a mood board that reflects the various aesthetic and cultural elements of the country. “[They have sent references of] their national bird, their national flag’s colours, the country crest and theme, and finally, the colours that the president likes. Based on these [elements], I will design the collection.”

For Amitabh Bachchan on KBC, we used brooches, collar pins as they can be sanitized-Priya Patil

Final touches before camera rolls
In a bid to ensure Amitabh Bachchan's safety amid the pandemic, Kaun Banega Crorepati stylist discusses how megastar's clothing goes through sanitisation before shoot
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; October 11, 2020)

Dress him up in a regal bandhgala, a classic suit or a quirky blazer, Amitabh Bachchan will pull them off with aplomb. The megastar, who turns 78 today, is a timeless fashion icon who keeps abreast of international trends and isn't afraid to experiment.

As the host of the ongoing Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bachchan is seen flaunting distinct formal wear, five times a week. His wardrobe was earlier designed by leading couturiers, Rohit Bal and Ravi Bajaj, with Priya Patil serving as the stylist. She took over the reins in 2018. "He embraces unusual silhouettes, so he is the easiest star to work with. There are times when I wonder if a particular piece will look appealing, but when Mr Bachchan wears it, the outfit comes alive because of his charisma and personality," says the stylist-designer.

Work on his outfits begins as soon as the prep for the show is underway. Patil informs that the meetings were conducted virtually this year due to the pandemic. "He prefers dark colours like black, maroon and navy blue. As it is a late evening show, three-piece suits and bandhgalas go well, but there is a pop of colour in the pocket handkerchief, scarves and socks," she says.

Even as the focus was on upping his style quotient, there was an added responsibility this year to ensure Bachchan's safety. Where the host experimented with different tie knots last year—including the eldredge, trinity and rose knots—Patil did away with them this time around as they would need to be fixed constantly during the shoot. "Considering we are practising physical distancing, we have introduced brooches and collar pins instead. They can be easily sanitised as well."

Patil works out of her workshop in suburban Mumbai. "Once the outfits are tailored, we ensure minimum physical contact. When they are brought to the set at Film City, they are sprayed with disinfectants before being dispatched to his vanity van," says the designer, who wears a hazmat suit and has to go through sanitiser showers while on the set. The fabric and buttons would earlier be imported from Italy and the UK. "This year they were sourced from local traders since importing was difficult."

Priya Patil, stylist

Exclusive: Imported buttons, fabric from Italy for Amitabh Bachchan’s suits in Kaun Banega Crorepati 11

Amitabh Bachchan in the upcoming season of KBC (left) and Priya Patil
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 1, 2019)

Amitabh Bachchan is known as much for his sartorial elegance as he is for his towering performances. Whether it’s a casual outing or formal, the superstar is always on point. As the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Big B looks dapper in his perfectly-tailored suits, blazers, quirky ties and formal scarves. Every season, AB introduces a new fashion element. If it was the brooch pins on ties last year, the upcoming season will see him sporting different types of tie knots.

Priya Patil, who has been styling him for seven years and personally designing since the last two years, says that she starts the season with a style guide. “It has a broad outlook of how the look will be and then we decide the details from there. I introduced the three-piece suit last year, which he had never worn before on the show. But, it was his suggestion to add brooch pins on ties. It had come from the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Prince had sported it. Initially, I found it difficult to find it in the fashion stores, but after Prince Harry introduced it and Bachchan wore it in the promo of KBC, it became a trend within a week’s time, and shops started stocking it. This year, we will continue with the three-piece suit, but will experiment with different techniques of tie knots like the Eldredge knot, Trinity knot, Rose knot, Resurrection knot, etc.”

The cloth of his suits is imported from Italy as the Big B likes to wear those that have 120 thread count. “The fabric has a nice fall and I look for checks and solid colours. Even the buttons are imported. We do a lot of trials and fittings,” says Priya.

The best part about designing for the superstar, she says, is that he is open to everything. “He likes the classic look and considering the format of the show, it works best and he looks great. Bachchan likes to wear deep colours such as black and wine, which he carries very well. Keeping that in mind, we also play around with the accessories. This time, we will do detailing on lapel pins as well, but that’s minimalistic,” she says, signing off.