It’s easy to forget the effort that goes into creating the perfect red carpet look, the perfect editorial shoot, the perfect summer lookbook. We only see the final result which in all its glossiness makes it all look super easy. The wearer takes all the credit, whereas the curator of the look revels backstage. This article wants to bring these backstage actors to the limelight. Here’s a glimpse into the world of styling; via interviews with three very talented stylists.
PRASOON SHARMA – FASHION STYLIST AND FOUNDER OF TRILL
Tell us a little about your background in fashion, how did you get started?
I own a degree in Fashion Design from INIFD in Andheri, Mumbai. Since I was a child I was fond of art, especially design. I used fabric to make small art pieces & drapes back home, not knowing much about fashion as I hail from a very small town in Rajasthan. I came to Jaipur to do my BBA. It was there that I realized there are courses such as fashion design and fashion design schools. I really wanted to get in one but my parents were against it. We did not speak for almost a year, after which they gave in, I dropped out from my BBA course in the second year and went straight to Bombay that’s how it all started!
Most of the time we see the finished outcome, what is it like behind the scenes?
Lots of running around, chaos and lengthy discussion with the pattern maker.
What is your creative process like? How do you go about it? What inspires you?
It takes a lot of research, redos, undos, patience and many trials before you finalize the outfit. My design process is very different from other designers. They sketch and then buy fabrics; I prefer to buy the fabrics first and then design. The festivals all across the world inspire me! It’s the mix of people from different countries, cultures, the happy vibe, dance, music…
You have recently launched TRILL; tell us more about the brand and your role in it?
I am the founder & designer of the label. TRILL stands for true identity – staying true to oneself. We make fun clothes, which reflect our personality; it makes the wearer confident and happy.
What is your best work so far?
This was my first time working with latex for menswear; nobody has done it until now. I was skeptical going in but it did amazingly well for our label.
What’s your personal style like?
My personal style is evolving everyday drawing from what’s happening around the world. The more you grow, the more you find out about yourself. I don’t stick to any one style, but if I had to pick one – I’m mostly old school. Vintage loose shirts are my favourites!
Lastly, we need expert advice, what styles do you recommend for this season?
This season go for big jackets, indigo-washed denim, statement jewelry, and sporty looks.
NEHA CHUGH – FASHION STYLIST – CONDE NAST
Tell us a little about your background in fashion, how did you get started? How did Conde Nast happen?
I never really had a proper fashion degree before I leaped into fashion. I had a clothing store which I had to shut down because it wasn’t doing well; but then I always wanted to be a fashion stylist. So, I took up a short EDITORIAL styling course in London. Came back, applied to several magazines and stylists – got a call back from a very renowned stylist who was then working for Condé Nast India. I interned at Condé Nast- video team and assisted her before she left the company. I learned a lot about how a fashion stylist creates their fashion story from scratch at Central Saint Martin’s, but I learned how to execute it in real life at Condé Nast.
Most of the time we see the finished outcome. What is it like behind the scenes?
It’s madness behind the scenes. It always starts from a mood board, then sourcing, then fitting and then you finalise on a look depending on art, the artist, director, etc. At least 10-15 looks are sourced for just One Final Look, and more so on…
What is your creative process like? How do you go about it? What inspires you?
I don’t have a full proof process as such. But I like to make a mood board first and then take it from there. Inspiration is always around us, sometimes a movie or an illustration, that lady you saw walking on the street, other fashion stories, architecture… It never stops.
Who would be your dream client or brand to work with?
My dream is to style runway looks at New York Fashion Week for brands like Balenciaga, Vetements, Y project, Balmain and many more.
What is your best work so far?
My best work is yet to come. Haha!
What’s your personal style like?
My personal style is a mix of very modern, powerful, street-y, clean cuts and gender fluid. (I don’t know if that makes sense, haha)
Lastly, we need expert advice, what styles do you recommend for this season?
I recommend everyone to wear their personality. Don’t let the clothes wear you.
MOUMITA MAUREEN DAS – DESIGNER AND FASHION STYLIST
Tell us a little about your background in fashion, how did you get started?
I was studying to be a Chartered Accountant when I got interested in fashion. Back in 2012-2013, people used to read and follow blogs for product reviews and styling tips. Insta-blogging wasn’t as popular then, at least not in India. I started writing for blogs like “Peaches and Blush” and “Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog”. By the end of my graduation, I realized that my true passion was styling and I finally did my Masters from NIFT Chennai.
Most of the time we see the finished outcome. What is it like behind the scenes?
The behind-the-scenes of every shoot we do are insanely crazy. The shoot might be for a day or two, but the planning, sourcing, and preparation take days. I spend at least 2-3 sleepless nights putting together each look and for all the fitting sessions. However, it’s fun every single time. I get to meet and interact with lots of people with different ideas. All the beautiful locations we shoot at are obviously a huge perk that comes with the job.
What is your creative process like? How do you go about it? What inspires you?
I find myself drawn mostly towards Indian ethnic and traditional wear. I love taking inspiration from historical and mythological characters, paintings, postcards, and even historical monuments.
I prefer just visualising the looks in my mind first and then I write down the elements of each look that I am planning. Finally, I make sketches of the looks, adapting to the brand’s requirement.
Who would be your dream client or brand to work with?
My dream client would be Ayush Kejriwal. I am absolutely in love with his designs! His sarees are so gorgeous! He and I have a very similar definition of beauty.
What is your best work so far?
I consider all of them my best!
What’s your personal style like?
My personal style is very much inspired by my mood. Some days, I just wear ripped denim, t-shirt, and flip flops. Then there are days when I feel very classic and yet relaxed. I go a for a really comfortably draped cotton saree with a crop top.
Lastly, we need expert advice, what styles do you recommend for this season?
I see a lot of saree bloggers and saree brands on Instagram these days, so definitely saree is the new favourite of the millennials and khaadi is the new luxury purchase. If you aren’t a big fan of the traditional drapes, there are so many others you can experiment with! Be as creative as you want to be or maybe take inspiration from your favourite blogger.
