'I dress how I feel. And I always own the room': designer Maheka Mirpuri 

My personal style is: Being unapologetically me. I could live in a crisp white shirt with blue jeans—effortless, pure, and quietly powerful. I actually own now 33 white shirts, each with its own unique detailing. There’s something about white—it holds its own power. Nothing matches the confidence of a perfectly tailored white shirt.

And my accessories? Non-negotiable. There’s always a touch of drama, a flash of dazzle, and a whole lot of authenticity. I dress how I feel. And I always own the room.

My personal style icon: A blend of JLo’s boldness and Sarah Jessica Parker’s eclectic flair—but always with a pinch of my own spice. Fashion should express, not impress. Be inspired, but original. And please, never be a fashion victim.

An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: A hand-painted scarf from my early design days. I created it with a heart full of dreams. Today, it reminds me how far I’ve come—from one sketch to a legacy stitched with love, hustle, and vision.

My favourite souvenir from my travels is: A little red cowbell from Switzerland. It jingles like a memory—of Lucerne’s calm, Zurich’s charm, and those postcard-perfect views. Who knew a tiny keychain could hold such a loud reminder of peace.

The best gift I’ve received: My three-tiered Bvlgari Serpenti watch. It’s not just a timepiece—it’s a power piece. It was something I had my eye on for years and finally my husband gifted it to me. Every time I wear it, it reminds me of milestones I’ve earned.

The best gift I’ve given: A paper collage I handcrafted for a close friend—it mapped his journey, moment by moment. A wall hanging he will see, cherish and remember forever.

The last thing I bought: The VLogo Signature Metal and Swarovski Minaudière by Valentino. It’s a statement. A great add-on to my collection.

The last book I read: ‘The Laws of the Spiritual World’ by Korshed Bhavnagri. A book that doesn’t just sit on my shelf—I return to it. For answers. For reminders. For stillness in a loud world.

The last film I loved: Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starter ‘Fighter’. It was fast, fearless, full of fire. The music, the emotion, the cinematography— it stayed with me. But when I want comfort cinema, it’s ‘Sex and the City’ or ‘Pretty Woman’, I can watch them endlessly. There’s something about love, labels, and unapologetic femininity that never gets old.

My Spotify list would include: Retro English hits from the 80s–90s, timeless Bollywood hits, Afro House for energy, and Frank Sinatra when I want that mood. My playlist is my passport—wherever the vibe takes me.

My beauty/wellness routine is: Always polished. Nails, hair, skin—they’re part of my energy hygiene. Hydra facials monthly, massages when needed, and enough water to float a yacht. Beauty, for me, is care—not cosmetics.

My favourite holiday destination: London. It’s more than a city—it’s my nostalgia. Grew up between its skies and sidewalks. The weather is moody, the style is elegant and crisp.

I love to collect: White shirts. Big belts. Trainers. Hats. Watches. Timeless things that speak volumes. They all hold stories—of places, people, and parts of me.

My fridge always has: Chia seeds and blueberries—a daily dose of clean energy. Chia works quietly to ease bloating and balance digestion, while blueberries bring in antioxidants that fuel my skin and spirit. Wellness begins here—in the small, consistent rituals that add up to radiance.

Minimalism or maximalism: Maximalism—with purpose. I believe in impact—bold lines, rich details, unapologetic choices. Style should turn heads and tell stories.

My home looks like: Elegant, artful, and alive. It smells like fresh blooms and carries an energy of welcome. People say they feel good when they walk in. That’s the real décor. A heartfelt warm welcome with positive vibes.

My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: A Banarasi vibrant lehenga styled with a sharp short blazer. Or a classic Paithani with a crochet embellished blouse or a Chantilly long jacket—it creates magic. Like I did for my Modern Maharani collection. It was from Banaras to Bridgerton.

My best ideas come when: I’m on the move. Whether I’m globe-trotting or just rearranging fabrics in my salon, motion stirs magic. The muse loves momentum.

The best way to spend ₹20,000 is: Give to it Tata Memorial hospital, I run a fundraiser MCAN for them. That amount could mean someone’s treatment, someone’s hope. We are the lucky ones. Giving doesn’t take away—it multiplies grace. Always give. 

My idea of happiness is: Being real. Doing what I love. Not comparing to others. Setting my own benchmarks. Staying rooted in gratitude. And knowing that even on hard days—I’m still blessed.

Lifestyle