'I admire Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar, she was a true pioneer of finesse'

My personal style is: My personal style is an extension of my design philosophy. It also stems from my childhood in Kolkata and being a Rajasthani. I have had access to beautiful craft and textiles from both cultures. Modest, easy, breezy, season-fluid and feminine clothes find their way in my everyday dressing. I have a special fascination for granny dresses, wallpaper and Prairie prints, intricate itsy embroidery and dusty pastels. However, as conflicting as it sounds, I also gravitate a lot towards vibrant Indian weaves in vivid hues and rustic crafts. I would say my personal style is deeply rooted in nostalgia and craft. The look of the way I dress is global and contemporary but the soul is purely Indian.

My personal style icon: My eternal style is Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar. I deeply admire her, she was so ahead of her times and a true pioneer of finesse. She was the first woman to order chiffon saris from France, to get her bejeweled shoes customised in Ferragamo ateliers, to having a live jewel encrusted turtle as a talisman in the casinos of Monte Carlo. She was the immortal fairytale princess who was equally stylish in her maiden home in Baroda and her married home in Cooch Behar. She was in European balls and nightclubs and had a distinct style which paved a way for how modern Indian sophisticated women chose to dress.

An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: There are many pieces in my wardrobe which are special because of more than one reason. My nani's saris from Madam Chorosch and some beautiful gota saris are repeatedly worn by me. I love some beautiful craft-oriented jackets which I have picked up from all over the world. But my favourite piece is a fine jamdani off-white kurta which is now tattered, but has more character. It was the first gift my husband gave me and I wear it every summer.

My favourite souvenir from my travels is: My beautiful silver jewellery. And my hieroglyphic carvings from Egypt are very special to me.

The best gift I have received: My favourite perfume gifted by my children years ago from saved pocket-money (and the rest being indulgently sponsored by their grandmother). The empty bottle still finds a place on the dressing table.

The best gift I have given: It would be difficult for me to identify the best gift I have given to anyone. However I put in effort and emotions and don’t believe in random gifting.

The last thing I bought: A need-based pair of Fit-flops courtesy two fractured toes.

The last book I read: I am re-reading 'Discovery of India' by Jawaharlal Nehru. It was my reference book for my History honours programme, but now I am enjoying it for pleasure.

The last film I loved: I am a movie buff and go to the cinema pretty regularly, and the last few Hollywood and Bollywood movies have been fabulous. I loved a spy thriller called 'The Amateur'. I also enjoyed 'The Diplomat' starring John Abraham, and 'Kesari 2' starring Akshay Kumar.

My Spotify list would include these songs: A mix of Elton John and Stevie Wonder to old Kishore Kumar. Also Jubin Nautiyal.

My beauty/ wellness routine is: I love skin care and love old-school facials rather than the fancy dermat treatments. A fairly clean eating plan along with strength training and daily prayers are an intrinsic part of my wellness journey. I do feel I need to upgrade it a bit more.

My favourite holiday destination: I have been going to Greece very frequently for work and simply love the blue sea, Mediterranean cuisine, the warm people and beautiful islands.

I love to collect: Precious, semi-precious and costume jewellery, though I rarely wear any. Also I collect lots of different coffees and chocolates from all over.

My fridge always has: Loads of ice creams and chocolates for my nocturnal bingeing.

Minimalism or maximalism: I am maximal minimalist!

My home looks like: Lived in and functional, but with lots of art and greenery. And a huge garden.

My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: My own label.

My best ideas come when: Strangely after a big Sunday lunch and a nap.

The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: A day by the sea—resting, rejuvenating and recuperating.

My idea of happiness is: Escaping the daily grind and travelling. I feel completely happy and at ease when I board a flight.

Lifestyle