'Watching movies educates and informs my work as a costume designer': Nachiket Barve

My personal style is: A balancing act between minimalism and maximalism. I wear only black, so my wardrobe is a spectrum of shades of Carbon, Ebony, Charcoal and Jet Black. However, I love maximalist accessories too, so you will find a lot of silver jewellery, neon shoes and bold graphic bags.

My personal style icon: Azzedine Alaia and Coco Chanel.  Alaia wore the chicest minimalist uniform of black when working in his atelier— a pared down refined look that he absolutely owned. On the other hand, the timeless and unique style of Coco Chanel, whose look celebrated the monochrome palette accented with bold and very individual accessories.

An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: I buy and cherish pieces that hold personal meaning and value to me. Most items are bought to celebrate a special moment or things that have caught my eye while travelling. I remember buying a silver cuff in Delhi on the way to receive the National Award for Best Costume Designer,  that holds a special memory. It’s so important to buy things that truly mean something to you over a longer period of time.

My favourite souvenir from my travels is: To be honest, I keep collecting and buying things from my travels like a magpie! A pair of bejewelled lizard brooches that I bought separately in Jaipur and Florence remain favourites. They were bought in two different cities but are twins and probably made in the same atelier. It’s a great reminder of the borderless world that fashion inhabits!

The best gift I have received: An exquisite pashmina shawl that is just incredible in its mastery and timelessness. Also a monogrammed bag that I received from someone who I hold in great esteem. It was personally chosen and gifted to mark a milestone. The thought behind gifts and the personal attention is what makes each gift special I believe.

The best gift I have given: Custom-making pieces for friends and family is something that brings me great joy. Clothes are clothes,  but they become markers of milestones, special moments and bring great joy to living. To see someone live fully wearing something I have custom created for them brings me utmost happiness.

The last thing I bought: An antique Tibetan turquoise and silver cuff that I got from the most graceful lady in Ladakh who was selling antique jewellery. I asked her, “What’s the one thing you feel I must get from your collection?” and as luck would have it, both of us liked the same piece. It’s apparently rare to have this kind of green turquoise in India and Tibet, and more importantly, the whole ballet of the acquisition felt so meaningful and not transactional at all, that always leaves a wonderful sentiment to a purchase.

The last book I read: Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi”. I loved the film and then discovered the book. I reread it recently and it remains one of my favourites for the sheer imagination, the philosophy it tries of explain, and how it makes you think and question what you believe about life.

The last film I loved: ‘Parasite’.  It was incredible in terms of the layers of storytelling, the beauty of the frames, the biting commentary on societal inequalities and the whiplash ending. I love the movies, how they transport you to another world, make you empathise with characters that are fictional and open windows into new dimensions. Watching movies is also something that educates and informs my work as a  costume designer.

My Spotify list would include these songs: Feeling Good- Nina Simone, Can’t help falling in love- Elvis Presley, Take Five- The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Tsimsum- Life of Pi by Mychael Danna, Apertura- The Motorcycle Diaries, Tere Mere Sapne- Guide, Ray of Light- Madonna. My music preferences vary widely as per my mood, from The Weeknd to Mohammed Rafi, I can listen to the whole gamut in a day’s span.

My beauty/ wellness routine is: Basic but consistent. A mild face wash, moisturiser and non-comedogenic sunscreen. I have very sensitive skin so I stick to the same products. A good fragrance is something I love and have worn the same two fragrances for over two decades. Recently I have been experimenting with newer scents and come to love them as well— again my mood dictates the scent for the day— fresh and citrusy sometimes, woody and spicy some days.

My favourite holiday destination: I am happiest in the midst of nature, whether on safari in the jungles of India or Africa, photographing and being with wildlife in its natural habitat is something I enjoy tremendously. Tadoba Tiger reserve in India and Amboseli National Park in Kenya are favourites. For a more leisurely holiday, the beach is my solace. Especially now being a father, it’s a relaxing escape from work. Snorkelling in Phuket and lazing in Goa are both wonderful and easily accessible for a short break.

I love to collect: Books and magazines. Even as a child, I remember being fascinated by the world of discovery tucked inside the pages of books and magazines. I have been collecting old issues of fashion magazines and National Geographic since my teens and have issues dating back to the 1950s. Books on design, art, fashion and architecture have always been a source of inspiration and wonder for me. Books on Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci nestle next to Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Monet and Van Gogh.

My fridge always has: A whole slew of sauces and ingredients. I enjoy cooking [ I would have been a wildlife photographer or a chef, had I not been a designer]  so there’s always some Asian sauces and chilli oil, assorted cheeses, marinated food ready for the grill and plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs. I like to create my own recipes based on what produce we have at home and sometimes look out for simple, fresh and colourful recipes from Jamie Oliver and Donna Hay.

Minimalism or maximalism: Both! Minimalism creates order and consistency. Maximalism brings personality and expression. The tension between the two is where I thrive.

My home looks like: My home is also designed the same way— minimal lines with maximal accents. There’s a lot of Indian folk art as I absolutely feel inspired by the colours and forms in Indian art, whether the graceful Pichwais, the robust Madhubanis or the fierce Gond paintings. There are sculpture and artefacts sourced from travel. A lot of plants for blur the interior and exterior, and black and white wildlife images that I have photographed. Of course no home is personal without the images of people living there, so there’s collages of family photos in personal spaces.

My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: I feel like a perfect hybrid and my work reflects this contrast— traditional techniques of craft rendered in a modern motif. Like zardozi done in a pattern inspired by the deserts of Africa or appliqué done in the form of giant monochrome flowers. I love the idea of questioning and challenging tradition and creating something contemporary out of its tool set. 

My best ideas come when: I am most relaxed and meditative. I feel I tap into my subconscious and create something most liberated. Doodling while chatting on the phone, walking around a garden or even watching something on the television, sometimes the path of least resistance is the best way.

The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: To walk around local markets and buy mogra gajras, fresh produce or home made papads or pickles, artefacts and chatais from  artisans who make it themselves. The smile you see on someone’s face when you buy their whole basket of flowers in a swoop and the sheer relief that illuminates their face is worth every penny.

My idea of happiness is: The tight embrace of my daughter before bedtime and the continuing hope in the Universe that everything will be fine. Being around family, enjoying my work and being able to bring smiles to people in my realm is what makes me happy.

Lifestyle