If I am styling for a client, never impose my preferences on them. I invest time in understanding their preferences and tastes,then I come down to their body type and skin tone,then i consider the silhouettes,texture, colors find out the designers or brands and give them the best of what they demanded.
RK : First of all, thank you so much for taking the time for the interview. First, we’d love to ask how you got to working as a stylist.
Sanya : it's my pleasure to growing up watching Bollywood cinema,Since childhood there was something in me that attracted me towards the world of glamour and fashion.Good clothes,accessories,shoes have always got my attention.Everybody at home also has asked for my suggestions on brands and their looks.Initially I also didn't know that in India there is something called fashion styling so after my high school, I decided to take on a career counseling and from that i came to know that fashion styling is a full -fledged 4year degree program it immediately clicked that oh my god this opportunity is available in India and I only want to pursue styling as a career in my life.
RK : What was one of the most elaborate styling projects that have been working with?
Sanya : That was my first celebrity magazine cover styling.It involved lots and lots of complications and planning including on the spot moments.I was on my toes and made sure everything was prim and proper.
RK : You style a lot of people in the public eye, do you consider yourself to be a trendsetter?
Sanya : I think yes.Starting from nothing and coming a long way i have started making a space in an industry where people are seeing me as a trend setter.
RK : Everyone loves a good deal, what are some of your favorite places to find budget buys?
Sanya :Everygirl’s dream is to find the best deal in a budget so some of budget friendly places are- online apps LULU & SKY, AND, KOOVS,FOREVER21,H&M,ZARA.
RK : What is your favorite item in your closet?
Sanya : I would rather say items- my white shirt,denim jacket and my bell bottom trousers.
RK : If you could choose a celebrity closet to shop in, who would it be and why?
Sanya : I would love to raid Priyanka Chopra’s closet i mean who doesn’t want to raid all those international luxury and high fashion brands.
RK : Do the clothing choices you make at work inspire your personal style?
Sanya : Everybody’s style is different and very personal to them the choices I make for them at work are according to what would they like or will be comfortable in so it's not always necessary that it inspires my personal style.
RK : How do you like to use color?
Sanya : Colors speak a lot about your mood and personality but i like to use colors either in a monochromatic way or as contrasts.
RK : What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Sanya : Most memorable moment in my career is, working with the legend Mr.Govinda sir and his family for 2 days and also styling the ageless beauty Raveena Tandon mam.
RK : Can you take us through your thought process in creating an outfit “style”? Is it the colors, shape, texture? What runs through your head in this creative process?
Sanya : If I am styling for a client, never impose my preferences on them. I invest time in understanding their preferences and tastes,then I come down to their body type and skin tone,then i consider the silhouettes,texture, colors find out the designers or brands and give them the best of what they demanded.
RK : What is the biggest misconception people not working in your field have about your job?
Sanya : Ok so lots of people who are not from my field, still think I am a fashion designer.Please just google fashion stylist guys!
RK : Let's say you could travel back in time to one fashion era, where would you end up? What did you like about that period?
Sanya : I would love to the era of the 50s and 60s and try the new look and the swinging period and yes the space age era.Actually in my college there was also an activity where we all were dressed as a fashion era so I was dressed in 50s.
RK : Which brand would you love to do a styling for?
Sanya :I Would love to style for all the luxury brands like GUCCI,JIMMY CHOO,VERSACE,PRADA ,MORE & MORE
RK : Many say social media is very important. Just how important is it in this industry and for you as a stylist?
Sanya : Oh yes! Social media is really important specially the instagram most of the work queries I get through DM only. So in my case you can say instagram is really helping me in boosting my career.
RK : What advice do you have for emerging stylists who are looking to break into the fashion industry.
Sanya : My advice to the budding stylists are guys please have a basic knowledge of styling through a degree program or a short course. It really helps you to understand the crucial parts of styling in future. Internships are really important, try doing for at least 3-4 months in the area of your interest and please see your worth and be proud of being a stylist not a designer.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to build one single stage for all the artists, because we believe that artists are the most beautiful creation of God and geographical boundary can never break their unity and harmony. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers.
Sanya : It's a great initiative that you guys are taking forward it just boosts the morale of budding artists and make them feel they are not lacking behind anyone.
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