She styles the beautiful and the best. Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, Radhika Apte, Shraddha Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar… Shaleena Nathani is the creative mind that puts together starry ensembles. Outfits that not only mirror the individuality of her clients but her own personality as well. Chic, comfortable and sexy… is how she’d like to define her outfits. An athleisure model herself, with a passion for running, this fitness junkie is an Instagram sensation – her sartorial adventures reflecting her passion...
When did you decide to step into the fashion industry?
Fashion was something I was always passionate about. I love dressing up and putting things together. Choosing to work in the industry did cross my mind a few times. But I never thought of it as a possibility. I thought I’d have to study or do something special to get into the field. Having said that, things in my life happened organically. I started working with an export house. Then I got a call to intern at a prestigious fashion magazine. It all just fell into place. I’ve been lucky.
When was the first time you realised you enjoyed styling?
I know this sounds like a cliché. My grandmother and mother have always been fond of dressing up. My grandma would take four hours to get ready. She’d plan her outfit since morning - match her jewellery, choose the perfect blouse for her saree, zero in on the perfect bag to go with the outfit... It was a process. Even my mother was extremely fond of clothes. I’d go shopping with mom to choose her fabrics. We’d make jewellery. I’ve grown up watching two beautiful women being passionate about dressing up.That’s where it all started for me.
How different is editorial styling from styling a celebrity on a regular basis?
During an editorial shoot, you can experiment much more with fashion, layering and colours. A piece of clothing might be uncomfortable to wear but would be required for
the theme of the shoot. You can work around the piece to make it look good. Styling for an event has to be occasion-appropriate depending on whether it’s for an awards function, an interview or promotions. It has to be practical and work from all angles. With editorial styling, you can go all out with make-up and clothes. You can even wear a bizarre pair of shoes because it will work for the shoot.
During an editorial shoot, you can experiment much more with fashion, layering and colours. A piece of clothing might be uncomfortable to wear but would be required for
the theme of the shoot. You can work around the piece to make it look good. Styling for an event has to be occasion-appropriate depending on whether it’s for an awards function, an interview or promotions. It has to be practical and work from all angles. With editorial styling, you can go all out with make-up and clothes. You can even wear a bizarre pair of shoes because it will work for the shoot.
Do you feel the pressure while styling one of the most documented celebrities, Deepika Padukone?
There’s immense pressure when I dress Deepika Padukone. But I guess, I work best under pressure. But most of it is the pressure I put on myself. I’ve learnt not to get swayed by what people say and everything that’s put up on social media. I don’t worry about things going wrong. I follow my instincts.
How would you lend an outrageous element in a regular look for a celebrity?
Style is what you make of fashion. That’s what our job is. To take a colour, a trend and use it appropriately in your own way. I don’t follow trends blindly. It has to work with the occasion, the actor and his/her sense of comfort. We do try new things but if it doesn’t work, it’s okay. The attire should make Deepika feel fine. If she’s uncomfortable then it will fall flat.
Is Deepika hands-on when picking a look or does she go with whatever you choose?
It’s a mix of both. She’s hands-on in terms of when there’s an event, we discuss the attire. I recommend what can work for her. She always asks for my opinion. She’s hands-on in a way that she gives me proper time for fittings. After alterations are done, she again tries them out. She likes to know beforehand what we plan to do with the hair and make-up. There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into a look and we don’t wish to hide that fact. Many professionals put their minds together.
It’s a mix of both. She’s hands-on in terms of when there’s an event, we discuss the attire. I recommend what can work for her. She always asks for my opinion. She’s hands-on in a way that she gives me proper time for fittings. After alterations are done, she again tries them out. She likes to know beforehand what we plan to do with the hair and make-up. There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into a look and we don’t wish to hide that fact. Many professionals put their minds together.
The best thing about her is she’s open to trying new things. That makes our jobs exciting.
If you were to pick one person, dead or alive, to style, who would it be?
I love Michael Jackson. I love Elvis Presley. Even Marilyn Monroe. They had an iconic sense of style. I hope we don’t lose that. If someone wore a jacket, black pants and white gloves, you would know it’s MJ. Similarly, I wish to style people, who have an identifiable sense of dressing and personality.
Any hacks to flatter one’s body?
I love high-waisted stuff. It flatters all kinds of figures. If you’re curvy, it accentuates your waist-line. In today’s day and age, where we are finally appreciating all sizes, which is beautiful, you shouldn’t restrict yourself to clothes of a specific cut. Today, almost all actors are comfortable in their skin. You have to flaunt what you have and celebrate your uniqueness.
How do you describe your personal style?
There has to be an element of cool in my outfits. I have to be sexy, no matter what I wear. I love jeans and tank tops. Even when I dress up, it should appear casual. That’s my style.
A look done by another stylist that you loved?
I loved the way Allia Al Rufai styled Anushka Sharma in a gold and black blazer and trousers. I like what she does with Anushka. She puts her looks nicely.
One celebrity stylist who inspires you?
New York-based celebrity stylist Mimi Cuttrell. Everything she does is so effortless. She takes something that’s already there and puts in on Bella or Gigi Hadid and it becomes trendy. That’s what style is all about.
I loved the way Allia Al Rufai styled Anushka Sharma in a gold and black blazer and trousers. I like what she does with Anushka. She puts her looks nicely.
One celebrity stylist who inspires you?
New York-based celebrity stylist Mimi Cuttrell. Everything she does is so effortless. She takes something that’s already there and puts in on Bella or Gigi Hadid and it becomes trendy. That’s what style is all about.
If you had to pick one look you love of Deepika?
The black suit (designer Marie-Christine Statz), the Prada (stripe on stripe) look and the Alex Perry gown at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Something you regret?
What I gave her for the VMA (Video Music Awards). I’d do it differently today. I don’t hate it though.
The black suit (designer Marie-Christine Statz), the Prada (stripe on stripe) look and the Alex Perry gown at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Something you regret?
What I gave her for the VMA (Video Music Awards). I’d do it differently today. I don’t hate it though.
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