Shalaka Nalawade chats up Mansi Kapadia about styling celebrities, fashion faux pas and Pune’s approach to latest trends and high fashion

Fashion stylist and designer Mansi Kapadia strives to be a perfectionist. With her dedication and hard work, she has climbed the success ladder. Having styled celebrities like Asha Bhosle, Sameera Reddy, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mona Singh and others, Kapadia has carved her own niche.

The Mumbai-designer has also styled for actors and participants on television shows like Nach Baliye 4, Comedy Circus 20-20, MasterChef India and Dance India Dance.

Here, we get up close with the fashion consultant on her work and her fashion and image consulting house ‘Ra – The Styling Studio’, which she launched some time ago. Excerpts:

Given that you come from a Commerce background, what prompted you to take up styling as a career?

It almost just happened by chance. However, when I was younger, everybody at home would take my styling advice for what to wear and what not. That said, I never dreamed of becoming a stylist. After graduating with a degree in commerce, I participated in ‘The Marwar and the Society exhibition’ in 2006 along with a friend. Post that, I started designing and styling for TV shows, and since then it has been a natural and progressive journey.

How did Ra-The Styling Studio happen?

Almost two years ago, I wanted to set up a styling studio for working professionals and at-home moms. I felt others too could benefit from image grooming and consulting. But I guess, it was too early for the Indian audience. So I waited till people were open to the thought. Training with Colour Me Beautiful, UK, gave me the confidence to set up my own studio.

What are the basic guidelines you follow while styling clients?

When styling a celebrity one needs to keep in mind the occasion, his or her body structure and personality.
But when I am styling and grooming professionals from other industries, various other factors come into play. Their regular work wardrobe and their make-up need to effortlessly blend. Budgets need to be kept in mind. Besides, each individual has different issues, most of them don’t have perfectly-toned bodies hence the effort to enhance their positive features acquires prime importance.

What is the biggest style mistake Indian women make?

Many Indian women follow fashion blindly. They seldom think of their personality or the utility of their purchases. It’s great to follow fashion trends but only if they suit you! The balloon dress was in vogue two years ago. Genetically, most Indian women have a pear-shaped body, so balloon dresses are a complete no-no for us.

Can you name a few wardrobe must-haves for a working woman?

There is a list of things a working woman should have like:

– A pair of well-fitted black trousers. Just about any colour shirt or top can go with it.

– Black simple kitten heels.

– A well-fitted blue or black blazer. If you don’t get it off the rack, please custom make it as it can come in handy while travelling as well.

– White and black shirts.You can pick up nice frill neck shirts to add extra style. If you are heavy on the torso, avoid shirts that gape between the buttons.

– Many brands now have a two-in-one bag that can fit your laptop and basic utility items.

What do you think of Pune’s fashion?

I haven’t still ventured majorly into another city, though Pune is a very good market for exhibitions and they are pretty excited about Mumbai-based brands and services. Puneites are eager to stay in trend on the fashion front. I would be glad to extend my services and go to clients in Pune, on appointment basis only, if they have mobility constraints.