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In Conversation With Karisma Kapoor's Stylist - Esha Amin!



Esha started her career as a fashion designer in a European fashion house, and then stumbled upon her true calling of being a stylist. Since then she has come a long way. Her strength lies in her sartorial sense of style, ability to bring in a unique perspective to commercial fashion by effortlessly fusing it with unconventional styling and her experience of working with the best in the business. In November 2014 Esha decided to combine her love of styling and designing by launching her label, Eshaa Amiin which a niche women’s wear clothing line.


Investing in the right stylist has become essential for all b-town celebrities to maintain their top spot on the ladder. Esha Amin works as a stylist to many leading stars in Bollywood including - Karishma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Janavi Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Chitrangada Singh, Amy Jackson, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sania Mirza to name a few more. We caught up celebrity stylist and designer, Esha Amin to find out what it's like to b a stylist to the stars.




What does style mean to you?

It’s a form of expression.


Tell us about your journey as a stylist?

It all started with joining NIFT, so I’m a NIFT graduate in Fashion Design. So it all started from there, I worked for about three and a half years in a European export house as a designer and during that time I would often travel abroad for design meetings with various brands. I would also do look book shoots for them wherein I would get a chance to style things. That’s when I realised that I do have a flair for styling which I must explore. Slowly I moved to trying a few independent projects and realised that I can easily handle this. One of my first appearances for a celebrity was in 2012, when I styled Sania Mirza, for one of the awards that she won. My first add was Amul Macho, and from then on there was no looking back.


What is the inspiration behind your styling aesthetic?

I get inspired by my travel experiences. I keep traveling to explore new places and countries, and there’s a certain spirit that each place has, which you learn from. It gives you a new perspective and it’s interesting when you can add your own twist.


What are the things you keep in mind while styling a celebrity?

First and foremost, I try to understand who the person is and their image. I then look at the body type, colour tone and his/her vibe. For example, Janavi Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor may both be UK 8, but their vibe is very different, so you have to style everyone as per their vibe, personality, what works for them and what doesn’t work for them. It is also important to understand where they are going and their image. There’s a certain understanding that you need to have about their personality and eventually, you understand their style - in terms of what looks good on them and what doesn’t. So, over a period of time you are able to understand their requirements and their comfort. The fun part is that every time you have to push them to try something new and different from what they’ve done before.




Things you keep in mind when you’re dressing someone with a petite frame like Karisma Kapoor?

I avoid anti-fit, androgynous and baggy clothes that overshadow her physical appearance and make her look lost. I like to keep her outfits simple and avoid pieces that have too much going on - especially horizontal stripes that tend to make her look shorter. Colours play a very important role for her and I think she looks her best in white and black, and also bright colours.


One thing I always keep in mind when I dress Karisma is to keep it elegant and sophisticated because that is her zone. She’s not a biker chick, she likes being prim and proper - very Beverly Hills Mom kind of a thing. Whatever I do , an airport look, red carpet look or something Indian, I make sure that it’s elegant and ladylike.




A celebrity you love dressing?

I love dressing Saif Ali Khan. He’s a lot of fun to work and looks great in almost everything. I think he’s one of the classiest and nicest people around.



One look that you enjoyed styling?

One of my favourite’s was Janavi Kapoor's look for the Peacock Magazine cover.





Quick tips for a bride for the upcoming wedding season?

Experiment with colours, don’t just look at red look beyond cause there’s a lot more than that.


Wardrobe staples that every woman should have?

A little black dress, white shirt, well-fitted blue jeans, heels in black and nude.


Wardrobe staples for a man?

I would say a pair of black trousers, well-fitted shirt, one suit is a must, a pair of jeans and leather casual shoes.


Your closet staples?

I don’t like playing it that safe. Although, I tend to stock on a lot of basics that I can mix and match in multiple ways making me look different every time I wear it. So you’ll find a lot of plain t-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, jackets, denim in all shades. I do of course, have a few LBD’s and trending pieces. I add a pop of colour with shoes and jewellery. My closet staples are a combination of pieces that you can re-use.


Who is your style icon and why?

I love Sarah Jessica Parker, I think she’s got something very timeless about her.


What according to you are some current fashion trends that everyone should have?

Neon’s and metallics are two trends that I totally feel one should experiment with. Be it a day brunch or wear neon on the red carpet, it’s a trend that's here to stay for this season.


What's your favourite genre of fashion?

There are too many but I think power dressing is something that I like to experiment with - be it on the red carpet, be it for a day formal look or an edgy night out. There’s a lot that one can do with that.


Who are your favourite designers?

Indian, I love Anamika Khanna. Internationally, I love Ellie Saab, there's something very surreal about him.




Describe your personal style in three words.

Sexy, spontaneous, sartorial


Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?

Minimalist


Your guilty pleasure?

Chocolates


A show that you’re currently watching on Netflix?

Sacred Games


Sneakers or heels?

Sneakers


Colour blocking or monotone?

Colour blocking

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