The last week was rather fashion-heavy. Not that I don’t have to dress up for work or public appearances otherwise, but I won laurels for being fashionable. How cool is that!
I walked the runway for Delhi-based designer duo Gauri and Nainika at the fashion week held in Mumbai last week. They made me wear a classic black and white gown which I found extremely beautiful. As I chatted with the duo post the show, I discovered that the inspiration for their collection was the legendary actress, Audrey Hepburn. But the diva isn’t their idol alone. For as long as I can remember, she’s been my style icon, too! Simple, classic and elegant... that’s my style.
Although I believe it’s important to keep up with trends that rule the fashion circuit, one shouldn’t lose his or her individuality. I’ve always believed that you should wear what suits your personality and makes you comfortable. Comfort brings out confidence and adds that extra something to your trendy piece of clothing. Any sort of discomfort reflects in your body language and ends up ruining the whole effort.
Fashion also got me to Delhi over the weekend. I was here to pick up an award as the ‘Fashion Icon of the Year’. To be labelled a youth icon is a huge responsibility. Everything you do is closely observed, scrutinised and even followed. This is why I’m also very selective about brands I endorse, whether it’s a cola or an airline company. I only pick brands that I think have a connect and will help me communicate with the consumers. And to convince the consumer to pick the brand I’m talking about, I have to be convinced first.
{{/usCountry}}Fashion also got me to Delhi over the weekend. I was here to pick up an award as the ‘Fashion Icon of the Year’. To be labelled a youth icon is a huge responsibility. Everything you do is closely observed, scrutinised and even followed. This is why I’m also very selective about brands I endorse, whether it’s a cola or an airline company. I only pick brands that I think have a connect and will help me communicate with the consumers. And to convince the consumer to pick the brand I’m talking about, I have to be convinced first.
{{/usCountry}}I also get very possessive about my brands because after the first few months, it’s not a mere brand association, it’s a relationship that I have invested in. We work as a team — creatives are planned, strategies are discussed and suggestions go back and forth — and that’s why I enjoy being a part of this process.
Endorsements also remind me of my modelling days when I used to be heavily into television commercials, print shoots and promotional activities. But after receiving the award for being an icon, I’ve realised that there’s so much that goes into becoming one. People look up to you as an idol and you can’t afford to disappoint them. I’m working extremely hard to climb the success ladder, and ‘iconic’ mentions like these only serve as inspirations.
Write to me at deepika.padukone@hindustantimes.com