Many think my job as a stylist is all about fun. Yes, it definitely is fun but it involves a lot of hard work, long hours and stress. Having said that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been a fashion stylist in Mumbai since the past 10 years and have loved every bit of it.
I started my career as an in house stylist for MTV India and till date work with them for all their major shows. Along with MTV my team and I also enjoy styling fun commercials, ads, posters and promos.
Promo shoot for Indias next top model.
We have also done a few web series and a movie but I love fast paced shows related to fashion more.
Entry look on Mtv Splitsvilla.
How it Starts
Let me give you a little more detail on the process. The first and main thing is a script. Once we read a script, next comes referencing. Getting your references and look book right is very important. It is the best way to move forward and to know that everyone involved is on the same page. Style, colours and the look.
Promo shoot with for Mtv Roadies.
Before starting any kind of shopping, sourcing and procuring of things a budget needs to be in place. A lot depends on the amount that you can spend on each look. Going over budget is a strict no. Every script and every shoot has a budget and your creativity has to remain within that boundary.
Look from Mtv Love School
Starting Out at a New Project
So this is how it goes. I get a script, and after reading it there are two important things done. A budget is made and a look book is referenced. Once both are agreed upon by the producer and director a contract is signed with the production house and once advances are released my work begins.
It is always best to have a chat with the person you are about to style, to get an idea of what he or she wants and is comfortable with. Questions like comfort, colour, fit and style is what should be discussed.
Promo shoot from Indias next top model
Stylists of Mtv Roadies.
From the sets of Mtv Roadies.
There are different ways that we go about getting looks together. We can either purchase them, rent them or take them on courtesy basis. Courtesy basis is when sample pieces of a brand is used and tagged on social media by the celebrity wearing their clothes.
Assistants
I have three assistants who work with me on a regular basis. My first being Forum Majithia who has been working with me for the past 6 years, while my second who is Dhanya Shenoy has been working with me for 3 years and Adrina who has now worked with me for 4 years. They are all of varied age and adorable and very hardworking.
Vikas Gupta for Mtv Ace of Space.
Very importantly we all get along exceptionally well and enjoy not only our work but each others company too. We are great as a team and at the end of the day always appreciate each others efforts. We each have our strengths and I try to divide work equally.
Sourcing
I source pieces of an outfit separately. Sometimes a whole outfit can be from one single brand while at other times each piece of clothing that is worn in one look can be from all different designers and stores. I feel small details go a long way and always take pains in things like prints of socks, tie pins, brooches etc. When I am looking to add a personal touch or brand visibility to my styling projects, I like sourcing high-quality custom pieces, like custom socks with logo.
On the other hand, for women, I feel less is more and stick to simple jewellery and stylish shoes to accentuate the outfits.
Designing
Depending on specific looks there are a lot of outfits that I even custom make and design by myself for shoots. Getting a good fabric is the basis of all good designs. Cheap fabrics will always look cheap and even if budgets are difficult a decent fabric should be chosen. My tailors are good and always meet their deadline.
Vj Anusha and I on the sets of her shoot for Pretty Secrets.
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Merry Christmas!
-Bidisha.
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