For a renowned stylist and costume designer Poornamrita Singh, styling happened by chance. She started on this path while working at Genesis Production House where she overlooked styling for some TV commercials. Soon she became an assistant costume designer for films like Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do, Sudhir Mishra’s Khoya Khoya Chand and Reema Kagti’s Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.
Poornamrita worked as a costume designer for big Bollywood projects like YRF’s Aurangzeb, Ketan Mehta’s Rang Rasiya, Alankrita Srivasthav’s Turning 30 along with the recently released Baar Baar Dekho. Poornamrita, who apparently knows how to get the best style, told us more about Bollywood actors, fashion trends, her journey and a lot more:
From being an English literature student to a celebrity stylist and costume designer – how will you describe your journey?
Styling happened by chance. I have never taken up a professional course in styling or costume designing. While working at this production house called Genesis, I was put in charge of styling TV commercials quite a few times which is when I discovered my flare for the craft. While working for Genesis Production House, I was overlooking styling for some TV commercials.
Soon I was an assistant costume designer for Bollywood films like Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do and Reema Kagti’s Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. This is when I got in touch with Arjun Bhasin, and he is the one who has taught me everything. And working alongside him made everything all the more special.
Apart from that I have assisted as a costume designer for Hollywood films as well. This list includes Ang Lee’s Life Of Pi, Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Migration.
Tell us your experience of styling Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra in ‘Baar Baar Dekho’?
Katrina Kaif and Siddharth Malhotra were very open to trying out new looks for their character and were quite involved in the process which made it fun to work with them. So we made a good team.
Who do you find the most stylish actor/actress in Bollywood and why?
Kangana Ranaut is always impeccably dressed.
Three actors you would love to style and why?
Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Neha Dhupia – because they are always well dressed.
‘What’s in’ this winter season?
Thigh high boots
Some do-it-yourself tips for working women/college goers
Style is a personal interpretation so the way you can go wrong is to blindly copy trends rather than wear what suits your personality or body type.
How one can remain stylish even in winter?
A statement coat
Some style tips and fashion trends for 2017?
Sharing some tips for the wedding season:
– You can wear wide legged silk pants with a long silk or brocade tunic and add some nice indian jewellery for a great festive look.
– Lehengas are always the favorite. So instead of the regular lehenga choli, you could team up a plain silk shirt with an embroidered or brocade lehenga.
– Another fresh look for the season could be a floral print or embroidered blouse with a lightly embelished sari
– Burgundy, emerald green, deep blues or any such jewel tones with a hint of gold adds a lot of richness to the look
– I’m personally very fond of Indian weaves. So a banarasi sari or lehenga is always the go to style for me.
– Another great look is a pleated silk skirt with an embellished or brocade top.
– Men look great in short kurtas, jodhpuris/slim pants with a blazer
– They can do striped kurtas with pants and a sleeveless nehru jacket with a pocket square
– It is very important to know your body type. And pick your outfit accordingly
– If you have a heavily embellished outfit then keeps your jewellery minimal
– Always wear comfortable shoes else you won’t enjoy the party!
One style that you would like to put an end to?
Kitten heels
Your favorite costume design so far?
Two movies that I really love for their costumes are Argo and Out Of Africa. Whether it is a period drama or a futuristic film, one has to keep it realistic and believable. The pieces chosen for the characters cannot be far-fetched but what people like you and me would wear.
