EXCLUSIVE: Malavika Mohanans favourite trends accessories and more

Most treasured pieces in my wardrobe are my vintage designer bags. I’m a sucker for these unique and hard-to-find vintage luxury bags. I have such interesting pieces that I have picked up from Rome, Paris, and Bangkok. I find it more interesting to invest in vintage pieces than the current season ones. Every second person you see is walking around with the current ones.

Who are your fashion icons in Bollywood?

I love Sharmila Tagore’s and Rekha’s styles. I admire Sonam Kapoor as well. But that’s mutually agreed upon by everyone at this point. Among the younger lot, I love Sobhita Dhulipala’s sense of style. It is versatile, imaginative, and you can tell she’s having fun with it.

What is your favourite colour to wear on a daily basis?

My favourite colour is pink but funnily enough, it’s not my favourite colour to wear. I find myself in whites unintentionally more often than I would like to for some reason. I love wearing burgundy or wine colour though. I feel it’s a colour that suits me and helps one remain mysterious and sexy.

An accessory I can’t live without is a large tote I’m always on the move and my tote is practically like my home on wheels at this point. When it comes to jewellery, I love long danglers. They immediately amp up any outfit. I have a long neck, so it compliments me really well.

What is your preferred style – classic or trendy?

Classic, any day.  I like playing around with trends sometimes for my red carpet looks and events but when it comes to my personal wardrobe – it’s only classic.

What is the best fashion advice you’ve received?

I’m more of a minimalist and cannot wrap my head around the concept of maximalism, so “less is more” is my go to mantra. Another advice I have received is to invest in expensive or well-crafted basics. Why spend so much on a fancy outfit you’ll wear once, maybe twice when you’d rather invest a little more into essentials like a good white shirt, blazers or trousers? Invest in your capsule wardrobe.

What is your go-to outfit for a casual day?

Ganji or tank top with wide-leg casual trousers. I dress it up or down as per occasion with accessories and bags.

I know a few. Rome and Paris for luxury and vintage. Bangkok for thrift stores and flea markets, along with pieces from quaint independent designers. Last but the most important – India! We have many stunning handlooms, jewelry, and art pieces in our own country, across various states and cities depending on what you want. I love Jaipur for its silver, handloom and the fabulous concept stores. I love Madurai for sarees.

What is your favourite fashion decade?

I love the ’60s because of the birth of boho. The entire subculture of breaking out of the traditional norms of dressing and doing your own wild thing was so interesting!

What are the must-haves for your vacation wardrobe?

I love a sexy bikini, but I always forget to pack it. I love chic but comfortable sandals and sneakers for airport travel. I cannot go anywhere without my statement earrings to dress up a casual outfit for a night out. I love a good tote, a pair of heels for the evening, and versatile can-go-from-casual-to-sexy dresses. I love to bring my favourite scents with me as well. I have a habit of mixing up scents depending on my mood and time of the day. Lastly, versatile sunglasses are a must!