RHEA PILLAI

Rhea Pillai, besides the ‘Art of Living’, has discovered the art of style. Modest cuts, clean lines and crisp fabrics, her laid-back chic makes us think of sandy beaches and lazy afternoons. Pillai’s wardrobe emanates a serenity that is in sync with this former model’s path to tranquillity.

A fashion watcher, Pillai is conscious of changing trends. She doesn’t, however blindly conform to the dictates of fashion pundits and instead wears whatever catches her fancy. “I flirt with fashion but the important thing is to be completely comfortable.”

We’ve often noticed her in fusion ensembles and she gets extra points for not going overboard with the kitsch factor. When kurtis were au courant and ubiquitous, Pillai caught on to the fad, but wore a sheer white one with an electric blue sequined slogan, setting herself apart. She is also regularly seen in long, crushed skirts paired with midriff baring tops, tanks or even a simple tee. True to her informal approach to fashion, Pillai favours denim. “There are times I like straight, clean lines and others when I like the extreme feminine feel, the flow and the flounce….” With a penchant for solid colours, we’ve noticed black, grey and white to be closet staples, the latter crowning the list. When she chooses prints, they are usually delicate and understated. Her height keeps her at ease in flat shoes and Pillai usually completes an outfit with chappals or strappy sandals. Free-spirited haute couture with an underlying Bohemian feel – a flower child for the new millennium.

A perfect blend of ethnic and western, Pillai’s outfits are carefully accessorised – a single solitaire, a funky belt or silver anklets. Extremely fond of her handbag collection, one of her favourites is an embroidered Fendi bag with mirror-work. When she does go Indian, she sticks to salwar kameezes, making ideal picks with loose chikan kurtas in soft pastel colours. Pillai is also especially partial to a sari designed by friend Shaina N. C. It is in a silvery-grey satin, with a pearl, sequin and bugle bead border. She highlighted the look with a choker and the result was stunning. Although, we still prefer her trademark dressed-down look – anyone who can make jeans and a plain T-shirt look that good gets our vote!

Memorable Moment -- When she unveiled her new haircut: layered, highlighted and that fringe – we’re waiting for the copycats!