MALAIKA ARORA KHAN

She’s got what it takes – that enviable bone structure, a J Lo-esque figure and an excellent sense of style. Malaika Arora Khan, fashion Tsarina, shrugs off the mantle and explains her wardrobe philosophy. “It’s a mix of street chic and sexy attitude. My clothes are an extension of my personality.”

Hers is a persona that has metamorphosed from sensual village belle in the Chaiya chaiya number on the silver screen to sophisticated wife and mother, off it. Khan’s tantalising togs in ‘item songs’ for films like Bicchoo and Kaante further pegged her as a fashion maven to watch out for. For her day job as a VJ on a well-known music channel, she has created a look that makes girls want to be her and guys plain want her. During her stint as the guru of amour on Loveline, she was ultra feminine in sheer tops, fitted dresses, shimmer, shine and lots of leg. In the more recent Style Check, she is the last word for aspiring fashionistas. Very involved in wardrobe decisions, she is always dressed in the style du jour. Her clothes are red-hot, barely off Indian runways and paired with her own jewellery and shoes.

When she’s not making hearts flutter on screen, she’s gathering stares off it. In a Zara outfit and Jimmy Choo shoes, or a white and gold sari, hot pink choli and big, ruby jhumkas, Khan oozes sensuality. Displaying a marked preference for form fitting clothes, she tries stretch knits, lace and even Lycra. “If you have the body, then why not flaunt it!” Her colour palette tends to favour classics like black, white and tan, with the occasional fuchsia.

An evident fan of stilettos, Khan matches her footwear and bags. Her latest pick – an ethnic, red, gold and purple bag and slippers by Sabina Singh. She also keeps an eye out for designs by Hemant Trivedi, Shahab Durazi and her ‘eternal favourite’, Wendell Rodericks. The admiration is mutual, as Rodericks reveals, “Malaika has created for herself a special aura of beauty that transcends looks, age and nationality.”

Constantly experimenting and keeping up with the latest trends, Khan doesn’t restrict herself to any particular signature style. Sexy seems to be the main requirement!

Memorable Moment -- She made a recent appearance in a sheer, olive green kaftan with silver and gold embroidery, hitched up with a belt, studded bra and black Versace heels with steel rivets. Can you say sultry?