Nandita Mahtani, Deanne Panday and Lizia Batla give Nichola Pais up to the minute trends and tips in fashion, fitness and self-healing
Helping women grow, learn and become better versions of themselves—this was the motive of the masterclasses at the eighth edition of Power Woman Fiesta by Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla. The finale workshop, conducted by Nandita Mahtani, Deanne Panday and Lizia Batla, gave women some expertise in fashion, fitness, and self-healing. We got the trio to share further insights exclusively for FPJ readers…
‘Currently neon is a huge trend’- Nandita Mahtani
What part does styling play when it comes to putting your best foot forward?
Styling helps in making the right impression…Whether we like it or not, we are re judged by our appearance and the clothes we wear, matter. A person should always be well turned out no matter what the occasion, for the impression they want to leave others with and of course how it makes them feel about themselves.
How do you suggest a regular woman stay abreast of fashion trends and avoid faux pas?
I don’t recommend following trends blindly. You must consider your body type, age and personality while following a trend. If you really love something that’s trending, and it doesn’t suit you as is, pick an element from it instead e.g. a bag or shoes or patches on your clothes. You should feel good about how you look and have the confidence to carry it off. If a trend is really working for you, then of course go all out. But don’t opt for anything that is too wild or crazy if you’re not comfortable in it, just because it is a trend. Comfort is the key to avoid faux pas and knowing what suits your body type.
What are the trends that are holding strong today as far as clothes, shoes and accessories go?
Currently, neon is a huge trend. It can be styled in numerous ways: as a whole look, or elements of neon in a look for instance, as a sweatshirt or a T-shirt paired with denims. Even neon denim or neon embellishments. If you don’t want to be too loud, you can accessorise your look with a neon pair of shoes, a clutch, or statement earrings. This adds an ’80s touch to your look as well as a fun element.
What are the five best looks you would suggest for the Indian summer?
The five looks are:
- a) White on white: This is a summer staple as it can be dressed up or down. It can be accessorised with a neon, gold or tan belt to add a colour and with stilettos, wedges or flats depending on the occasion and outfit.
- b) Playsuits: These can also be dressed up or down. To make a casual look throw on a denim jacket or wear stilettos to make it an evening look.
- c) Denim skirt: A well fitted denim skirt is also a day to night look. It can be worn with trainers and a sweatshirt during the day or a fun dressy top and stilettos at night. An all-denim look can be accessorised with a blingy belt.
- d) White shirt: This is an excellent choice for summer as it is very versatile. It looks very smart at the office and can also be worn for a chilled dinner with friends.
- e) Dress: A summer dress in pastels or pretty florals is perfect for that girl next door look.
What would be your style recommendation for women for the following occasions: weddings, office, hanging out with friends…
1) Weddings: Sari
2) Office: A crisp shirt with beige or navy crop trousers
3) Hanging out with friends: Track bottoms and a sweatshirt
4) Party time: Little Black Dress as it can be dressed up or down with accessories.
What are the must-have pieces of clothes, jewellery and shoes a woman should possess?
- a) Clothes – Well fitted pair of blue jeans, black dress, white shirt, cover up from Nandita Mahtani, Chikankari sari
- b) Jewellery – A chain belt which can be worn with dress or jeans/ trousers, a great watch and a pair of gold hoops
- c) Shoes – A neutral pair of nude or clear stilettos and a comfortable pair of white trainers
Who are some of the best styled stars/ celebrities in your opinion
In India, I’d say Deepika Padukone; internationally, Kate Moss is extremely versatile.
‘Stick by foods that cool your body temperature’-Deanne Panday
With summer upon us, what are your recommendations as far as exercise goes?
Significant and poorly documented electrolyte losses result from prolonged sweating. This study aimed to quantify likely sodium losses during work in heat. Sweat rates were higher and sodium concentrations were lower in the summer. In terms of exercises, avoid doing anything too intense. It is the season to get into the pool, do yoga or Pilates. Choose workouts that are low to medium intensity. It is essential to strike a balance.
What are the tips to be kept in mind when working out in soaring temperatures?
It is very important to stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen and a hat if you are training outdoors.
What are the dietary dos and don’ts in keeping with the season?
Everything changes according to seasons, diets should also change. In summer, stick by foods that cool your body temperature. I eat light food like salads; water-based fruits – watermelon, grapes; cucumber; juices; nimbu pani and coconut water. Avoid heavy meals. If you choose to eat meat, add a lot of vegetables to it. Eat a lot of pulses and greens. In winter, meat is the preferred source of protein. Soups and warm food are also consumed.
‘Our point of view creates our reality’ –Lizia Batla
How can one ensure optimum Feng Shui with minimum effort?
Firstly, ensure that there is free flow of energy in the house. Nothing should create an impediment for the energy that is coming into the house as this creates impairment for everybody in the house. For e.g.: In Mumbai, it is highly possible to have a garbage collection spot outside a building, however you will find that mostly people throwing garbage won’t necessarily throw it in the collection bin but will scatter it all over the place. Therefore, the energy entering your house is full of filth. If there is a wealth star outside the house and there is filth over there, it is found that money will show up but there will be a lot of unnecessary expenses. Make sure that there is free flow of energy, ample light and ample free flow of air. Having a house that is open on all sides is the best as additions or subtractions can be made easily.
What are the current trends in decor that enhance Feng Shui of the space?
Normally there are no trends in Feng Shui. Trends come in BTB — Black Hat Feng Shui. It tells you where to place windchimes, toads etc. This isn’t Feng Shui. Feng Shui is the energy that enters the house and the stimulation of the good energy which will give more in terms of health, wealth or relationships. If there’s a star (the energies have names) that is negative, that is not adding value to the environment and you and your family then we try to suppress or curb it. If you require water, then different shades of blue are used depending on what kind of water is required. For a lot of water, the colour dark blue is used as that is the shade of the sea.
If less water is required, lighter blue colours could be used. Similarly, with fire, pink is used if less fire is required. If red hot fire is required, burgundy could be used. The colours don’t necessarily have to be wall colours. They can be used in upholstery, carpets, cushions, throws or rugs. Feng Shui is an ancient study. One of the topics deals with the five elements that are utilised by different representations eg. colours in elements depending on its requirement. These can be used to subdue or enhance as per requirement.
What are the must-dos to avoid negative energy?
Observe thoughts—they add a lot to our surroundings. Negative thoughts or constant worry makes no sense. Our point of view creates our reality. Constant emitting of our thoughts will result in our surroundings absorbing it from us! Do not focus on what is not happening. Focus on what you would love to have/acquire instead.
Houses should be kept clean as clutter stagnates energy.
Always look for balance in the house.