Lessons in style from the most fashionable families

When it comes to dressing well, the families in this list prove that stylish genes do run in the family. From Bollywood bigwigs to industry leaders and glamorous socialites, the well-dressed families of India have closets capable of conquering the world. Take your cue for a post-lockdown wardrobe makeover from these titans who always keep fashion first.

Natasha Poonawalla and Adar Poonawalla

You can always count on Natasha Poonawalla to make a bold statement with her out-of-the-box sartorial choices. The fashion icon and philanthropist, who is the executive director of the Serum Institute of India and the chairperson of the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, is known for her unapologetic and OTT wardrobe that is filled to the brim with bespoke couture. Her husband Adar Poonawalla isn’t far behind with his sharp, well-tailored suits.

The Kapoor family

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has already established herself as the film industry’s first lady of fashion. Her style sensibilities have a nod of approval from her sister Rhea Kapoor, one of the industry’s top stylists (they even co-own their own fashion brand, Rheson). Sonam and Rhea attribute their extensive fashion knowledge to their mother, the jewellery designer Sunita Kapoor. The men of the family, too, are just as stylish: Anil Kapoor is living proof that some things do get better with age. At 63, the enigmatic actor is still known to be one of the most stylish men in Bollywood. And 29-year-old Harshvardhan Kapoor is a well-known sneakerhead; his covetable collection often makes headlines.

Tarun Tahiliani and Tina Tahiliani Parikh

Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani has garnered accolades over the years for his ability to mix Indian craftsmanship with modern designs. His sister Tina is an industry power player too, under whose leadership, Ensemble, the country’s first designer multibrand store, became one of the country’s best-known names. Apart from their keen business acumen, the siblings possess a fine instinct for all things fashion, earning them a well-deserved spot on this list.

Padmanabh ‘Pacho’ Singh and Diya Kumari

Pacho, the young dapper Maharaja of Jaipur is known for his sharp yet understated style. He made his ramp debut for Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2019 show at Milan Fashion Week, wearing a Kimono-style blazer paired with cigarette trousers. Meanwhile, his mother, Diya Kumari, who is a politician and philanthropist, is often compared with the late Rajmata Gayatri Devi, owing to her elegance and style.

The Pataudi family

For Saif and Kareena, being one of the power couples of Bollywood comes with a strong sense of style—something the pair has garnered over the years. The couple perfects its red-carpet choices with equal panache as it does with its laid-back, easy casual looks. It also doesn’t hurt when you have Karisma Kapoor—known for always being perfectly dressed—as your sister. And of course, there’s the country’s favourite toddler, Taimur, who is often seen coordinating his looks with his parents and has already become an Instagram star.

Pernia Qureshi Gilani and Nasreen Qureshi

While Pernia Qureshi Gilani might go by many titles (stylist, fashion entrepreneur, designer), her impeccable personal style tops it all. With an enviable wardrobe, she never misses a chance to put her best fashion foot forward. Incidentally, not many people know that her mother, Nasreen Qureshi, is just as fashionable—a real lesson in understated elegance, with a classic style of her own.

The Bachchan Family

Amitabh Bachchan is known for his classic dressing sensibility and is proof that simple, elegant looks can also make a statement. His wife Jaya’s style is elegant and refined. Their daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda is the embodiment of classic, versatile style (and has passed on her passion for fashion to her daughter, Navya, who is known to make some impressive wardrobe choices of her own). And Abhishek Bachchan has made a mark for his suave sartorial sense, many times borrowing from his father's closet (they share a shoe size).

Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar

Twinkle Khanna dons multiple roles—actor, author, designer and producer—whilst always being at her fashionable best as she oscillates between casual attire and elegant evening wear. It’s no surprise, really, that fashion is in her DNA. Her mother, Dimple Kapadia, is known to be one of the most elegant women in Bollywood. Then there’s also Khanna’s husband Akshay Kumar, who won the Style Icon Of The Year award at the Vogue X Nykaa Fashion - The Power List 2019 awards. His wardrobe choices see him looking just as comfortable in tailored suits as he is in athleisure.

Chetan Jaikishan and Roohi Jaikishan

There is much more to Roohi Jaikishan than an inherent sense of style. She is also a savvy businesswoman and keen purveyor of art. Her carefully curated closet comprises pieces from Gucci, Jacquemus and Celine, amongst others, making it a lesson in maximalism. Her husband Chetan isn’t far behind, with an envy-inspiring closet of his own that is filled with bespoke suits.

Roshini Vadehra and Parul Vadehra

Roshini Vadehra and Parul Vadehra, the gallerist duo behind Vadehra Art Gallery in Delhi, have worked with the biggest names in the art world, and own a private collection that would be on the lust list of any art aficionado. However, they are also known for their sartorial choices, especially their love of fit to flare dresses and crisp white shirts.

Maithili Ahluwalia and Jamini Ahluwalia

Maithili Ahluwalia’s personal style can be best described as eclectic, bohemian, well-curated and effortless—all of which was on display on the colour-filled shelves of her former boutique, Bungalow 8. Unperturbed by current trends, her clothing sensibilities are inherited from her mother, Jamini, who is known for unconventional dressing.

Dia Bhupal and Krishna Bhupal

Hyderabad-based photographer and artist Dia Bhupal’s easy femininity and signature minimal style see her on best-dressed lists all the time. Much like her penchant for art, she uses fashion to express herself creatively. Alongside, is her husband Krishna, who has perfected the art of basic dressing with his clean aesthetic and penchant for sharp suits as well as laid-back chinos and T-shirts.