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Kushani
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
That's a difficult question. I hope I can give multiple answers. The biggest factor would have to be how satisfied I'm feeling with myself, if I find easier to find the clothes I'm in the mood for that day. I also feel attractive when I feel happy and successful about my life. Fashion is a major part of it too, I invariably feel attractive in a outfit I like, whether it's a glamorous party dress or a casual linen one; if I like my clothes I feel pretty in them. Last but not the least, I feel better if I've exercised and my weight is where I want it to be.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
I do! I notice all sorts. The older women we call 'aunties' (not disrespectfully though) in India, the hip younger than me college and high school kids, women in my age group who're pulling of an outfit very well. I particularly admire women who seem to feel good in their skin, whatever clothes or look they might have one. Of a special sartorial note is my utter fascination for women-old and young- who migrate from rural parts to my city for work or with their families. They still have beautifully worked traditional costumes which are very rarely seen on city dwellers of any description.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
A sense of confidence with who they're portraying themselves to be. I also think that since I belong to a smaller city, it takes courage to wear something different. Whether it's traditional or modern, you attract a lot of stares. I find women who still manage to experiment, in spite of being in a culture where it is definitely unusual, admirable.
4. Was there a moment in your life when something “clicked” for you about fashion or dressing or make-up or hair? What? Why did it happen then, do you think?
I have always always loved fashion. Except I never thought I was pretty. I thought it belonged to this other world, one which was to never touch mine. Then I turned twenty, had a few emotional upheavals, got into a very loving relationship and started doing very nurturing things for myself. That had a major impact on my perspective of fashion. Instead of being something I gazed at, it became something I use to express myself every day, as something to feel beautiful in and feel joyful about.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
I don't know if I have many rules. Don't let the frenzy of impulsive buying overtake you I guess. It's difficult to find contentedness in fashion, it has to actively generated. So yeah self-control and a sense of satisfaction about what you already have.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
I truly don't have an answer here. Everyone should do what they like.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
With my partner. He told me how much I'd helped him express himself, he said he felt liberated with me. But the truth is I feel the exact same thing about him. His sense of love and freedom with me has allowed me to unabashedly try everything that strikes my fancy.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
I think if I had to answer it I'd say I approach everything with a sense of sincerity to who I am. I am very passionate and hard working.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
I don't think I have anything in multiples except my underwear, I wear only one brand and one style with respect to that.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Yup I have, feels great if they feel loved and special in it and because of it.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
I like to believe that I don't consciously participate in trends but then again if there's a particular trend I might give it a shot. I think I wouldn't wear peplum skirts or dress because they don't suit my shape, but I neither have a hatred from them nor is the stance very absolute.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
I don't think it has. My mother's style is very different from mine. I also think she's more 'people will admire this more than this' while I think I dress more for myself. Having said this I am hip heavy like her but we don't wear the same kind of clothes at all. It terms of style, my mother had a love of embroidery (passed on from my grandmother) and I think I appreciate embroidery too.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
Absolutely. We weren't rich; as a child I wore plenty of my brother's clothes. As a woman, when I want to dress in a androgynous way I borrow my boyfriend's clothes (although I prefer to have them in my own size, his are too big for me). I also wear his t shirts as gym clothes/sleep clothes sometimes.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
It keeps evolving. But like I said in one of my earlier answers, a tremendously emotional upheaval, the journey of self awareness and self love that I undertook after that and a hugely healthy and loving relationship was what changed my approach to my life and hence to fashion. All of these happened around the time I was 20 and has been continuing to evolve since then.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Nope, although I hand paint pop culture references onto my t-shirts.
16. Please describe your body.
petite, mostly slender, hip heavy and I have a tendency to put on weight on my arms and hips.
17. Please describe your mind.
Self aware most of the time, attempting to return to self awareness when not.
18. Please describe your emotions.
They can be very intense, but mostly I don't mind. I mind when it gets so intense that I can't handle it anymore. I like my passion, but I'm also trying to become calmer and more modulated.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
A traditional Indian dress called Salwar Kameez, no make up, hair in a ponytail.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
This stuff meaning this survey? Very important. Fashion is so important in the way we use it and the way in which it uses us/impact us.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
28th January, I was born in India in a city called Ahmedabad. Still live here.
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
I'm a doctor, with a passion for arts, design, books, exploration.
What kind of work do you do?
I'm studying for an entrance exam to a post graduate course in medicine.
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
In a relationship.
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
I love fashion.
How do you feel after filling out this survey?
Pretty good.