The Mood Dresser--Glam icon, Shibani Dandekar has been the talk of the town for her gorgeous sense of style and grace

Shibani Dandekar

What is your biggest fashion asset?

I’d have to say my huge assortment of accessories. I have a huge fetish for collecting accessories; wherever I travel, be it Australia, London, New York and so on, I make sure I pick up funky, vintage stuff.

What according to you are the five wardrobe essentials for women?

Honestly, there is no specific answer to this question; however, I feel, wardrobe essential is an individualistic approach – it defines one’s personality and style quotient. For me, my wardrobe should always house the classic black and gold combination, lot of accessories, prints, and boots and off late I am very much into carrying smaller hand bags. Also, you will always find chic vintage pieces in my wardrobe, which I continuously keep collecting. Wardrobe essentials keep changing with varying trends.

What kinds of makeup do you usually like to wear?

I usually like to use a very light base followed by bronzer, which brings out a tanned look. I really don’t like to look too fair and pale because Indian skin is usually on the duskier side and I love flaunting it. Mascara is a must for me and finally bold lip colours finish my look. I have a huge collection of bold-coloured lipsticks, from different hues of reds and oranges to fuchsia and pinks...

Tell us about your favourite Indian and International designers...

On the international front, I love Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. Amongst Indian designers, I admire works of Sailex, Payal Singhal, Masaba Gupta, Rina Dhaka, Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura.

What is your most expensive buy?

I collect sunglasses and I think I own almost every existing brand. From Tom Ford to Gucci, Prada, Victoria Beckham – I have it all and collectively I spend the most for my shades.

What are your favourite shoe and bag brands?

I don’t necessarily work by brands; I mostly pick up stuff that looks good. However I am a big fan of Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo when it comes to shoes. As far as bags are concerned, my current favourite is a black leather bag from Chloe.   

What is that one thing that completes your look every day?

I know it sounds clichéd but I have to say its personality that makes or breaks a look. You can go all edgy or classy, elegant or perhaps casual but unless you own that look you can’t pull it off. I dress according to my mood. On a lazy day you will find me in rip tees and baggy jeans; on days when I feel classy, you will find me in black and gold.

What do you do on a bad hair day?

I have figured out this new technique that always works wonders. A high, chic bun with one section of the hair braided around it is the best way to camouflage a bad hair day. Otherwise just put on a hat (smiles).

Who is your favourite fashion icon?

I love Sienna Miller because she dresses for nobody but herself. I find her extremely classy, trendy and fashionable. She doesn’t blindly succumb to trends and she looks effortlessly stylish.

Who is the most fashionable person in your family?

All three sisters are fashionable (laughs). Apeksha is a little bit casual; she likes quirky and grunge. On the other hand, Anusha is very boho chic all the time.

Who are the best dressed actors in Bollywood according to you?

When it comes to fashion scene in Bollywood, it has a long way to go. People here are too boxed into one-dimensional dressing and looks. Fashion has just started to get serious here. However, I like Sonam Kapoor and Rahul Khanna’s dressing sense. They do it fabulously!  

Any fashion confessions?

Everything was trial and error. I have no regrets because you do what you feel at that moment. Fashion is a medium of self expression for me and it will always be an individual choice.

What will you be wearing if you had to go on a first date?

If it’s a first date then I will be really casual – jeans, off shoulder tee, some accessories and natural makeup. Too dolled up often takes away the real personality and on a first date I would rather be myself.

Do you like following trends?

I like to take things that work best for me from trends. This season, I am all gaga about Aztec prints and my wardrobe is filled with them.

What according to you is the most fashionable city in India?

It has to be Goa. This place is all about colours, livelihood and vibrancy.

Where do you like to shop from?

I shop from all around the world. Whenever I am travelling I end up shopping a lot. But Masaba and Zara are like staple.

Tell us about your favourite makeup brands...

Hands down – it is MAC! Always.