She styles herself in silk and loves crepe. She boldly confesses she cannot help but be glamorous. Her style mantra is simple, elegant and classy. This is the reason why Pria Kataaria Puri has been roped in to host a one -of-its-kind show, Born Stylish — a style focussed celebrity chat show. By Riya Sharma
Pria Kataaria Puri is no new name to the fashion fraternity. As they say — been there, done that. Though she knows fashion and its nuances in and out, the ace designer shares that she first had apprehensions about hosting the show, Born Stylish. “For this show, we have started from scratch. It took us one year to get everything in place. It was about a year ago when I was asked to do it. Though I have never been shy or camera conscious but being on the other side and questioning people who are master in their field was difficult. But I have been in this industry for over 16 years now and I know fashion, thus it it became easy,” shares Puri.
The show will feature Indian as well as International celebrities who would be talking about their style quotient and in turn their journey as a style icon.
“These icons will talk about their journey and how they evolved their style. It is not only about fashion where we would use the fashion terminology but it is rather about celebrities talking about initial days when they were shaping their personal style. Who inspired them, what impacted them,” she elaborates.
She clearly states that people in our country think that fashion is all about wearing branded clothes and that is the reason why there is a gap between a common man and fashion. “But, in reality, fashion is a tool to enhance your style. It is an example of who you truly are. Fashion is just a tool, you can drape a towel around and still look stylish, it all depends on you carry it,” she explains.
If it is not about branded clothes and money then what is it all about, we ask and she replies, “Style is the personal key. If you have Indian flair, then you would like everything ethnic. You will be attracted to bindi, block prints but these are all tools to enhance your style. You can either get all of these from a fashion street or an expensive brand. All these tools explain your style as a person. If some day, someone dresses up like you then people will say that the person is following you. That becomes an extension of your personality. Fashion can enhance your personality but your own style quotient is something that you are born with.”
The show, with its unique content, aims to break the myth of size, age, and body type as far as fashion is concerned. Puri says it is very easy to break those myths and shares with us, “It is a lot about style, which is eternal. It defines what you stand for. If someone dresses up in a particular way then it becomes their signature style and then people start calling it their patent style. We have people from different walks of life talking about their style quotient. In the show, we have set themes, for which we are calling certain celebrities. For instance, Anil Kapoor, on the show will be breaking the myth of age. His style is polished panache. The way he handles everything with his confidence is amazing.”
She adds, “Sonakshi Sinha’s style is avant-garde. She is breaking the myth of body type. This is the reason why we have created these themes and inviting celebrities to talk on the same. They will talk about their style statement and how they evolved it.”
Puri also shares that she likes the way Fawad Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif carry themselves. “Fawad Khan has a dapper and debonair look, which is a classical style statement but he blends well with a new age look,” she adds.
Talking about her personal style mantra, she says, “My style is based on my lifestyle. I live in Kuwait and Mumbai so I usually meet people for my meetings. I meet industrialists, corporates so my style is classic, elegant and glamorous. I can’t help it but I dress up in a very glamorous way. I accessorise my silk with sun glasses and fashionable hand bags.”
She adds that she prefers silk over anything. She likes it to such an extent that she can sleep in silk.
The show will also feature Anna Zegna from Ermenegildo Zegna, so was it difficult to get her on board for the projectIJ
“It wasn’t. Everyone in the West is fascinated with India and Indian designers. They want to explore the market and they all consider India as a fashion destination. So, she was more than happy to appear on the show,” she tells us.
But Puri feels that as fashion in India is huge so it is really important to connect the audience with it. “The common man in our country is hooked to Bollywood, they relate to it. Having a Bollywood celebrity on board and let them share their experiences would actually work. People will connect to it,” she concludes.
The show airs today on Viacom18 channels- Colors Infinity and VH1