Dubai is a fashion hub: Padmini Kolhapure

Padmini Kolhapure tells City Times she has created some special designs for local fashionistas ahead of launching her label PadmaSitaa in the city.

Bubbly eighties star Padmini Kolhapure is heading down to the En Vogue fashion exhibition at Al Yasat Ballroom, Murooj Rotana Hotel, Saturday, October 10, to launch her designer label PadmaSitaa, a collaboration between the Bollywood actress and Sita Talwalkar.
We caught up with Padmini for a quick chat ahead of her Dubai visit.
What inspired you to launch the PadmaSitaa brand?
My friend of 32 years, Sameera from Abu Dhabi, planted the seed in my mind and PadmaSitaa just happened... there was no major planning. I guess it was just meant to be. When things have to happen they just happen; friends and people around help you put the threads together.
What kind of designs do you prefer creating?
I would want everyone to own a PadmaSitaa garment. I started with tunics and kurtas, and now for Dubai I've made some stunning lehengas and sarees also. I have lounge wear and resort wear, and of course because of my friend Sameera and my many Arab friends in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I have jalabiyas and farashas too. The USP of PadmaSitaa is hand-crafted vintage white embroidery made in a place close to Lucknow, India. That's what's exclusive about the brand.
What are your thoughts on Dubai's fashion scene?
Dubai is a fashion hub. You have a cosmopolitan mix of people plus the locals who are highly fashion conscious, so I guess you get everything from all corners of the world in Dubai.
Who in your opinion are the most stylish Bollywood actresses of today? And if you had to pick someone from your generation who would it be?
Deepika for sure is very stylish and today a young style icon is definitely Shraddha Kapoor... and I think she has carried off my PadmaSitaa outfits very elegantly. Among my contemporaries I would say Sridevi; I would like to see her in one of my sarees.
Who are your favourite Indian and international designers? Has anyone in particular influenced your work?
I like Manish Malhotra, Payal Singhal, Roberto Cavalli, Zuhair Murad and many more. Hard work and passion influences and inspires me.
Eighties fashion seems to be making a comeback. What was your favourite element of style in that era?
I was never fashion conscious. I always looked at my comfort first.
Style tips you would like to share with our readers.
For me fashion is comfort. I would say wear what really suits you best, and you have to learn to be your own critic. Look at yourself in the mirror and follow your heart - either you will like what you've worn or just not... And of course wear what suits your body structure.
There are some people who dress for others and some who dress for themselves. I feel it's okay to do what you want depending on your comfort level, but always wear a smile!
You have starred in many memorable films - what is your approach towards roles now?
I'm doing films at my pace... I want to be relaxed when I'm working. When I look at the script, my role, and the project ... I just follow my heart. So it's great if it works and tough luck if it doesn't!
enid@khaleejtimes.com