From Code to Couture- Journey of a Stylist
Introducing Kishan Pandya, a dynamic force in celebrity styling with an unconventional journey from IT engineering to the forefront of fashion. With no formal design education in this field, Kishan’s creative flair emerged organically, as celebrities showcased his designs. His approach involves a keen understanding of personalities and body types, ensuring a perfect fit. Inspired by individuality, he avoids stylistic influences, crafting unique looks. Notable moments include transformative conversations with Mahima Makwana and styling icons like Bhagyashree Ji and Esha Deol. Envisioning 2024, Kishan predicts the rise of versatile outfits shaped by digital trends.
What inspired your journey into the world of celebrity styling?
For starters, I am an IT engineer who works in Fashion industry. Once someone asked me, what do you want to be? I replied a brand name. Basically, I started with no formal graduation or education in designing. Sketching and stitching I learnt from the most basic settings like going to the tailor. Styling just technically happened since as a designer we used to give clothes to celebrities for showcasing and branding somehow how they wore my creations and portrayed them. And that is where I jumped into styling! So it’s ok to say it happened by accident and destiny had a different plan.
How do you approach creating a unique style for each celebrity you work with?
Being creative is the only thing that keeps me in this line of work and I enjoy getting up and going to work. It all starts with understanding the need of the celeb and what they are comfortable with and how much you can push them to experiment. The most important part in styling a celebrity is, understanding their personality and body type. For anything to look great on a celebrity or anyone for that matter, it should fit well.
How do you envision the fusion of traditional Indian elements with contemporary fashion trends shaping up in 2024?
India will always realign and reset with its basics. We can’t and shouldn’t escape the traditional way of dressing! But modernity also provides the comfort and easy of carrying. So it’s always observed that a lot of contemporary fashion is infused with traditional styles to keep it connected with the roots. I’ve been observing a lot of Banarasi Corsets- a classic example of Fusion and functional outfit.
Can you share a standout moment from your journey?
I can’t sum up the journey so far in one specific moment but what changed the gears for me in styling was one hard line conversation that I had with a wonderful Actress Mahima Makwana. One fine day she just made me realise the realms of comfort I was styling under and not experimenting with fashion and styles. The sense of competition was awakened when she made me realise that I was just doing the basics and that wasn’t enough. Yes another great moment I would like to speak about would be styling Bhagyashree Ji and Esha Deol. These are really big names and I have been seeing them on big screen since I was a school kid and working with them is a spectacular feeling.
Can you highlight a specific trend or style that you predict will redefine the fashion landscape in India in 2024?
The ready drape sarees are another good example of contemporary meets traditional fashion. Men pairing up short kurtas over a nice denim. What is going to be prominent in 2024 is the versatility of use of the same outfit. Since the digital and social media decides a lot of what you wear!
