Be original: Sayanora Philip shares her style quotient

Sayanora’s fashion statement is as bold as her politics. She never lets other people’s opinions colour her sense of dressing. All that of course took a lot of time. This evolution from a girl who had only churidars in her wardrobe to experimenting with outfits took some time. She credits a few people and her own experiences for this change. Sayanora Philip talks about her fashion evolution.

Beauty is in your confidence

For the longest time, I lived far away from the world of fashion. In college, I would wear salwars cut from my mother’s sari. I would wear only churidars back then as I was conscious about my legs and arms. Slowly my attitude towards my body started changing. I realised that beauty is all about a person’s confidence and not what the public perceives as the standard of beauty. I gained confidence. I started loving my body and wearing the clothes I loved. I don’t bother about the social media comments. This is my life, and I can only live it once. I intend to live it the way I want without troubling anyone.

When you pick an outfit

I do consider the weather. Since we have a tropical climate, I avoid clothes that make me feel warm. Comfort is the key, and you should feel happy when you wear it. It naturally makes you confident.

Recently on a trip to Dubai, I tried African braids on my hair. But it also led to a lot of hair fall and therefore I shortened my hair. Now I like this hairstyle. I have always felt that our clothes and makeover help in enhancing our attitude. I also strive to bring in a personal fashion statement.

I have often had to wear outfits and accessories that weren’t comfortable. High heels for instance. But had to wear them for certain events out of compulsion. And once after 2 or 3 songs I removed the heels and stood bare feet on stage. That’s why I say that comfort is very important for me.

Fashion role models

I love Poornima chechi (Poornima Indrajith). Earlier I was very conscious about my body. It was Poornima chechi who gave me confidence— “Who said only lean people are beautiful? You should learn to find beauty in your body. Built your confidence.” She said a lot of motivating things. I love her style and colour sense. She is a wonderful lady.

I love the style of model Ashely Graham. My friend Mridula Murali’s dressing style is also amazing.

Beauty standards

We need to go beyond the conventional standards of beauty when it comes to colour and figure. I do yoga, kickboxing and go for walks. These are part of my lifestyle. I don’t do that to lose weight. My only goal is to remain fit.

My favourite accessory

I love head accessories. Ever since I cut my hair I am buying different hats and hair bands. My nose pin is my statement jewellery. I use clip-ons as nose pins. Now I wear anklets. Since my mom bought it for me, it is very close to my heart. I wear minimal jewellery. When I wear a sari I accessorize it with bangles, earrings and a necklace. Or I just either wear a nose pin or a neckpiece. I don’t wear it all together.

Shopping

I avoid online shopping. Usually, I tend to pick stuff I liked wherever I go. My show clothes are designed at a boutique called Jesash. I like the accessories from Mridula Murali’s brand. I do shop at her boutique. Not that I am very fussy about brands. But I like the fitting and stitching of certain brands. And they are also long-lasting.

Be original

Create your own individual style! Never copy anyone. I take things that suit me. But it isn’t necessary that it should suit others. I like to experiment with my looks. That helps in creating an individual style.