‘I make every look my own’: Pria Kataaria Puri

Designer Pria Kataaria Puri has time and again entrenched the ubiquitous kaftan on the fashion map. Dividing her time between three countries — India, Kuwait and the US, her personal style is a reflection of her decadent travels, incredible women she meets from different walks of life and her undying and unabashed love for all things style. A far cry from the cookie-cutter mould of dressers one comes across in Mumbai, Pria has always taken sartorial risks on the red carpet and also off it. She doesn’t shy away from a statement-making fascinator or from a feather accented number. In a tête-à-tête, she talks about her personal style and her never ending love affair with the classic kaftan. Over to her... 

How do you interpret your personal style?

For me, fashion is about elegance and I love the element of glamour and surprise. I like to be glamorous and having said that, the surprises are for me and not for other people. I get bored easily. Since I travel all the time, I am inspired by women I meet. I make every red carpet look my own, and I believe that you need to own what you’re wearing — whether it’s H&M or Valentino, you should execute it your way. 

You’ve been quite the risk-taker.

I like to go all out. I genuinely love fashion and it comes naturally to me. My wardrobe is divided in three countries. I tend to collect hats, headgears, headbands and handbags. Whatever I buy is forever, it’s for keeps. ‘What was I thinking’ — that moment is never there. 

Favourite designers

There are designers I love, but can’t wear them because of their cuts. The brands I end up wearing are Dior, Chanel and D&G since they all complement my curvy body type. I love Valentino, Armani and Ralph Lauren Polo. 

What makes kaftan a timeless classic?

I have been very persistent in making it timeless. According to me it’s a classic. It’s an evergreen silhouette. I love that whole feel of it not having an armhole. It could be sensuous, glamorous and casual — hence it’s a staple in my wardrobe. Be it a dinner at home or a chic soiree, you need something glam and comfortable. 

Any accessory fetish. 

I collect scarves, belts, sunglasses, hats. I went through a socks phase too. 

Which city according to you is the fashion capital of the world?

Kuwait as women here dress impeccably. How they mix casual and high fashion pieces is incredible. 

Fav decade in fashion history.

I love the Great Gatsby era for its sheer glam appeal — fringes, furs and headgear.  

Style icons you admire.

There are so many. I love Jackie O, Gayatri Devi, and Madhubala.. 

STYLE ICON: Jackie O (left); and 20s flapper era inspires Pria

Fashion faux pas according to you.

They all try to look the same and they feel happy being safe. I don’t understand why. 

RAPID FIRE

Lame or velvet 

Lame  

Print or Embellishments 

Print

Heels or sneakers 

Heels 

Blow dry or air dry

Blow dry 

Kurti or kaftan

Kaftans