Hollywood’s haute-stepper, Bibhu Mohapatra

When it comes to scaling fashion’s stratosphere, Orissa-born New York-based fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra has pretty much been there, done that. As design director at J Mendel, Bibhu dressed every star worth her Louboutins — from Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie to Demi Moore, Sienna Miller and Cate Blanchett. “They’re all divas in their own way but Salma Hayek can really turn on the diva switch in an instant. She’s very charming and self-assured, and knows exactly what part of her body she doesn’t want to accentuate — and she’ll tell you! So you better learn to deal with that,” says Bibhu, smiling.

“Angelina is the nicest person, super-powerful in her own silent way. And Sienna is my favourite, one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people I know.” After nine years at the helm of the luxury fashion house, Bibhu moved on in 2008 to launch his own label. The decision he says was as painful as a ‘divorce’. “It was difficult — because it was not only professional but an emotional one. But I felt it had gotten monotonous for me, the challenge was missing and I guess there’s a time for everything...” While his last collection received raves from the fashion press with Gwyneth Paltrow said to have already ordered a bunch of dresses for an upcoming event, Bibhu adds, “I’ve always believed it’s never about one person, it’s about teamwork. Whatever small team I have, without their support and input, the clothes could not be what they are.”In talks for launching his label in India sometime soon, Bibhu’s already had his tryst with Bollywood — having played a small cameo opposite Big B in Teen Patti. So, who would make it to his Bollywood wish-list? “Katrina Kaif is someone who is on my radar. She has a lot of her own personality and does not let the clothes take over — that, to me, is key. There should be a balance between the clothes and the person’s personality, neither should overshadow the other,” says Bibhu, adding, “Also, Ash of course, she’s gorgeous and Priyanka Chopra is beautiful. And Kajol, I just love!”