‘My heroes are Karl Lagerfeld and Sabyasachi for their impact across various domains of fashion’
URBANITY
Ashdeen Lilaowala
What is your personal style?
A mix of traditionally ornate and comfortable pieces.
What is the most special item in your wardrobe?
A black pashmina shawl with tilla work.
Who are your fashion heroes?
Karl Lagerfeld and Sabyasachi for their impact across the various domains of fashion.
What are your most favourite holiday destinations?
My numero uno is always Paris. After that it’s anywhere with a beach.
Ashdeen in Paris
What do you like to collect?
Parsi textiles and artefacts.
What is the most significant gift you have given someone?
I love gifting saris to my mother.
Ashdeen's mother in one of his saris
What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
An Issey Miyake jacket.
Do you remember a time when you were happiest?
All through my childhood.
What is your greatest achievement?
Many to recount and they’re all equally important to me.
What does sustainability mean to you?
It’s a lifestyle meant to be lived rather than a box to be ticked by fashion brands.
The designer collects Parsi textiles
Are you a minimalist or maximalist?
Maximalist—I love colour, embroidery, embellishment and print.
What is on your Spotify list?
Annie Lennox tops the list along with some Nineties’ classics.
Ashdeen (centre) as a child
What are you reading at the moment?
A graphic novel called ‘Absolute Jafar’ by Sarnath Banerjee.
What do you dream of at night?
I never remember my dreams.
What does your home look like?
An eclectic mix of art, textiles and ceramics.
What are the phrases you use most?
‘Awaaz neeche aur bees kadam peeche’. Borrowed from Rakhi Sawant — the queen of one-liners.
What are your favourite foods?
Bengali and Parsi dishes never fail to hit the spot. I also love a good biriyani.
Where do your best ideas come from?
Travel.
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