Stylish by nature

She believes style is indispensable and vanity, essential. A fashionista with a mission, Pernia Qureshi believes that there is no reason to be apologetic about indulging in all things pretty— as long as it’s done in moderation. “What is style after all? Style is knowing yourself and being comfortable in your skin. It’s about projecting the image that you want to project about yourself, successfully,” says the stylist-turned author who recently launched a self-help style bible called Be Stylish. “I believe a little bit of vanity is essential for everybody. People don’t indulge in it enough. If you look good, you feel good and it shows,” she adds.

Talking about her book, she says, “I always wanted to write a book on style, but never thought it’d be so early in my career. Be Stylish is a handy book for women of all ages to run to, for quick style fixes. It covers pointers such as how to dress for a certain body type, occasion, weather etc.” Pernia admits to have drawn some tips from one of the most adored onscreen fashionistas, Carrie Bradshaw of 'Sex And The City' fame. “I was in New York when the series was playing so I could relate to it so much. I know a lot of women love the show too. Besides, the book is like that — casual, like girlfriends discussing style.”

Pernia’s name first came in the limelight during the promotions of 'Aisha'. She admits it was one of her biggest milestones to dress up someone like Sonam Kapoor — because they were so similar. “Sonam and I have very similar tastes in fashion. I know she’ll like what I like and vice versa. Which why we had so much fun. We went through 90 costumes changes! There was a different hairdo with each look. That’s how we became close friends too,” says Pernia who defines her own style as feminine and classic.

So committed is she to the cause of style that Pernia now wants to write a style guide for men. And after that, may be a book on how to host and entertain at home for Indian women. “Indian women host dinners and social functions so often, so I thought I’d be nice to have a go-to book for it.”