A prêt-à-porter couching!

While fashion is an integral aspect of everyday life, it is the psychology behind it that fascinates young and dynamic fashion psychologist Harsheen K Arora. She channels her creative side through her photography venture Stupid Eye and her luxury bespoke line The V Renaissance. Harsheen believes — the way one dresses gives an insight into one’s personality and confidence levels. Explaining the underlying premise behind fashion psychology, Harsheen puts forth, “Fashion psychology is about understanding why people wear what they wear and the effects their clothes have upon other people and on their own thoughts and emotions. For example, if you see someone walk in for a meeting in a well-tailored suit as opposed to someone in a striped shirt and trousers, you would perceive them to be higher up in the hierarchy. Research shows that we tend to perceive doctors in white coats as being more serious and dedicated towards their profession and police men in uniform to have more authority.”

She further adds, “Also, our moods affect the way we dress. For someone, who has just gone through a heartbreak or an emotional trauma you are more likely to find them in their pajamas or clothes that make them feel comfortable. However, if the same person changes into his/her favourite dress, then it is bound to uplift his/her mood. What one wears also tends to convey whether he/she is highlighting his/her personality or trying to conceal it.”

As she delves into the significance of fashion psychology, Harsheen reveals about her tryst with the world of bespoke fashion and luxury. She shares, “I have been a practicing psychologist since 2008. In 2010, I decided to move to Mumbai and I partnered with photographer Vipul Amar and we published our research called ‘Stupid Eye’ based on the premise ‘to understand one’s true self’ and now it is being used as a therapeutic tool. Later in 2013, we decided to add the luxury quotient and began a bespoke art and luxury brand, where we design bespoke art, fashion accessories, apparels and high-end furniture, etc.”

She claims she doesn’t feel burdensome even after working long hours, “Certainly, I am never tired of what I am doing. I get to balance my creativity by merging fashion with psychology so there is so much to do and explore and there is no scope to get bored in chasing your dreams, your passion,”she adds.

Ask this fashion psychologist about the most stylish fashion icons and she says, “Princess Diana was one of the most fashionable icons of all time. Diana made bold statements with her sartorial choices, from the bright suits and dramatic gowns to her famous wedding dress, she was one of the most well-recognised, and influential style icons in the world.”

When quizzed if she is someone who loves to socialise or does she prefer spending ‘me time’, Harsheen responds, “I prefer spending time with close friends and family. My ideal evening is sitting around the pool with a few friends with some live music in the background and lots of laughter.”

Catching up with close friends is her ideal way to unwind after a stressful day. Harsheen shares, “After a hectic day, I either spend some time with my own self — meditating or reading a book and going to bed early. At times, I like to de-stress by catching up with a few close friends. Photography, travelling and reading top my priority list when not occupied with work.”