WOMEN OF LOVEBIRDS
03 NIDHI JACOB
In conversation with the prolific Nidhi Jacob (stylist, creative director, costume designer, among others) on deeming fashion trends redundant, believing in the power of authentic style, and nurturing organic expression.
1. You have years of experience in the fashion industry, what has been your biggest takeaway/wisest lesson learnt?
Nidhi: My magazine experience involved a lot of following of fashion trends but it also allowed me to meet real people and personalities, which is how I started finding trends redundant and shifted my interest to personal style, expression, and storytelling. But I do find fads fascinating because they're great indicators of social-political-economic events. So my biggest takeaway has been to focus on style and not fashion and staying informed about local and global news.
2. You've been exploring photography and self-portraiture as a new creative medium. Are there plans to pursue this professionally too?
Nidhi: I've been shooting myself for a long time, initially for my blogs but now that I've stopped blogging, I still enjoy documenting my personal style. But during the lockdown, I picked up the camera to shoot myself and my surroundings in a more intimate way and I'm incredibly grateful to be able to explore this medium on my own terms, at my own pace. However, if any collaborations or opportunities come up that align with the way I enjoy photography, I would be happy to see where those go!
3. You are the powerful, contemporary Indian woman that we as a brand seek inspiration from and aspire to dress. We want to understand your style and what fashion means to you. How do you translate your ideologies into your sartorial choices/practices?
Nidhi: I genuinely believe less is more, and listening to what feels most authentic to myself. I try to imbibe these philosophies even when I'm styling or shooting. I try to understand what I’m contributing to the project/subject/muse to make it more organic and also more direct in expression and communication.
4. How has this pandemic changed the way you work? How has the process of styling/creative direction evolved for you? Take us through it!
Nidhi: I had a lot of time to myself for most of the pandemic and when work started again, it became clearer than ever to me that I like to be focused on one particular task at a time. I need time to recharge after jobs and it not only enhances my productivity but has made me approach everything I do in a deeper, more meaningful way.
5. The lockdown also gave rise to a whole new category of in-between clothing. How has this period changed your perception of fashion in general?
Nidhi: It didn't really do much to change the way I dress, but obviously wearing jeans now feels like a hardship! But it has made me consume less or at least re-look at how much I actually need as opposed to how much I want.
6. Your style advice/favourite trends.
Nidhi: Be kinder to yourself. Adapt fashion to make it work for you and not the other way around.
NIDHI JACOB IN LOVEBIRDS SS'21
SELF PORTRAITS BY: NIDHI JACOB
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