No best-dressed list in India is complete without a mention of actor Sonam K Ahuja. And the fashionable brain behind all of her chic looks, be it the red carpet at Cannes or the premiere of her film is her younger sister Rhea (Kapoor). The stylist, film producer, who also runs the fashion line Rheson with her sister, recently, collaborated with Zoya, a luxurious diamond brand from the House of Tata, for Style Digest 2.0. For the collaboration, Rhea styled two strong women in jewels by Zoya for special occasions – Kainaz Messman of the famed patisserie Theobroma, and a friend’s mother for her daughter’s engagement. In a joyful conversation filled with laughter, Rhea shares tips about buying jewellery, and all that her mother taught her about the value of craftsmanship.
Rhea Kapoor, What made you collaborate with Zoya?
This is my second Style Digest with them as I really relate to their philosophy. I like their designs and the way they approach their designs. There is a lot of skill, craftsmanship and time involved — they take nine to 12 months to design each piece. The pieces are elegant, understated and exclusive. They don’t overwhelm you. I personally wear their jewellery as well.
Are there any definitive dos and don’ts when it comes to styling jewellery?
There’s no right or wrong, it’s all about the mood and a certain taste. Women have very good instincts when it comes to their personal style. You know when it’s right and wrong. When you look into the mirror and see that the jewellery is making you feel the way you want to, stop adding. Think about the whole look. When you really want to kill it with the jewellery, the outfit has to be underplayed. It’s about finding a balance, and styling according to your face structure and your body, it shouldn’t overwhelm you. For example, if you have a small face, I don’t recommend wearing a lot of jewellery, but if you can pull it off, why not?
How does one pair heavy jewellery with prints?
I recently wore a printed lehenga with a Navratan neckpiece. In such cases, I make sure that the neck is little low so that the jewellery sits on your skin rather than the print. This way, you create a nice backdrop for your jewellery.
In what way did your mother (Sunita Kapoor), who also designs jewellery, shape your taste?
My mother has formed my taste in clothes, jewellery and everything. She has an incredible taste in art and jewellery and she’s taught me the value of quality and craftsmanship, which is really important. Now when I look at a piece of jewellery, I know its value, and how much time, effort and thought went into creating it.
Rhea Kapoor, Do you plan to design jewellery?
I should no? [laughs] I actually designed a few pieces earlier — Sonam’s earrings and hathphools that she wore at Cannes in 2017.
What’s your most treasured piece of jewellery?
A solitaire pendant! It was the first piece of jewellery that a boy I liked gifted me [laughs].
Rhea Kapoor, What kind of jewellery do you prefer?
I like all jewellery and clothes, I have a problem [smiles].
What are the jewellery staples every woman should own?
When it comes to fashion, everyone needs a chic white shirt that they feel comfortable in and a well-fitting pair of jeans, I like high-waisted one. For jewellery staples, one should always have a layering piece that you can add to. What I do is get a quality pendant with a chain, and you can add to that. A tennis bracelet is a staple too.
What is the kind of research that you do, and one should do before buying jewellery?
You have to really think about it, you have to know the story, the craftsmanship behind it and you have to know about stones. Always go to a place that will give that information. I feel women hit milestones on a monthly and yearly basis nowadays. So when it comes to an impulse buy, when you are celebrating an achievement, just go for it. Treat yourselves! Obviously, I am an impulse buyer too [laughs]. You need to enjoy wearing your jewellery because you are going to invest a lot of money in it. If you are the kind of person who enjoys wearing jewellery on a daily basis, invest pieces that can make you feel happy every day. If you are someone who doesn’t wear jewellery every day, then invest in that one statement piece, so that when you wear it on a special day, you feel the value.
The post Styling Jewellery with Rhea Kapoor appeared first on TMM.