Supporting dreams

As a brand consultant and freelance fashion stylist, Ashima Gandhi’s focus is on helping her clients build enduring narratives

What has been the most challenging styling brief you’ve worked on so far?

AG: I would say the most challenging part is when the brief is changed at the last hour. That happens a lot. I work with tight timelines and specific budgets and with each project, there’s little to no room to make errors. When new requests come in or any changes are requested at the last hour, you learn to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions. Every project has its own challenges and that’s the beauty of what we do!

Share your experience of collaborating with V-magazine.

AG: I assisted Alexander Julian – one of the finest stylists among us – on this project with one of my personal favourite photographers, Rid Burman. The project was about reimagining and translating our cultural heritage through the voices and designs of the contemporaries in Indian fashion. We shot across Mumbai – in the buzzing streets of Dadar flower market and the corners of Bandra – and befriended a beautiful horse named Roshni. It was definitely a special one.

How do you overcome a creative block?

AG: I take a break from what I am currently working on, put on my headphones and head out for a walk. I take pictures of tiles and patterns, doors and windows, colours and forms, and spaces, and do some people watching. It magically works for me!

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