Nikshubha Garg peeks into the closet of model-actress Sophie Choudry who isn't into quirky apparel or street fashion but swears by brands and classic creations
Sophie Choudry
At 33, Sophie Choudry dons many hats. She is an actor, singer, former VJ, model and television presenter, and has come a long way since she moved to Mumbai from London in 2002. The same could be said of her sartorial sense, too — Choudry is known for being able to carry off elegant, edgy attire and experiment with different looks effortlessly.
NIGHT OUT
RED ALERT: While dressing up for the evening, it’s important to not overdo any element, says Choudry. The singer pairs a Ramona Narang red dress with Louboutin heels. She completes the look with a deep red lip shade, Jimmy Choo clutch and a pair of diamond earrings.
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Sophie Choudry. Pics/Shadab Khan
We meet her at her Khar residence on a weekday and she looks chic in a pair of jeans and a floral print T-shirt. Point out the fact that she looks dressed to step out and she is quick to say, “I dress up for myself. For me, fashion is an extension of who I am. I like to reflect how I feel through the way I dress which, hopefully, is confident, feminine, stylish and chic.” Fashion, according to the actor, is something people should have fun with, while staying true to their individual style.
Alexander McQueen clutch: The actor loves the metallic feel of this clutch, which goes well with almost every colour and kind of outfit.
The former VJ was brought up in London and Paris and thus dressing up comes naturally to her. “I was surrounded by immaculately dressed people all the time. In addition to that, I saw my mother pay keen attention to her attire. She was always well turned out and wore the best of brands,” remembers the actor.
A DVF turquoise blue dress: Turquoise is one of Choudry’s favourite colours. A dress like this, she claims, can be worn both in the day for a casual brunch or a night out. It also looks great on the Indian skin colour, she feels.
Moving to Mumbai in 2002 sure boosted her career, but Choudry received quite the culture shock, she admits. “I couldn’t relate to the ‘jhalla’ culture here — the chappals, shorts and ganjis were not my thing. I am not decked up all the time, but you will never find me looking like that,” she says. So, does she never let her hair down? “I love to, but even when I do, it’s not messy,” she laughs.
Louboutin Silver spiked heels: The former VJ loves investing in shoes. This pair, she says, can uplift any outfit and make onelook like a rock star.
Know your style
Choudry feels fashion is transient but style is eternal. “You either have it or you don’t,” she believes. Many because they don’t know what looks good on them. “It is important to have a good relationship with your stylist — sure, s/he must understand you, but you too need to know what looks good on you. That’s where most celebrities go wrong. They are not used to wearing certain kinds of apparel and give in to the pressure to look good all the time. Over time, they lose sight of what their style really is,” she says.
So, will she never hire a stylist? “I do have a stylist but only for certain occasions and she is based in Delhi. I style myself for most events. If you have good fashion sense, you need not be dependant on a stylist,” she says.
BRUNCH ESSENTIALS
STAY SIMPLE: With her hair tied up and minimal accessories, Choudry prefers an easy and light look for a brunch. Here she
sports an Armani Exchange jumpsuit, a pair of vintage Dior earrings, Manolo black graphic heels and a Bvlgari watch.
Down memory lane
The actor has never picked up a single piece of clothing from the street and says brands are the way for her. She pulls out a cute off-white top with a pink jacket attached to it from her closet. “This top makes me smile instantly. It reminds me of my trip to Tokyo. I bought this while exploring the city, and I think it is a good example of chic Japanese style,” says Choudry.
She then heads back to her wardrobe and pulls out a small chain strap bag. “This is another of my most adored possessions. It’s a vintage Ferragamo bag which my mother gifted me on Christmas many years ago. I learnt to value things very early on in life,” says the singer. She also shows us a beautifulmathapatti that she bought from Karachi last year. “I saw girls in Pakistan wear it with jeans and T-shirt. I plan to try it on soon,” she smiles.
KEEPING IT CASUAL
CLASSY IN WHITE: For a casual outing, a monochrome top teamed with a pair of distressed denims is the actress’s
pick. In the picture she is seen wearing a Maje white top, Current/Elliot distressed denims, Dolce & Gabbana heels, Bvlgari watch and a finger ring from Atosa.
What Choudry loves
The leggy lass sure has her favourite fashionistas. She admires Sonam Kapoor, Kangna Ranaut and Deepika Padukone from Bollywood. “Kangna’s sense of style can be easily emulated, and she carries high-street and designer brands really well. Sonam, on the other hand, is well turned out but her fashion sense is aspirational and I don’t find it very relatable. She has an entire team helping her get ready,” says Choudry. Deepika, she adds, has a body type which allows her to carry everything gracefully.
So who are Choudry’s favourite Indian designers? “I am not quirky when it comes to fashion. I like Manish Malhotra, Sonaakshi Raaj, Pankaj and Nidhi and Rohit and Rahul,” she concludes.
SOPHIE’S FAVOURITES
This simple off-white top with a sewn pink jacket bought from Tokyo, Japan, epitomises the country's chic dressing
style for Choudry
The singer treasures this vintage Salvatore Ferragamo bag, a gift from her mother many years ago
There is nothing more classic and iconic than a Chanel bag. I rather buy one iconic bag than have many nice bags,” she says.
Last year, Choudry chanced upon this mathapatti in Karachi, Pakistan, and noticed women pairing it with jeans and T-shirts — a look she plans to experiment with herself
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