Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on her relationship with fashion, life in London, and using her privilege to create meaningful change

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on her relationship with fashion, life in London, and using her privilege to create meaningful change

I want to go down in posterity for the right reasons,” says Sonam Kapoor Ahuja. “When people think of me, they shouldn’t only think that I changed the way people look at fashion in India.” Reclining on a rust-red velvet sofa at her sumptuous home in London’s Notting Hill, the style icon and actor is in a philosophical mood on the day I meet her—and with good reason.

When I arrived over an hour ago, through the drizzle of an early summer’s day, she answered the door with a smile, fresh-faced and refreshingly low-key in leggings and a VegNonVeg T-shirt (from the sneaker store co-founded by her husband Anand Ahuja, along with the clothing label Bhaane). She apologised for the heart-shaped balloons that crowded her living room—a surprise from her parents on the eve of her 36th birthday—and proved to be the perfect host, fixing me a coffee and bowl of namak para as she told me about the year that was.

Instagram content View on Instagram

Like so many expats, it’s been far too long since she’s seen her family. Although she is now fully vaccinated, she tells me she had COVID-19 in December (“I was asymptomatic, thank god”), weeks before she was due to go on set for her latest film, Blind, which she describes as “an incredible experience” and “one of the toughest shoots I’ve ever done.” It’s been trying times for most of us, but she hopes the worst is behind us. As we speak, London is on the cusp of a debated complete reopening, the days are getting longer, and tomorrow she will be taking her Life in the UK Test. “I’ve been studying for a week,” she says with a laugh. In short, there’s been a lot to process and more time than usual in which to do it.

Change of pace

Be it spotting a peacock while strolling through Holland Park, vintage shopping at Alfies Antique Market or grabbing ragda patties at Bombay Bustle, Kapoor Ahuja has found her way around London, making it her second home. On sunny days she loves walking around Hampstead Heath. “You walk through Maida Vale, go through the canal, go into the park and walk up the hill with your picnic basket full of sandwiches. You can see all of London. I’m still a tourist.” The Victoria & Albert Museum is another sanctum. “There’s a bookstore opposite where I love to sit. They have really nice coffee,” she adds.

Trend alert: Men’s statement jewellery

When the BBC Three series Normal People aired during lockdown one of its unlikely stars was a chain, the now infamous silver necklace worn by actor Paul Mescal. In one of the most talked-about tv adaptations of last year, Mescal’s neck jewellery inspired its own Instagram account, @connellschain, which to this day has over 167k followers.

The particular necklace in question strikes a heady balance between masculinity and vulnerability, and is part of a wider trend of men’s jewellery, which has seen sales boom during the pandemic. At Matchesfashion, sales doubled in the first six week of lockdown. This has led to a more design-led focus for 2022, with men’s statement jewellery a category that is expected to significantly grow in the coming seasons.

While working from home and spending the days on zoom calls, key jewellery items like earrings, necklaces and cuffs are all “above keyboard” fashion items that are seeing an uptick in demand.

How to wear it

Chunky jewellery and a mix of layered styles will work well for retailers with a younger customer base. Colourful chains and those with expressions were made popular in the women’s category but have now crossed over to a more fluid offering, as worn by singer Harry Styles and championed by brands such as Gucci.

Classic men’s jewellery include the signet ring and bracelets, but should not be aimed at the same customer who buys cufflinks. Contemporary styles pushing the gender norm are those that are gaining traction in the men’s accessories category.

Personalisation remains popular, whether monogramming or allowing for multiple styling options. Even semi precious stones like pearls, once reserved for women’s adornment, have been seen on earrings and necklaces worn by men (cue Harry Styles). When it comes to embellishment, it’s fair game for all.

5 jackets from Priyanka Chopra’s closet that will keep you cosy without compromising on style

Priyanka Chopra is currently busy shooting for her upcoming Netflix feature, We Can Be Heroes. Yesterday, the actor was spotted taking a break and stepping out in Beverly Hills with her pet pup, Diana Chopra. For the casual outing, the star picked a pair of black jeans and a matching black turtleneck. But what added a fun twist to her off-duty ensemble was her choice of jacket. Instead of a black layer, Chopra wore her ebony outfit with a blue denim jacket dotted with colourful patchwork stickers. Zoom into her latest pictures and you’ll notice that the jacket wasn’t like any other in the world. This one was a customised number that came embroidered with the celebrity’s name in bold red letters on its back.

Image: Instagram.com

Priyanka Chopra completed her outfit with a pair of white sneakers

With the focus on her jacket, Priyanka Chopra kept the rest of her outfit simple. The star completed her outfit with a pair of comfortable white sneakers. She also accessorised her look with a tote bag, and a pair of black sunglasses.

No matter where you’re going this weekend, a quirky denim jacket like Priyanka Chopra’s is sure to help you stand out. It’s not just apt for travelling, but you can also wear it for a casual outing in the city, just like she did. Still don’t own a handy denim jacket? Find out where you can shop separates similar to Chopra’s below.