Ashley Rebello, the exclusive stylist for Salman Khan, says more of recycling and upcycling is preferred nowadays

Mona

Stylist Ashley Rebello is in no mood for making predictions about what will trend in 2022. For the last two years, he has said this will be big or that, but seeing 2020 and 2021, all he tips is that lots of recycling and upcycling would be in. That’s what he is doing too, and how has the fashion industry taken a turn post-pandemic was a concern of INIFD students, whom he addressed on Tuesday.

Pretty impressed by the well-turned-out students and their apt questions, Ashley thinks of Chandigarh crowd as quite in sync with the fashion world. “Though I am yet to see their work, by the interaction we had, I can say they are very well informed,” says the exclusive stylist for superstar Salman Khan. Their partnership is now a decade-and-a-half old and the costume designer takes pride in being more like family to him than just a stylist. His upcoming projects are Tiger Zinda Hai 3 and Bajrangi Bhaijan 2 with Salman, while he is also dressing him for reality TV show Bigg Boss. So, how has the universal ‘bhai’ changed over the years and also his style? “He has become a lot more sober and classic. I now design for his age and personality. As a person too he has sobered down a lot; he has quietened down a lot over the last few years.”

A new pattern

The pandemic has brought about changes in Ashley’s personal and professional life as well. Taking care of his health—watching what he eats—and exercising regularly, he has also been much into upcycling and recycling in styles. “Covid has made people sit back and take notice of all that one does. Spending big on fashion is no more in, but being sustainable is in. Now embroidery is also back in vogue. Embroidering on old clothes and upcycling them would be big in the coming year.”

Enjoying the winter in North India in his stylish boots, Ashley shares how Mumbai offers hardly any chance to wear them, “I have just been wearing my boots every day and walking to nowhere,” he laughs. As for budding designers, he says, “The earlier you find your unique selling point, the better it is. It’s easier said than done, but finding that one element that makes you stand out could be the game-changer.” Taking inspiration from his travels, Ashley hopes to bring something new from Kashmir soon!

Layer it up

As for winter fashion, he says, “Wear woollens that fit well. It’s a false notion that wearing oversized pullovers and jackets will keep you warm. If the clothing is loose, air will make you cold! Just layer it up!”

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