The Fashion Society would not have been the same without our charming stylist – Tanya Rupani. She is the person behind the curtains who preps the stars for the show. Part of our every editorial, we trust Tanya’s tasteful eye for detail. Her hands magically turn any victim of dull fashion into a glamorous diva. She would transform your rack of basic T-shirts and jeans into a parade of colour and crazy patterns. Because Tanya makes fashion fun and we love her!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Tanya Rupani - a freelance stylist and creative director. I’m currently in the final year of my degree - Marketing and Management - but my love for fashion draws me into this gig. Interacting with new and interesting people is my drive and I am always up for exciting projects. I admit I am a perfectionist! If I feel like I’m not achieving my vision, I take a little break to refresh my ideas before driving with full force. This is how I run my blog, as well. I use it as a platform to spread my message and reassure my followers that it’s ok to be YOU and still keep on discovering yourself!

What inspired you to get started in fashion styling?

I saw styling as a space for me to express emotions and ideas through the medium of fashion. And honestly, I never thought this would be it for me! I initially got into styling because I wanted to learn something new, but I was fortunate enough to have extremely talented mentors who passed on their passion to me.

What is the most fun part about styling an editorial?

Editorials are the most fun because there are very little limitations to creativity and you can go as crazy as you want! So, for me, it’s deffo the brainstorming and having a chance to experiment with different styles that I find the most enjoyable.

What do you find the most challenging?

Umm, I’ve not encountered many challenges so far, and that’s mainly because I really get into what I’m doing. However, there might be a conflict of visions sometimes, but I guess that’s part of the learning process!

What do you consider as the biggest fashion crime for 2018?

It’s got to be the pearls on denim or those embroidery patches on denim. IT'S-A BIG NO-NO.

You attended the London Fashion Week Festival this year. What were the current fashion trends that struck you the most?

What struck me the most was how far people can go for fashion. It was absolutely crazy and I love crazy! A trend that is going to stick around for 2018 is definitely pairing a pant-suit with a casual tee and sneakers. Also, those checkered patterns on capes, pants, blazers etc. are so back in!

Who are your style icons and why?

My style icons – can I say me? Haha. I’m self-obsessed. But it has to be Danielle Bernstein from We Wore What, because her style is a lot sportier just like mine and Sonam Kapoor because she can pull off anything, literally anything!

Do you have a ride or die clothing piece?

Umm, it’s got to be jackets - bomber, biker, leather, denim, fur! I usually prefer cropped jackets in any of the above forms.

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself taking your styling career?

I’m not sure yet, I take up whatever projects I fancy that come my way. I’ve gained a lot more experience in the past 6-8 months and there are still more projects lined up. And honestly, each of them is a different experience for me! It gets exhausting when you’ve got uni going on alongside, but at the end of the day, it teaches you to balance! I hope to grow as an influencer and stylish in my home country – India, as well as, in Nigeria – this is where I’ve grown up.

What would you like to tell our readers?

Don’t think about what the world has to say! Just do whatever your heart desires. The fear of what others think of you is going to stop you from being who you really want to be.

You can find Tanya on Instagram @tanyaarupani

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