THE TURNER SERIES Meet Ria Kamat Shetty
Introducing Ria Kamat Shetty
Tell us about your tenure at Vogue India as a Fashion Editor. And what is your most special memory from your time there?
My time at Vogue was incredibly formative. Working in such a creative environment with strong intelligent women (and men) truly set the foundation of my career. I have such fond memories of my Vogue days that it would be hard to choose just one. From travelling to Europe for fashion week, to cover shoots in tropical destinations and working on our annual women of the year awards that celebrated women from different facets of life - sports, STEM, film, fashion. Being in the company of such brilliant people will always be such a special memory for me.
Share your style advice for someone who’s currently cleaning out their wardrobe.
I find that it's equally important to consider the pieces you are giving away as much as the ones you are looking to buy. Before donating pieces , I really like to think about why those pieces don’t serve me anymore - it is the style, seasonality, size, quality. It is an opportunity to extend the life of a garment by
altering it over discarding it as well as an opportunity to reevaluate the purchase I had made.
If you only had ten minutes to get ready for dinner with girlfriends - what would be your go to outfit?
A man's style shirt worn over a pair of well tailored trousers, a strappy heel that I can walk in, some chunky gold jewellery, and if it's cold an oversized blazer or coat.
Describe a typical day in your life as a fashion stylist and creative consultant.
Everyday is different and I love that about my job. I structure my day to meet both my personal and
professional goals. My happiest days are spent on set shooting an editorial or a campaign. I enjoy being around the energy of other creatives and working collaboratively as a team.
Where do you find inspiration for your editorials?
I find inspiration for my work through so many different mediums...a trip to an art gallery, a book that I might be reading, a conversation with a friend or another creative, travel or even a news article that I might come across. For me it always starts with a narrative or a story and then the clothes follow after.
Who’s your style icon and why?
I wouldn’t be able to say that I have one specific person who’s style I really look up to or am inspired by. I do find myself being inspired by women who are really confident in their bodies and so anything they wear looks incredible.
Share your top three tips for shopping preloved clothing and accessories.
1. Patience is key. More often than not, while rummaging through second hand stores, if you stay committed to your search you will come across a special find.
2. Participate in wardrobe swaps with friends or colleagues. A lot of vintage stores offer this service as well. It is also a good way to give away pieces in your own wardrobe for new ones without breaking the bank.
3. Don't buy just because of a label, brand name or affordable price tag. Approach this purchase with an equally conscious mindset.
What’s on the horizon for 2023?
I am incredibly excited for what 2023 has in store for me. I am looking forward to creating fashion editorials with powerful messing and working with brands whose values I resonate with.
