My personal style is: dependent on my schedule. Some days it’s classic and contemporary, some days it’s boho. But it’s always chic.
My personal style icon: I love Anne Hathaway. And Audrey Hepburn’s classic retro looks. But I don’t really follow anyone for style, my style is my own persona.
An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: I don’t have many as I am very generous with giving away my clothes. Maybe my wedding sari, it’s a pale pink Benarasi with pure silver work. It was my mother’s wedding sari too. There are also some pieces of antique jewellery that I have collected over the years which mean a lot to me.
Vinita Chaitanya's pale pink Benarasi wedding sari
My favourite souvenir from my travels is: Gosh, there are many of these! I collect vintage crockery and some quirky porcelain pieces which I carry home very very carefully. I use them all. But I cannot recall a piece which is a favourite.
The best gift I have received: Are thoughtful gifts. Like my niece once put together a little hamper of my favourite skincare products. Or a set of vintage Baccarat glasses which a girlfriend found. Or even a vintage Chanel brooch that my nephew recently gave me. I like gifts that are meaningful and from the heart, the price is not important. But let me say here that I am a difficult person to choose for.
The best gift I have given: A vintage teapot to a collector. And jewellery to someone who needed it. Also a wedding sari to a friend. I love giving gifts.
The last thing I bought: Probably on my recent trip, some trays and platters from Liberty London.
Some of her favourite buys are crockery
The last book I read: I don’t read books any more.
The last film I loved: The series ‘Drops of God’ on Apple TV.
A scene from 'Drops of God'
My Spotify list would include these songs: I only use Apple Music. That said, I love music. My list would include Miley Cyrus’ 'Flowers', Sting’s 'Desert Rose', Andrea Bocelli’s 'Besame Mucho’.
My beauty/ wellness routine is: I swear by face oils from Forest Essentials or Kama Ayurveda. And I swear by my skin doctor.
My favourite holiday destination: Coorg, because it’s home. Also, Africa, Paris and London. I love places with clean beaches or any place that gives me culture, nature and a small dose of retail therapy.
I love to collect: Indian antiques. Vintage crockery from flea markets. Silver.
My fridge always has: Dark chocolate.
Minimalism or maximalism: Maximalism! But I also know restraint.
My home looks like: My friends describe it as a jewel box. It’s a super eclectic mix of textures, objects and pattern.
My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: A draped sari.
My best ideas come when: I am swimming.
The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: Buying silver.
My idea of happiness is: Being home, with my family.
