My personal style is: Forever evolving, taking a cue from my lived experiences, travels around the world and adding wearable collectables to my wardrobe. Classic, with a touch of whimsy, and with a sharp focus of heirloom accessories like gold jewellery and watches.
My personal style icon: I believe designer Tom Ford dresses immaculately. Closer home, I am forever taking styling notes from characters out of Satyajit Ray’s cinema. Think Soumitra Chatterjee in 'Charulata'.
An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: Very difficult to choose just one item as there are so many meaningful and memorable pieces. But my grandmother’s vintage cashmere kani shawl.
The cashmere kani shawl
My favourite souvenir from my travels is: Again too many. But all my Gucci leather goods (shoes, belt, bag) from my first visit to Rome. And my collection of fine jewelled brooches from Bangkok.
The jewelled brooches from Bangkok
The best gift I have received: Heirloom jewellery from my grandmother and mother.
The best gift I have given: A Pranay Baidya sari, it is for keeps.
The last thing I bought: My gym trainers from Lacoste.
The gym trainers from Lacoste
The last book I read: 'Nureyev: An Autobiography; the legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nuruyev's autobiography.
The last film I loved: I absolutely loved the Cristobal Balenciaga series. No recent movie really did leave a mark. And I watch many.
Spanish biographical drama television miniseries Cristobal Balenciaga
My Spotify list would include these songs: 'Zindagi Ke Safar Mein' by Amruta; Arijit Singh mashups; Whitney Houston classics; Lata Mangeshkar bhajans; Hemanta Mukherjee Bengali songs.
My beauty/ wellness routine is: Over the years I have realised that restful sleep, hydration and exercise are absolutely essential. Recently I have been obsessing over the entire range of Sulwhasoo beauty products, and that’s all I use. And yes sunscreen. Always sunscreen.
My favourite holiday destination: Oh, there are too many to list a favourite. Sicily absolutely has my heart. Such a melting pot of art, culture and civilisations.
I love to collect: Handwoven Banarasi dupattas and fine jewelled brooches.
My fridge always has: Leftover moong daal, gobindobhog rice and some (several) vegetables.
Minimalism or maximalism: Layered, whimsical maximalism.
My home looks like: A celebration of my Calcutta Bengali roots filled with art and objects collected from travels around the world.
Pranay Baidya's home
My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: Love the contemporary use of traditional Indian textile. Be it in fashion or home furnishings.
My best ideas come when: First thing in the morning, while sipping on my French press coffee, listening to my morning playlist of bhajans.
The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: To buy a handwoven textile directly from its maker or weaver. Or buy a one-way plane ticket (I did this a lot in my 20s).
My idea of happiness is: Enjoying a slower pace of life, mixing up family time, work, company of friends, and travel to discover.
