My personal style is: Looking elegant. I am mindful of the occasions and places and dress accordingly. From the serious corporate to the everyday bossy look to the casual chic.
My personal style icon: Coco Chanel. The timeless appeal of each of the iconic pieces still standing the test of time is simply incredible. The fact that Chanel was started by a woman who bore the brunt of several setbacks is all the more fascinating and admirable.
An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: My black jeans and a 35-year-old lemon-coloured cashmere coat gifted by my late spouse when he travelled to London and spent most of his travel resources on it.
The black jeans gifted to Jesmina Zeliang by her late spouse
My favourite souvenir from my travels is: Vintage miniature chairs from a flea market in Yerevan, Armenia, where I travelled this summer. I bought all the available pieces from the small booth at the market.
Vintage miniature chairs Zeliang sources from a flea market in Yerevan, Armenia
The best gift I have received: A limited edition bag from Monsieur Christian Louboutin during his visit recently, which coincided with my birthday.
Zeliang's birthday gift from Christian Louboutin
The best gift I have given: A handwoven tapestry from my brand Heirloom Naga, which took almost more than two months to weave.
The last thing I bought: A classic black full-sleeved Japanese-inspired shirt/ blouse from a local boutique in Chiang Mai.
The last book I read: It has been so long I cannot remember! Hell, I may sound stupid but I haven’t got the bandwidth to read currently, what with my mind racing continually with a thousand thoughts and ideas.
The last film I loved: 'The Children’s Train', the Italian film by Cristina Comencini.
My Spotify list would include these songs: 'She’s always a woman' by Billy Joel; 'Diamonds and Rust' by Joan Baez; 'Holding back the years' by Simply Red; 'Paloma Negra' by Lila Downs; 'Woman in love' by Barbra Streisand; 'The first time I ever saw your face' by Roberta Flack; 'Smooth Operator' by Sade; 'I’ve been loving you too long' by Otis Redding.
My beauty/ wellness routine is: Simple if not lazy. Wash, moisturise and occasionally a face pack.
My favourite holiday destination: Morocco, for its riot of color and craft. I could just spend the entire day going back to the markets over and over again. I love discovering markets, you never know what treasure awaits and that could pretty much be your next inspiration. Most of my design processing occurs during my travels.
I love to collect: Baskets and more baskets from the hill tribes and exquisite handmade craft in natural materials. I had the opportunity to visit a few local farmer markets in Chiang Mai just this week and, trust me, from the natural dyed textiles from the hill tribes of Northern Thailand to the basketry from Taiwan, I managed to collect some of them for their sheer artistry.
Zeliang's collection of baskets
More baskets
My fridge always has: Meat and more food for more than a family of 10. Running a house with two adult sons who are both foodies makes it worth the effort to go for regular weekly supplies to our local famed Super Market Wednesday Bazaar where you can grab literally everything organic and exotic food.
Minimalism or maximalism: Minimalism. At this point of time, I want to declutter.
Zeliang's home. Displayed are wall arts made of bamboo
Another view of her home
My home looks like: It's easy and welcoming. If I may add, artisanal too, at least that’s what many kind visitors have claimed.
My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: Reflected in my textiles work at Heirloom Naga and also basketry and lifestyle in Cane Concepts.
My best ideas come when: I travel and I can’t wait to head back to deep dive.
The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: To shop for basics which will help you to stand tall in any situation.
My idea of happiness is: Quality time with well-meaning family and friends. And travel of course.
