'My idea of happiness is slow mornings, globe trotting, amazing food and great sex': Mandana Karimi

The Mumbai-based former actor turned interior designer on things that inspire her

Mandana Karimi

My personal style is: Ever-evolving, but always punk chic.

My style icons: Are actually the streets! But okay, fine—Rekha and Sonam Kapoor in India, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (so me, so badass) internationally.

An item in my wardrobe that means the most: My first jersey T-shirt from my all-girls football team in Bandra.

My favorite souvenir from travels: Coffee-table books and mugs—basically, my travel addiction is summed up here.

The best gift I’ve received: Someone’s undivided time and attention.

The best gift I’ve given: My undivided time and attention—top that!

The last thing I bought: An insanely expensive watch from the Audemars Piguet store in Milan. It was worth every euro.

Watch The Audemars Piguet watch Karimi bought from Milan

The last book I read: Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others by Dr Scott Lyons. Relatable much?

The last film I loved: The Substance, starring Demi Moore. I was mind-blown.

Substance A scene from Demi Moore-starrer 'The Substance'

My Spotify playlist includes: "She’s on Fire" by Saris, "Shadows" by Bonobo and Jordan Rakei, and literally anything by Monolink (hello, “Father Ocean”).

My beauty/wellness routine: Hydrate, pop vitamins, monthly facials. And I also avoid people who make me scream—it ruins my Botox.

My favorite holiday destination: Europe, because duh.

I love to collect: Magnets, toothpaste, and tiny boxes—quirky but practical, okay?

tooth paste Karimi's collection of toothpaste

My fridge always has: Orange juice, blueberry, and face packs—priorities, people!

Minimalism or maximalism? Both. Balance is key, and it's also my excuse for indecision.

My home looks like: A cozy little treasure chest—so compact you’ll wonder how I survive.

House Karimi's home

My favorite traditional-meets-contemporary look: My 2024 Diwali outfit by a student from Instituto Marangoni. It was perfection.

dress Karimi in the Diwali outfit by a student from Instituto Marangoni

My best ideas come when: I’m either too exhausted to sleep or lost on a dance floor.

The best way to spend Rs 20,000: A spa package or a dreamy facial—a self-care splurge.

My idea of happiness: Slow mornings, globe trotting, amazing food, and great sex—life is sorted.

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