Elizabeth Saltzman on styling Deepika Padukone for Cannes 2017
Deepika Padukone is no longer a Bollywood star, the term crossover actor' is far more accurate to describe her in this current phase of her career. Since 2016, when she was on Vanity Fair's list of Hollywood's Next Generation stars, she's been to the Oscars after-party, the Met Ball, and now she's at the 70th Cannes Film Festival as one of L'Oral's global ambassadors. Padukone's quietly graceful sartorial choices have always made their way to best-dressed lists.
When she's on international turf, the star's wardrobe is entrusted to one of Hollywood's leading stylists"Elizabeth Saltzman, whose clientele includes the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman and Saoirse Ronan. Saltzman is a senior professional in the industry, with over 30 years of experience in fashion. This year at Cannes, she is working exclusively with the homegrown, now global talent.
The Cannes red carpet is one of the most-watched events in the world. Given that this will be Deepika's L'Oral debut, what do you have in mind to create an impact?
We were discussing it and the big conversation was to have elegance, glamour and fun. She wanted [her style] to be different than what she's done; which is hard because she has done so many amazing things. It's a whole different set of rules between countries for fashion, which I think is interesting.
How would you say you have influenced Deepika's look?
I read the comments on her Instagram [on the picture of her in the white Tommy Hilfiger dress at the Met Gala] and I learnt that the Indian market doesn't want to see her in a slip dress, they want to see her as they know her. You have to figure out between the two worlds. We try not to read too much into that [the comments] but go with what is best for Deepika, and it's interesting because it is so important not to lose a single fan in life. They have such faith and they are so loyal.
I was hired by the American team and the message I received was that they wanted her to be seen a bit differently than she has been. We opened the eyes of the world to her beauty, elegance and talent to other countries. While she is by far one of the biggest stars in the world, but that doesn't mean people know her films outside of India, because not all of them play in other countries. So when I got the job, I was so excited to work with her. She is so elegant, I mean truly one of the most elegant bodies and brains I have worked with and then there's the naughtiness, the dimples, the fun and flirtation!
What has been your experience styling her?
Everything looks good on her"that's fun. I like big hair and I love bold colours, but you also don't want to age her. She is really the most beautiful when she is wearing her track pants with no make-up on and just a beautiful brow and that smile, and you just sit there thinking wow! Then she comes in with her hair done and you're like that's even more amazing. And then she puts on the dress and it almost takes away from the elegance. It's amazing to work with someone so beautiful that clothes actually don't add to it. The only other person who I have encountered is like that Christy Turlington.
Today I introduced her to some of the designers she hadn't met before and they were shocked by her beauty. And these are the people who work with Gisele [Bndchen] and everybody, and they were speechless.
What can we expect from her second look?
I can't tell you much except that it is one colour, sexy and glamorous.
What is one thing Deepika demands when planning her look?
I think she is open to learning and excited so there are no demands, we work on everything together. The one thing I do ask of her and every client I work with is complete honesty and feedback, which I think is important. You have to be comfortable in what you choose because if you don't feel good, you don't look good. I think Deepika listens to her fans and respects them, most of all she just wants peace of mind and happiness. I think she wants to feel good, even last night she was working out at gym instead of partying. She is dedicated to her craft.
Is there a colour you prefer to see her in?
I like her in almost any colour. Because of her beautiful skin, honestly, you can work with any colour. I do particularly like her in green, pinks and whites. I have no favourites, but I stay away from black for red carpets. I think she deserves more than that.
You have been working with Deepika for a while now, what's her personal style like?
I think her style is classic with a twist. She can do sportswear really well but I like that she looks great even in travel clothes. Her personal style is little bit bodycon, a little edgy, not funky-edgy, but interesting.
How many suitcases of clothing have you shipped over to Cannes?
People get robbed in Cannes often, so I rolled both of Deepika's red carpet looks and put them in my own carry on suitcase. I am not going to take a chance with that! Plus, clothes get held behind with customs and it's just not worth the stress.
We did two fittings"in New York and in London"so we have edited it down to just what we need. That makes it five suitcases. The way my team and I pack is that every look down to the shoes and jewellery is put in one bag with a picture of the person wearing it.
What are you looking forward to most this year at Cannes?
We want to all go jump in the ocean and have our first swim. That's what I am most looking forward to, jumping in the ocean like a child. I am also looking forward to this pair of earrings we might be using for the second look. We or may or may not use it, but details like that make my job exciting.
What makes you work in the industry year after year?
We know it's an important business, but we also know we are not saving lives, so it is important to have fun. I love my job and I love that I get to see all of this talent. I am so blessed, but it wasn't just luck. I worked so hard to make it happen. No-one leaves the office later than I do. I put in the work because I care.
Sometimes I am packing and unpacking, and I wonder why this can't happen automatically! If they can invent cellphones, why can't they invent something to do the packing? I was raised by loving parents who supported me but they also taught me work ethic"and those are two different things. The reason I like working with Deepika is that she works hard because she cares [about her work], and I respect that
Seher Hone Ko Hai
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