Style Talk: It is important that we upcycle our clothes, says Raiza Wilson

Raiza Wilson likes to keep things simple — whether it is by reusing her clothes from 15 years ago or sporting local upcycled brands when she turns up at events. “It’s very important that we learn to reuse and upcycle our clothes. I like stitching, so sometimes I tear up old clothes and stitch them onto my jeans and make it fashionable in my own way,” she says. Excerpts from a chat with her.

MY FASHION SENSE IN A WORD
Simplistic! It’s easier to have one item that goes on to create my main look and put together everything else that complements it.

FASHION FAUX PAS ACCORDING TO ME
There are no mistakes in fashion. It’s just your way of doing things. I don’t think I can look at someone else and say that they have made a fashion faux pas — I would just say that’s their style.

ONE FASHION TREND I’D LOVE TO TRY OUT BUT STILL HAVEN’T
Body and face painting /art. I have been seeing a lot of it of late and I want to try it.

NOW, FASHION FOR ME IS COMFORT DRIVEN
The pandemic has changed my mood a lot. I used to like to dress up a lot, but now, fashion for me is more comfort driven. I also like to wear timeless clothes. All my crochet-clothing is relevant regardless of the time. I also make it a point to reuse most of my clothes and also a few clothes from my mom’s wardrobe.

MY BEST STYLE MOMENT
My look at an awards show in Qatar, in 2019. I enjoyed the gown I wore. It was designed by Alpana Neeraj and styled by Divya Niranjan. It was a statement piece. However, it wasn’t too much. There was some bling, and it was accessorised by its own design. I wore minimal jewellery with it, and I love that, because the dress had jewels of its own. I love clothes that reduce my necessity to wear jewellery as it makes things easier for me.

SOMEONE WHOSE FASHION SENSE I’D COPY
Taylor Swift — I have always loved her style. Her hair, short skirts and boots make her an icon. She’s also from an era that I relate to. So, it’s easier to relate to someone like her.

A FASHION MUST-HAVE IN MY WARDROBE
White T-shirt, blue denim, white shirt, black dress, black denim, gold hoop earrings and black boots. Black, white-and-blue basics are always go-to items for me. It’s easy and simple.

MY TREASURED FASHION ACCESSORY
It keeps changing, but it is mostly earrings or clutches. I’m a fan of trendy earrings, and of late, rings have become a part of my collections, too.