#Cosmoexclusive Diana Penty on How the Pandemic Changed her Sartorial Choices for Good

Diana Penty walked the ramp for designer Aisha Rao at the recently concluded FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 21. We caught up with her to discuss all things fashion. She made some interesting revelations in this exclusive interview, read on to find out how the pandemic has changed her sartorial choices, her go-to outfit, her future projects, why she is excited about them and more…

Cosmo: How has the pandemic affected your sartorial choices? 

Diana Penty: “I’m definitely making more sustainable fashion choices these days. I feel happy that I’m doing my bit. And I’m so glad the world of fashion is slowly moving towards being more conscientious and sustainable. There is no excuse anymore, to not repeat outfits. In fact, the fun lies in how to style the same outfit differently, for different occasions. I find that my shopping habits have changed too—I’m buying pieces that I can use more often and consciously staying away from one time wear pieces.”

Cosmo: You walked the ramp for Aisha Rao, how do you relate to her clothes?

DP: “I’ll never forget the first time I wore Aisha Rao, it was for a Diwali party in 2019. It was a turquoise blue lehenga with bright appliqué work on it. It was one of the most fun, quirky, striking lehengas I have worn and I became a fan of her work ever since!

Aisha’s latest collection is perfect for the bride of today. Her workmanship and attention to details really makes her stand out. I love the tissue fabrics in her collection, as well as the moody colour scheme and most importantly, the intricate appliqué work on each garment.”

Cosmo: What do you like about fashion shows, Considering you have been a showstopper for many runway shows?

DP: “I started my career as a model, and did a lot of ramp shows while I was at it. It’s always something I loved. Walking the ramp, is fun and exciting and there’s this energy backstage just before getting on, that’s hard to describe. It’s something that will never get old for me. And while I don’t model anymore, it’s always so exciting to come back every now and then as show stopper and do what I always loved!”

Cosmo: When in doubt, what do you wear? Do you have a go-to outfit?

DP: “Jeans and an oversized shirt with sneakers for the day, and with a pair of heels, some statement accessories and a great looking handbag to transition to night!”

Cosmo: Are you a heels or sneakers kind of person?

DP: “I’m a sneakers kind of person without a doubt. I’m all about comfort if given the choice! Even when I do wear heels for a party or an occasion, I always carry a pair of flip flops in the car just in case!”

Cosmo: Tell us about your upcoming projects and the road ahead

DP: “It has been quite an exciting year so far. I began the year with my first Malayalam outing, Salute, with Dulquer Salmaan. I decided it should be the year for new experiences, and what better way than to do my first South film! Soon after, I was in Europe for 40 days for an untitled film, that I can’t tell you much about right now, except that it should release sometime early next year. Shiddat, which was long overdue because of the pandemic, finally released a few days ago and has been doing well with the love story audience! I’ve also started working on my next film, Adbhut, a psychological thriller directed by Sabbir Khan, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. It’s the first time I’m doing a psychological thriller and I’m super excited!”