On the move, in style

MY FAVOURITE THINGS: Sharon Prabhakar, Singer

Sharon Prabhakar says that she loves living life on a “12-lane road”. “I love straddling different careers, be it singing, acting, theatre or other stuff. I simply can’t imagine leading a monotonous life,” she chirps. Prabhakar’s newest avatar sees her as a grooming expert; having joined IGM, a Mumbai-based grooming institute which caters to individuals and corporate clients, Prabhakar is conducting Finishing Touches, a personality enhancement model, which imparts not only communication skills but also delves into power dressing (with the help of fashion designer Anita Dongre) and grooms people from different walks of life.

But what’s her own style statement and which are her favourite brands? “If there were six things that I had to list, stuff that I absolutely can’t do without, I’d definitely include Clarins flash balm,” says Prabhakar. She’s right. For most of us who are particular about our skin, Clarins beauty flash balm (Rs 2,240) is a good choice. It helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles, smoothens and softens the skin, and is a good pick-me-up. She also can’t leave home without a MAC kohl pencil (Rs 750) in her bag.

 

Prabhakar does correct me, however, when I suggest that the radiance of one’s skin has a lot to do with using products from reputed brands. “You cannot compromise on your skin. Your body should be soft and radiant and full of vibrant energy. However, it cannot be achieved sans exercise.” On her part, Prabhakar wakes up early, diligently completes 25 rounds of Surya Namaskar, does other upper body exercises and goes jogging. “With Clarins flash balm, all I need is my Bobbi Brown pressed powder and my kohl pencil from MAC and I’m ready to take on the world,” she laughs. In fact, Bobbi Brown’s Sheer Finish Loose Powder is available as a pressed powder in a sleek, square compact and is elegant and easy to carry in your bag. It comes in a range of seven shades and, at Rs 1,600, is worth it.

While Prabhakar, in her capacity as consultant and workshop partner and trainer for IGM, will conduct seminars on effective body language, voice modulation, socialising, fine-dining skills and what have you, her own professional training from the prestigious Dale Carnegie Institute in public speaking, she feels, will make it easier for her to create effective modules. “It’s important for my wardrobe to include well-fitted pants, a nice, white shirt, classic belts and rich-coloured bags.” Given her fondness for fitted jeans, Prabhakar prefers brands like Levi’s and Prada. In fact, Swank, the bestselling “bootcut” style from Levi’s has a low-rise waist and slim legs that widen below the knee. It’s handcrafted to perfection and is available at the brand’s leading stores in India and on the Levi’s website too. Price: Rs 7,900. For shirts, Prabhakar usually picks up Bebe, Zaza, Van Heusen and Mango. “I pick up stuff, especially from Bebe, for my daughter Shazahn,” she adds. On her recent trip to Los Angeles, Prabhakar, in fact, checked out upcoming brands like XOXO and especially enjoyed hanging out at Grove — “this neat hub for talented, upcoming designers”.

Prabhakar says she prefers middle-of-the-road brands. She does have her collection of Louis Vuitton bags, Marks & Spencer’s jackets and evening wear by Donna & Karan (DK’s evening numbers, in gorgeous flowing fabrics and colours, can cost you Rs 20,000 and more) and shoes by Aldo (Rs 3,750 for animal-print pumps) though she’s set to switch to Jimmy Choo in the near future.