/socialketchup/media/agency_attachments/2025/01/15/2025-01-15t065936648z-magazine-logo-black.png){kind=logo}
/socialketchup/media/media_files/2025/05/29/sk-magazine-450110.png)
Follow Us/socialketchup/media/media_files/2025/06/12/vmBDsdatT4g63DBBcTjN.png)
In this interview, Aastha Sharma, who recently worked in The Royals, shares some BTS of styling a character and a public persona. She also talks about what it’s really like working as a celebrity stylist.
Whether you loved The Royals on Netflix or hated it, there’s no denying the bold fashion statements it made. Fashion and styling seen in this royal drama took over our social media so much so that it's still being recreated even a month after its release date and that's saying something given how short lived every trend is on social media today. Who's responsible for that? Aastha Sharma - indian celebrity stylist behind these iconic looks. Right from styling Zeenat Aman to the cast of Four More Shots Please, Sharma has done it all! But when it comes to styling what does it really mean? It’s more than just putting clothes on a character, it’s a way of expressing identity without words. Just like we use fashion to make a statement, so do fictional characters, and that’s where a stylist steps in. Working with creators, stylists like Aastha Sharma craft entire wardrobes that reflect a show’s tone and its characters' personalities, especially in a series fashion is central to storytelling. But Aastha doesn’t just style characters, she shapes real-world identities too. For example, she styled Sakshi Sindwani for her Cannes red carpet debut, connecting the dots between designer, outfit, and final look. She’s not a fashion designer, but a creative force who brings together clothes, makeup, accessories, and mood to make everything feel right. Whether it’s for a show, a campaign, or a red carpet!
In this conversation, she talks to us about how it all began for her, how she puts a look together, what it takes to style someone for a show versus a red carpet, how she brings out someone’s personality through fashion and styling and more.
Read all about it here!
What is your earliest fashion memory and what led you to becoming a celebrity stylist?
My fondest and earliest memory of dressing up comes from watching my mother. She wore saris almost every day, always paired with a bindi and either a neatly tied bun or her short hair styled just right. No matter the age or phase of her life, there was a certain grace and consistency in how she dressed. The joy of simple dressing, everyday elegance came from her. That image of someone effortlessly putting themselves together with care and ease has stayed with me. I’ve always been an observer. Whether I’m traveling or watching a film, my attention naturally drifts to how clothes are styled and how they align with the narrative. Even before I consciously knew it, I was connecting storytelling and style in my head.
Interestingly, fashion and styling both happened to me by chance. It was never something I deliberately set out to pursue. When I enrolled for my master’s, I ended up at a fashion college almost by accident. That’s where I first learned about the concept of styling, and something about it instantly intrigued me. At the time, styling wasn’t a widely explored field; it was just beginning to find its footing as a profession. I started working in it, and over the years, I’ve grown through on-the-job experiences. Growing up, Princess Diana was another icon for me. Even after her passing, I would spend time researching how she dressed and carried herself. She embodied timeless elegance, just like my mother did in her own way. It’s fascinating two very different women, one Indian and rooted in simplicity, the other globally iconic yet both had this classic sensibility and poise that shaped my understanding of style.
How would you define fashion today?
It's layered. On one hand, there’s fashion born from runways and shows, which shapes what’s considered trendy or ‘in’. But for me, fashion has never been about following trends, it has always been about something timeless. I gravitate toward style that lasts, that holds meaning, and that doesn’t fade with the seasons. What we call "fashionable" today often aligns with fast fashion, which moves so quickly that it's hard to keep up or even connect with. Personally, I find more value in pieces that have a story, that make a powerful impact and remain relevant over time. Traditional fashion, in that sense, made a statement something I believe we should return to.
There’s also a distinction between fashion and style. Fashion can be bought or followed; it’s what's trending. But style? That comes from within. Style is deeply personal; it's how you interpret fashion and make it your own. It reflects who you are at your core. That’s the principle I carry with me into my work as a stylist: helping someone express themselves through clothing in a way that feels authentic and lasting. So while styling began as an unexpected turn in my journey, it has now become a space where I blend observation, storytelling, and personal expression one look at a time.
When you're styling someone for the first time, what's your approach? Do you follow a certain process? Who are some of your go-to designers or labels you love to work with?
When I’m styling someone for the first time, my approach is always thoughtful and gradual. I never aim to completely change their look right away. It’s important for me to understand what they’ve worn before, what they’re comfortable in, what their audience is used to seeing them in before introducing any shift in their style. A drastic change, especially in the beginning, can feel overwhelming not just for the celebrity but also for the audience. So I always ease into it. The first thing I consider is the context: what’s the event, what’s the setting, or if it’s for a show what is the character they’re portraying? Everything has to be aligned with that. From there, I focus on what suits them physically, what makes them feel confident, and what best serves the narrative or the mood we’re going for.
As for designers and labels, honestly, we work with everyone from the youngest emerging talents to the most established names in the industry. There’s no one-size-fits-all preference. It completely depends on the requirement of the moment. Whether it's an editorial, red carpet, or a character-driven look, the choice of designer is always tailored to what the brief demands and what complements the person I’m dressing.
You styled Sakshi Sindwani for Cannes. What was it like putting together her red carpet wardrobe for the French Riviera? Did the last-minute rules they brought in dampen anything?
Sakshi was completely involved in the entire process. It was very collaborative. We had multiple meetings with Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, and the four of us brainstormed ideas together. From the beginning, my intention was to celebrate Sakshi’s curves and create a look that made her feel strong and powerful on the red carpet. It was her first time at Cannes, and her first red carpet appearance, so it was important to all of us that she had a moment. We were very specific about wanting the color of the outfit to stand out and complement her skin tone. After a few rounds of discussions with Abu and Sandeep, we finalized a body-fitted outfit with a sexy neckline, something sleek and structured. Instead of going the traditional Cannes route with big, voluminous gowns and long trails, we took a different approach. I felt a linear silhouette, something classic yet sexy, would serve her better and make a stronger impact. And that’s exactly what happened: she owned it.
As for the last-minute rules? No, they didn’t really affect us. In fact, it worked in our favor. We had considered dramatic elements earlier, like a long trail or something more extravagant, but instinctively I felt this wasn’t the moment for that. Something timeless and well-shaped would work better, and it did. We actually learned about the rule changes quite late; by the time we heard, Sakshi was already boarding her flight. So luckily, we were aligned with what was expected without even needing to change much.
Styling for a show like The Royals comes with its own grandeur and expectations. What was the experience like, especially considering how heavily the show relies on style to tell its story?
The Royals is a fictional show like reading a fictional book. Yes, it’s inspired by royal families, but it’s not meant to be a documentary. It’s aspirational. So the fashion in the show reflects a version of royalty as they might dress in 2025. The script demanded a world that was larger than life, with outfits and sequences that felt dramatic and visually rich. Take the masquerade ball, for example no one’s going to show up in a simple sari or a draped gown. The characters are expected to dress up and make a statement. Or in the scenes featuring fashion shows within the storyline those are moments to go a little over the top. That’s the space the show allows, and it’s very intentional. We wanted to create a world that may not exist in reality, but one that feels exciting, dramatic, and aspirational to the viewer. Think of it like Bridgerton or Emily in Paris. Not everyone goes to work dressed like Emily, but it’s fun, aspirational, and stylish.
At the same time, fashion isn’t out of reach. A lot of the looks are accessible and very much wardrobes that were wearable. I’ve had so many people DM me, especially corporate girls and working women saying, “Where can I get this suit?” or “I want to dress like this for work!” That was exactly the idea: to set trends while making sure they felt relatable. These were all Indian designers and labels. Around 90 to 95% of the fashion you see on The Royals is sourced from Indian designers, brands, and jewelers. From menswear to women’s wear, editorial looks to formal wear, it's all homegrown. And the response has been incredible. People aren’t just admiring the clothes they’re actually going to designers and asking for them, placing orders, and exploring Indian fashion in a new way. So it’s not just about creating visual impact. We also wanted to use this platform to showcase Indian talent and make their work more visible and desirable. The kind of buzz it’s created in terms of people reaching out, asking “Where is this from?” that was the goal. And I’m so glad it’s happening.
What would you say to critics who felt the fashion didn’t fully match the image of royalty? Do you think the criticism about the fashion not matching the image of royalty stems from the perception that royal fashion should be inaccessible or overly grand?
I don’t think that’s entirely fair. For example, people commenting on Ishaan’s character asking why he’s wearing just a shirt and pants, saying that it doesn't feel “royal.” But where are these expectations coming from? Royals in Rajasthan today do dress like that. And more importantly, Ishaan’s character hasn’t grown up in Rajasthan or lived in a palace. He’s spent most of his life in New York. So in the early episodes, you’ll see him in linen shirts and jeans, that's who he is. Only once he’s given the role of a Maharaja do we see that transition happen. From that point, yes, you’ll see him in sherwanis or more regal pieces during the coronation and ceremonial moments, but otherwise, he’s still in knits, pantsuits, simple, classic menswear that’s very global.
And again, it’s important to remember this is a fictional show. It’s aspirational. If we simply showed what royalty wears today in a literal sense, it wouldn’t be compelling visually or narratively. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty to style them in a way that feels cinematic and striking. So in a way, it’s more about building a visual world than replicating real-life royalty. Think about it when you see a royal like Maharaja Padmanabh Singh at a coronation or during Holi pujas, he does wear sherwanis. They may not always be heavily embroidered, but the occasion calls for a certain formality. We’ve just elevated it for screen. That’s what storytelling enhances. This show is not a documentary. It’s about creating a world that feels larger than life, one that inspires people through fashion, through jewelry, through drama. And honestly, while there will always be opinions, I’ve mostly received love. So many people have messaged saying how inspired they were by the looks, how much they adored the fashion. That’s what makes it all worth it.
How does your styling approach differ when you're working on a character in a show or film like Four More Shots Please! versus styling celebrities for appearances or events, like Bhumi Pednekar or Ishaan Khatter outside of The Royals?
The process is completely different. When you're styling someone for a character, it’s very much character-driven. Of course, you keep their personal style in mind and consider what works or doesn’t work on them that’s why we do look tests and trials but the styling is ultimately based on who the character is and what the script demands. For shows, the wardrobe evolves depending on the situations and story arcs. You also dive into research: where the character is from, their background, their lifestyle everything influences how they dress. But when you're styling celebrities for events, it's more about their personal aesthetic. Whether it's a red carpet appearance or a casual outing, the look is designed to complement their individual style and what they’re comfortable in. So yes, styling for a character versus styling for real-life events involves two very different mindsets.
You’re known for combining glam with authenticity. How do you ensure a look stays true to the person you're dressing while still making a bold statement? Who’s been your favorite celebrity to collaborate with so far?
That’s exactly where the prep work comes in. We usually start with a mood board tailored to both the character and the person playing them. Then we go through multiple tests and trials, some things work, and some just don’t. Even the boldest ideas can fall flat when actually put on someone, so we rely heavily on fittings and experimenting with styles and silhouettes before the shoot begins. When it's not for a show and more for an event or appearance, the styling is occasion-based like a corporate event or red carpet. But again, it has to feel authentic to the person. That’s why we always carry multiple outfit options. Stylists are known for showing up with three suitcases because it’s all about trial and error. Over time, when you work with someone consistently, you get a sense of what suits them and what doesn’t. Your sourcing becomes more focused. But the process always remains collaborative; the actor’s comfort, openness to new ideas, and personality all shape the final look.
I genuinely love all my clients. It's hard to pick a favorite. But recently, working with Zeenat Aman was an absolute dream. I’ve always been a huge fan of hers, and when she made her comeback on Instagram, I was beyond excited I knew I wanted to work with her. So when I got the call for the show, they told me, “We’re putting this together, and these are some of the potential artists,” but then they added, “One person is confirmed and it’s Zeenat Aman.” I didn’t even hesitate. I said, “I’m doing it.” Just the opportunity to style her in a way that hadn’t been done before, to create a completely new look for her character, it was iconic. To be able to do something different with someone so legendary, it really was a dream come true. She’s such a professional and so respectful of the process. The Royals required a lot of elaborate clothing and jewelry, and she was always patient, cooperative, and trusting of our vision. That made working with her such a joy. Even with Ishaan and Bhumi, it was amazing. They were open to experimenting and completely trusted the creative process. I feel lucky because most of my clients, especially for shows, really believe in the vision we’re building together.
What’s the most exciting part of being a celebrity stylist? What’s the most challenging? Is working with designers also a challenge?
Working with different people and characters every day! No two days are the same. You're constantly meeting creative minds and hopping between projects, each with its own vibe and energy. That variety really keeps me going. It’s a demanding job, but that creative exchange, the chance to be part of so many different visions is what gives me a kick and makes me want to keep doing it over and over again. As for the most challenging part it’s the long, unpredictable hours. There are no fixed timings. Some days you work 8 hours, and on others, it’s 18. When you're on a long-format project like a show, it can go on for months, and you have to stay on top of your game the entire time. It takes a lot out of you, both physically and mentally. But we do it because we love it. There's no other way around it.
I’ve been working with many of these designers for over 15 years now, and they’ve become more like family or close friends. We’ve built solid, trusting relationships, so the communication is smooth and collaborative. That said, it can get challenging time-wise because we’re often asking for things at the last minute, and that’s just the nature of our work. But most designers are incredibly supportive and accommodating. They understand how fast-paced this world is, and they always come through for us.
From your experience, are there certain types of looks that always photograph well? On the flip side, what are some fashion elements you think people should steer clear of especially for red carpets or high-profile appearances?
Some looks just never fail like a beautifully draped sari, a simple yet chic classic gown, a well-fitted dress, or a sleek pantsuit. These are timeless choices that, no matter how minimal they seem, can be styled in a way that makes a powerful statement. They photograph beautifully and are incredibly versatile, depending on the occasion. As for what to avoid, going over the top is the biggest one. Sometimes people get too excited about dressing up for events like award functions and end up doing too much all at once. They'll wear a big gown and heavy jewelry and bold makeup and an elaborate hairdo all in one look. It becomes too much. I always believe there should be one standout element, let that be the hero of the look and everything else should complement it in a more understated way. Balance is key.
If you could teleport yourself to any fashion era, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose the ’70s, especially the boho style. That era had such a free-spirited and expressive vibe which really appeals to me.
How do you stay on top of trends without losing your unique voice in a fashion world that is constantly evolving? What advice would you give to aspiring stylists looking to make their mark in this industry?
Fashion changes every day. There's always something new, something old coming back, and styles recycling. Today, social media and Instagram keep us almost instantly updated. But staying true to yourself is key. You have to create your own identity and language of work instead of getting distracted by everything online. Whether you lean minimalist, love to experiment, or prefer over-the-top looks, that authenticity develops with experience and time in the industry. Be open to learning and evolving because styling is mostly learned on the job. Fashion and trends will come and go, but your core style and your authentic voice should remain solid. Don’t try to copy others or get overly influenced by their work. Stay true to yourself. The more you work and gain experience, the better you’ll understand the craft and find your place in this profession.
Which style created look by Aastha is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
For more such conversations, follow us on @socialketchupbinge