'Fashion, for me, is what I believe in and what suits my personality and body type'

From modelling to acting and now being a designer… is this a natural progression?

Yes, it was a natural progression for me.

As model and now as actor, I am constantly in touch with costumes, designers, new trends in fashion.

So when Van Heusen came up with the proposal, I found it interesting. It felt like familiar territory, and at the same time I was doing something different.

Most of the time I am always styled by someone, but now I have reached a stage where I am aware what my style is and what I am comfortable with.

Whenever I go shopping and see a dress, I wish it had a little something extra -- a trim or a bow that could take it just a notch higher.

Every piece you see in the collection is designed by me, with the sole intention of making a woman feel special.

What is your personal sense of styling?

I like something that is classic and simple. I don’t like accessorising too much.

I prefer that the focus is on one thing. For example, if the emphasis is on the dress, everything else should be minimal.

Fashion, for me, is what I believe in and what suits my personality and body type. Not what people in the fashion world dictate I should wear.

Image: Deepika Padukone