Behind closet doors: Shibani Kashyap

Shibani Kashyap, known for her song Sajna Aa Bhi Ja from Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II (2003), is wearing a deep blue jumpsuit as she welcomes us to her home. The singer’s house reflects her love for music — there’s a guitar, violin, mic stand and some more musical instruments, all displayed artistically. There’s a faint tune playing on loop in the background as she gets ready for her shoot.

Style sensibilities: “I like all things festive, elaborate and colourful. I can go the chic, elegant way and the gypsy, bohemian way too.”

Closet staples: “Red is my favourite, so I have everything in the colour, right from a jumpsuit to a gown. I also own a lot of denim as well as chequered shirts.”

No white please: “I don’t have the courage to wear white. Clothes in that colour get spoilt very easily and I feel like a touch-me-not plant in them so I avoid white. I don’t like wearing light purple and browns. Yellow is a colour I really like but strangely very few outfits in that colour are made.”

Brand love: “I like wearing designers Amy Billimoria, Dolly Ahluwalia’s Indian wear and Archana Kochchar’s gowns. I like Forever New because they have the perfect size that makes me look petite.”

Accessory love: “I love headgears. I don’t like to collect too many watches because I get attached to them. I have one watch, which I wear for regular wear, and a Guess watch for parties. I carry my H&M tassel bag everywhere because it is perfect for all occasions.”

Shopping destinations: “New York is like a shopping haven, especially Fifth Avenue and Times Square. Goa, Shahpur Jat and Hauz Khas in Delhi have some good stuff.”

Faux pas: “I was supposed to go for a friend’s pre-wedding function and, since the venue was by the beach, I thought it would be an informal affair. I went in a short aquamarine dress and I saw everyone in lehengas and saris, wearing jewellery. I wanted to run back home.”

Fetishes: “I have too many shoes. I don’t know where to keep them.

Learning curve: “When I moved to Mumbai from Delhi, like a typical Delhiite, I used to dress up a lot even for a simple coffee. Over time, I realised that keeping it a few notches down is dressing smart. In fact, last Sunday, I dressed so casually that I wore a 10-year-old dress to a spa. It’s so old that you’d wear it to get vegetables.”