Aishwarya in her famous Devdas look; Hema Malini’s glamorous makeover in Baghbaan; Lara Dutta looks stunning in a Neeta Lulla sari

She’s been the secret behind Bollywood’s international glamour doll Aishwarya Rai’s stunning style statement for many years now. She’s woven her magic into the wardrobes of many a tinsel beauty and helped create some of the industry’s most memorable looks ? right from Sridevi as Yash Chopra’s Chandni to Aishwarys as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Paro.

She also has to her credit the much-noticed makeover of Hema Malini in Baghbaan and promises to spring a surprise with the star’s latest avatar in the upcoming Babul.

Neeta Lulla shares with GoodLife her styling secrets for all ages and attitudes.

Vintage wow

“The period look isn’t only about inspiration from the past and then putting it together for the present. The key to perfect it is to blend it well with the right contemporary elements,” believes Neeta, the lady behind the Devdas dazzle.

Essential features, she says, is an elaborate style, a certain sense of unmatched magnanimity and over-the-top opulence.

“What you need is extensive knowledge of the period that you are trying to recreate as well as the right pulse of the fashion scene.”

Here are some of the style guru’s secrets to attain the perfect period look:

• Think in totality, giving the clothes, jewellery and hair equal importance.

• Play with a riot of colours, thinking bright is beautiful all the way.

• Hindi cinema stands for larger-than-life. So does the period look, hence never compromise on the glamour factor.

• Thorough research helps in a detailed think through the complete look.

• Concentrate on the yardage, giving elaborate authentic drapes special importance.

• Pick up nuances from the particular culture and add it to your own sense of style.

Sari stunner

“No mini skirt and no bikini top can portray what a sari can,” points out Neeta. “No matter which country you belong to, a sari never fails to bring out your inner beauty, a fantastic feminine side that every woman has.”

Here’s how you can achieve the right image in those sensuous nine yards:

• Choose from white, green or black contrasted with gold.

• A simple, low black blouse looks the best with a sari.

• Add interesting accessories like a bajubandh, a hair pin or large earrings.

• Leave your hair loose or don a gelled-back jooda.

• Darken your eyes and sport a light, glossy mouth.

• Don’t forget a tika ? be it large and dressy or a pretty, delicate bindi.

Trendy today

A firm believer of the potential of Indian fashion, Neeta feels that India is no less than a Milan or Paris in terms of fashion.

“We are completely in sync or even way ahead of global fashion,” believes the Bollywood favourite.

Here’s Neeta’s recipe for a rocking trendy look:

• Comfort is the key ingredient as far as western outfits go, hence be sure about your body language, stance and structure. “Unlike a sari, comfort need not come naturally when you sport a trendy, western ensemble.”

• Stay away from “outlandish filmi” by keeping the embellishments and accessories minimal.

• A basic white shirt and blue jeans should be complemented by funky bags and belts that showcase the season’s hot hues.

• Keep your tresses washed, blow-dried and fuss-free.

• The make-up should centre around taupe or pretty shades of pink.

Older bolder

“The primary difference between the older woman’s style sense and her daughter’s is the colour palette. Also, I think classic styles look better on women than fads do,” feels Neeta.

Here are some tips for both an older power dresser and guidelines for the contemporary Indian looker:

• Choose muted colours for well-fitted shirts and tees.

• Stick to basic cuts in trousers and jeans. “Hema Malini effortlessly graduated from Kanjeevarams to cap-sleeve blouses with chiffons. Now she comfortably wears spaghetti-strap blouses and looks so graceful.”

• Neeta feels that the fine line between vulgar and elegant can be avoided by simple understanding of the figure.

• Keep the make-up simple and the hair style neat.

• Complement your look with delicate pieces of jewels and pearls.