Kalyani strikes a pose in a phulkari sari by Sujata Guhathkurta at Aqua. The designer retails from her studio Naksha at 29/13 Ballygunge Park. Jewellery by Raj Mahtani. Picture by Pabitra Das

She may escape many of the millions of parties that she is invited to but she doesn’t miss her slot in any best-dressed list. Known best as Delhi’s ‘it’ girl till 2006, Kalyani Chawla is now vice president of marketing and communications, Christian Dior Couture, India. And she has much more up her stylish sleeve. “Born and bred” in Calcutta where she also began her career with lifestyle store Kalyani’s, the 41-year-old was recently in town for a photo shoot with designer Sujata Guhathakurta when t2 caught up with her for a chat...

How did your association with Christian Dior come about?

It all happened very casually when I was not really looking for a job. In 2006, I met Regis Rimbert, the then general manager of LVMH in West Asia and India through a friend who was working in the luxury house. He was impressed by my past experience as a fashion exporter, knowledge of retail and international fashion.

And what are your duties at Dior?

I wear Dior and I am not complaining! But my job involves more than just wearing Dior dresses! I am responsible for media planning, merchandising, buying for Indian stores and also brand positioning. India is a nascent luxury market but then again, Dior is a well-known brand. I also have to educate people about the brand in India. It is my responsibility to project the right message. So, basically, it is a 24x7 job.

Do you follow the Calcutta school of fashion?

I love the work of Calcutta designers. The city is home to some of the country’s best talent. I love Anamika Khanna. She is way beyond her time. Her work is modern and contemporary and the way she treats fabrics and embroideries to come up with her silhouettes is amazing. I also like Kiran Uttam Ghosh whose clothes I wear a lot and of course, Sujata Guhathakurta’s saris. I wore a lot of her designs this Diwali.

Calcutta designers are different from those in Delhi who love to love their bling. Here the sensibility is simple, yet so striking.

What is your most Bong trait?

Oh, every trait of mine is a Bong trait! I am aggressive and argumentative, political and pompous! We Bengalis are anyway known to have a superiority complex and it’s definitely not without a good reason. Like all Bongs I love my art, my authors, the big red bindis and of course, my opinions!

Is your daughter Tahira-Tara also into style?

She understands both fashion and art. My nine-year-old has such a unique sense of fashion that I am sometimes astounded by the way she pulls out things and puts them together.

Does ageing stress you out?

No, because my daughter keeps me young. My school friends have kids who are much older than mine but because I had my child late (she is just in Class IV), I feel a lot younger! Her exuberance is infectious and that again keeps me young. Of course, other than that, one has to work-out and follow a disciplined diet plan. As they rightly say — no pain, no gain!

Finally, when do you think Calcutta will be ready for the Dior experience?

Calcutta has discerning clientele. Not only do they have the money, but they also have the taste. Some of our best Dior customers in Delhi are from Calcutta. They anyway do travel to the capital, either in transit or to visit. So at the moment, it is not economically viable to open a store in Calcutta. The costs involved are too high.

Do you think Calcutta is ready for Christian Dior? Tell t2@abpmail.com