Fashion designer Mandira Wirk chatted with t2 before taking the judge’s seat at the P.C. Chandra Goldlites Diva finale, in association with t2. 

You look gorgeous. What’s the secret?

Well, I think it has a lot to do with the mind. I am a fitness freak. So, almost four-five times a week I go to the gym. I have an instructor coming home for yoga. I also do a bit of meditation. Life is hectic. So, fitness and exercise give me a way to unwind and I do drink a lot of water and green tea. My workout is a combination of muscle training and cardio; we do a lot of TRX. I also do Surya Namaskar and power yoga. I eat everything… rajma-chawal, chana-chawal, great combination of protein and carbohydrates, but I am a careful eater.

What about attending parties which are so much a part of a designer’s life?

I love partying. I party when I am travelling. I go to Bombay very often. Even if I am going for a couple of nights, after I am done with my shoots, I go meet my friends, go have a drink with them, chill and unwind. In Delhi, it is not about going to clubs. It’s more about friends calling you over or they coming over or a family do. Travel gives you a little bit of your own time. 

Is red instant glam for you?

It is…. I love red for a couple of reasons. This is a red-carpet look, chic (in picture top right), but not a typical red-carpet look. People usually associate red carpets with off-shoulders. Mine is a built-up neckline. You can also wear it with sleeves. This has panels which make a person look slimmer and tall. The fabric is a beautiful stretch satin. And I love backs. I think women in India can still show their backs. I mean I don’t think we are anyway comfortable in showing too much cleavage, but back is something that is sensual and feminine. So, I have a lovely keyhole. And, of course peplum, which is very in. I have blocked it with a bit of gold and matched it with my shoes (golden pumps). 

What else is glam for you?

It’s also in your mind. Why go black? Even a chic ivory shift, your hair nicely done, nice lips and stilettos and clutch, manicured hands…. Ivory and gold is a classic combination for me. 

You are known for you dresses. What would you suggest for…

First date: Do a colour but not red. Not black either because it is cliched and done. Try a navy, burgundy, wine or coral. Do a nice shift dress with a jacket or a bolero, stilettos and clutch. Keep it simple and nothing provocative. The innocence has to be there. 
First anniversary: Oh god! It’s a long time back for me... 14 years. I think it has to be romantic. Red would be lovely. A flowy, halter dress with a sexy back. 
Brunch with girlfriends: A nice peasant blouse. If you are on the beach, wear shorts or you can wear a nice romper or a jumpsuit. I am such a jumpsuit fan. That looks really chic and classic. 
Work lunch: If it is winter I would probably wear a black polo dress, black stockings, boots and a pearl string. For summer, I am such a big fan of white, but you can also do baby pink, powder blue, sea green and block it with charcoal, brown or chocolate. Sport a doctor’s bag for that corporate touch. 

3 STEPS TO WEAR YOUR DRESS/GOWN RIGHT 

• Get your stilettos correct. 
You have to have that grace.

• The body language has to change. It is very important for your shoulders to be straight and head up. Be confident. 

• Wear your dress a few times and walk in it. Even I walked in this because I wanted to be sure of the length of my stilettos. The last thing you want is to trip. 

An international fashion icon: 

I love Angelina Jolie. We all know of her wild side and she has evolved as a beautiful person who I really look up to. She’s stunning! 

New fashion favourite: I am loving red. Actually, I never thought I would carry this shade. Usually, I would do slightly darker shades. 

Man & style: Saif Ali Khan. I style him a lot. He loves suits and bandhgalas. He is a classic guy and a great human being. A proper nawab. I think he is a great husband.