Power has always had a uniform: sharp shoulders, rigid tailoring, and a language borrowed from the masculine wardrobe. But what happens when that language is rewritten through a distinctly female gaze — where strength meets sensuality, authority merges with fluidity, and silhouettes are designed for autonomy, not approval? This International Women’s Day, we had the gorgeous Bibriti Chatterjee on board to explore this new vocabulary of dressing, where boardroom staples are transformed into architectural statements and intentional styling becomes an act of self-expression. With pieces from designers Abhishek Dutta, Avishek Naiya and Tripti Jain, the wardrobe celebrates contrasts: structure softened by movement, precision accented by delicate craftsmanship, and confidence articulated in every seam, drape, and embellishment. In this visual narrative, power is not about approval or conformity; it is about autonomy, presence, and the quiet confidence of dressing on one’s own terms.
A women’s day-special chat with our muse, Bibriti.
What does “power dressing” mean to you when it’s defined by a woman — not the male gaze, not corporate codes, but your own gaze?
Power dressing, to me, is confidence distilled into fabric and form. It’s about inhabiting your skin fully, feeling at ease in what you wear, and not seeking validation from others. It doesn’t matter if the outfit is trend-setting or understated — what matters is that you feel poised, unshakable, and entirely yourself. That is the essence of power.
Is there a particular silhouette, fabric, or piece of clothing that makes you feel instantly powerful — and why does it resonate with you emotionally?
For an Indian woman, especially a Bengali, nothing is more evocative than a sari. It carries memory, heritage, and a quiet emotional weight — glimpses of my grandmother, my mother, my aunt draped in saris remain etched in my mind. There’s a sense of rootedness that no other garment gives. Yet, paradoxically, my casual gymwear also empowers me — it allows freedom, movement, and an understated confidence. There is empowerment in comfort too. Both extremes, tradition and comfort, speak to different facets of strength.
When you think about the woman you are today, what parts of your younger self are you most proud of holding on to?
I’m proud of the clarity I inherited from my younger self — the ability to recognise what I don’t want.
Even if I don’t fully know what I desire, I navigate life by knowing what isn’t for me. That discernment feels innate.
Who was the first woman in your life who made you feel seen and supported? What did she teach you?
That would be my maternal grandmother, my didama. She embodied patience, kindness, and resilience. Even when I couldn’t fully grasp her lessons as a child, her presence shaped my understanding of the world— and continue to. She taught me that strength often lies in gentleness, and that true grounding comes from nurturing yourself while navigating life’s turbulence. Her influence is still a guiding force in my life.
In quiet moments away from the camera, what makes you feel most like yourself?
I feel most like myself in the company of my closest friends — a small circle of four or five who are my anchor. Even in silence, with a cup of coffee, sharing stories or random musings, there’s a sense of grounding and calm. Amid the chaos of our work, these moments preserve my sanity and remind me of who I truly am.
Has there been a time when vulnerability made you stronger?
I tend to shield my vulnerability behind sarcasm or self-deprecating humour. Yet, when I allow myself to fully feel — to break, pause, and then rise — I emerge stronger. Vulnerability teaches resilience; it shows that acknowledging your fragility is not weakness, but a prerequisite for true strength. It’s in those quiet, unguarded moments that I gather the courage to move forward with renewed determination.
How do you nurture yourself during overwhelming or demanding phases of work?
I often think of myself as a phoenix. I allow myself to burn, to crumble, and then rise renewed. There’s a fascination in this cycle of destruction and rebirth. During demanding phases, I permit myself to feel everything intensely, then stand tall again, facing challenges with clarity and calm. It’s both a ritual of self-care and a philosophy of resilience.
Women’s Day is about celebrating strength in many forms. What does strength mean to you at this stage of your life?
Strength is profoundly internal. It isn’t performed or displayed; it’s felt. When I am confident and at peace with myself, I feel empowered and indomitable. No external force can dictate it — it arises from within, quietly, consistently, and unwaveringly.
How has your journey in the entertainment industry shaped your understanding of independence and self-worth as a woman?
The entertainment industry has been transformative. As a young woman, I was impatient and unsure of myself, hesitant to voice my thoughts. Over time, this world has instilled in me patience, self-assurance, and the ability to assert my voice. Recognition and responsibility have taught me that power is not entitlement — it is something to nurture and wield with intention. I have grown, and I continue to grow, in confidence and self-worth.
Fashion is often a powerful form of self-expression. How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?
My personal style is largely laid-back and effortless, yet Indian wear allows me to experiment and embrace elegance. I’ve been inspired by friends like Diti (Diti Saha), whose boldness encourages me to step beyond my comfort zone. Fashion, for me, is about inhabiting your skin confidently; it’s a language of self-expression, and I am still learning to speak it fluently when it comes to experimentation.
Debanjoli Nandi
Pictures: Koushik Saha
Hair: Jhalsa Dey
Make-up: Abhijit Kayal
Jewellery: Runway Hit Jewellery, Karishmaz The Silver Story
Location: Holiday Inn
Kolkata Airport
