Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu has emerged as one of the most stylish personalities, and has taken to the global stage with her beauty and brains. While her Indian roots get all the credit for her remarkably charming personality, when it comes to her style file, one must remember fashion director Bharat Gupta who worked on Harnaaz’s stellar looks.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Since when have you been working with Harnaaz Sandhu?
I’d met Harnaaz for the first time when she took part in Femina Miss India. From there on to Miss Diva and then Miss Universe, I’ve watched Harnaaz grow into a wholesome person. There is a sense of comfort between us which is very important when you’re styling someone.
How would you describe working with her so far?
I won’t even call it “work”, because it’s always so much fun styling Harnaaz. You know, you need a person who trusts your aesthetic and that is exactly what Harnaaz did. She walks into each fitting as a blank canvas ready to adapt herself. She is keen to learn, she appreciates everyone’s effort and has a lot of respect for the people who work with her.
What was your first impression of her?
A winner. She was a diamond that just needed to be polished. And just see how she emerged into a star. What makes her special is the humility she has and how grounded she is. This is what will sustain her on the top.
Can you define her style statement for us?
Powerfully graceful. There is a duality in her personality that shows in her style. She walks into a room and can awe the audience with her power and with grace. There are very few people who can carry off a pantsuit, resort wear, a saree and a gown with equal finesse; Harnaaz is one of them.
What kind of fashion inputs have you received from her?
Harnaaz has a very deeply rooted traditional side to her. Her key input was that she wanted to showcase India through her outfits. We brought it alive by combining fabrics, designers and silhouettes that represented various aspects of the country.
How would you describe Harnaaz as a person, beyond the glitz and glam?
She’s a very real person. She is so comfortable in her own self. She loves to take care of people around her. She has achieved so much at such a young age, but definitely has the maturity to handle it.
One thing that you love the most about her
She is a very genuine person and she is extremely willing to learn.
What was your reaction when she was crowned?
Few of us from the Miss India Organisation watched the telecast together. The moment her name was announced we were in tears. It was a victory for all of us. She’s brought the crown back after 21 years. We knew how hard everyone worked, especially Harnaaz, it was a very emotional moment.
Where do you see her in the next few years? Maybe Bollywood?
She’s a star in the making, the Universe will soon have the biggest global star.
