Stephanie Lohale, who was crowned Miss India Worldwide, teamed up with Reiss for a VIP shopping experience at Mall of the Emirates last week. Lohale, 19, is studying fashion at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, and shared with The National her favourite winter-style staples.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from pageants and what is your advice to aspiring competitors?
I won by simply being real and myself, none of it was staged. My advice to aspiring competitors is to just be yourself and to keep it real. I strongly believe that every soul is different, and it truly reflects when you let it. The only downfall of pageantry is that it somehow tries to take that real side of you and change it into a stereotypical image, which is why our public’s views are so superficial – so go against it and be you. Be different. It is what is most attractive and most honest, not just to the world, but to yourself.
What is your fitness/exercise routine? What’s your top tip for staying disciplined?
I train regularly in Lagree Fitness, and have a nutritional diet controlled by my fabulous trainer, Arpan Kriplani from Core Fitness Evolution, Dubai. To be disciplined, once must be confident of where they stand and where they aim to stand.
You are studying fashion design. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With a fully-established, haute couture fashion house, with classic and cultured wear, transformed into glamorous pieces.
You’ve said that you’d like to use your new title to help to give back to society. What are some things you would like to achieve here in the UAE?
I’d like to empower women, teach them how to overcome their mental obstacles and to simply be confident with who they are. It’s vital to have that sense of security under your own skin, and I’d like to make them all feel it. We women can conquer the world once we overcome our mental obstacles.
What are some of your top winter fashion staples?
The Reiss Alondra dress in black and the Mayfair dress in gold are my favourites for formal wear. I absolutely love the Manola jumpsuit in black – the tailored trousers and cap lace sleeves are a classic but modern touch. The Star midi skirt, which is part of the Middle East Specials collection for Reiss, is going to be a staple of my winter wardrobe. The Alden lace top is also another favourite and is perfect for dressing up a casual look.
hlodi@thenational.ae
