My personal style is: Minimalist. Most days you’ll find me in a white shirt and jeans, that’s my uniform. 

My personal style icon: I would be worried the day I had one

An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me:  In  2005, while interning at Issey Miyake, my boss and I were in the midst of a major clean-out when he tossed a garment at me, telling me to keep it. It was a white t-shirt with a red and blue checkered design in Issey’s iconic paper fabric, and the armhole construct is such that it gives the impression of excess folded layers. As soon as it’s worn, however, the seemingly surplus fabric disappears and you can only see the checkered section, not the white. Nineteen years on I still have the t-shirt; I still wear it and even today, it looks brand new. 

My favourite souvenir from my travels is:  I  don’t think I can pick just one favourite, but one of my favourite recent acquisitions is an African terracotta piece decorated with glass beading that I  purchased in Morocco. It’s actually the inspiration behind a new collection I’m launching next week. 

The best gift I have received:  For my 40th birthday I was in Menorca, and instead of buying me a present, a few close friends took me on a day trip; we went sailing, visited some wonderful places and the overall experience was just amazing. They took the trouble of planning everything down to a tee, and I think it’s the most thoughtful gift  I’ve ever received. 

The best gift I have given:  I guess that would be for the receiver to decide. 

The last thing I bought: A curation of clothing for the Ambani wedding. 

The last book I read: Ted Talks: The Official Ted Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson. The agenda was mainly to overcome my own phobia of public speaking, something I’m increasingly being called upon to do. And don’t get me wrong, I consider it a privilege, but also downright terrifying!

The last film I loved:  When it comes to movies, I have the memory of a goldfish. I watch, enjoy them in the moment and then promptly forget. I can never recollect actors’ names and storylines once done. 

My Spotify list would include these songs:  ‘Con Te Partiro’ by Andrea Bocelli and the Gayatri Mantra: I’ve taken to listening to it first thing in the morning and I find it a beneficial start to the day. 

My beauty/ wellness routine is: I  start my day at 6:30 am with hot water and lemon, followed by seven activated almonds and an exercise session. 

My favourite holiday destination:  In terms of a particular place, Paris. In terms of an idea, any beach destination. 

I  love to collect: I’m not much of a collector of anything, I prefer accumulating life experiences. 

My fridge always has: Cheese.

Minimalism or maximalism:  Minimalism.

My home looks like: My office! It really is an extension of my workplace, because I live with my prototypes and a sprinkle of art added in. 

My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: Reflected in my work, using ancient artisanal techniques to create a contemporary design language. 

My best ideas come when: I’m under pressure. 

The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: Personally, I love visiting museums and exhibitions. In India, Rs 20,000 is the most generous amount for this purpose, it doesn’t take that much to increase your exposure and widen your horizons. 

My idea of happiness is:  Solitude.