My personal style is: Diverse, mood-driven, and mostly comfortable. You will find bright colours, sombre tones, flowing Indian wear, formal jackets, women’s dhotis and more in my wardrobe.
My personal style icon: At times, the character Sienna Miller plays in 'Anatomy of a Scandal' (sophisticated, serious, expensive), and sometimes, Emily in 'Emily in Paris' Season 1 (fun, quirky, creative).
An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: I have a few – an early Sabyasachi dress, a pair of hoop earrings from Nicobar, my Bottega Veneta knot clutch.
Shveta Jaishankar's favourite Sabyasachi dress
My favourite souvenir from my travels is: A set of four coffee mugs from a safari trip to South Africa. Part of the mug is shaped like the animal it represents. They are hand-painted, unique and beautiful. I have packed and carried them to many homes I have moved to but I lost one along the way.
Coffee mugs she bought from South Africa
The best gift I have received: A pair of earrings my mom designed and got made for me as a surprise. Every time I wear them, someone asks where they are from.
The best gift I have given: A holiday for someone special to the Maldives. Another time I gave a wine cooler to a friend stocked fully with great wine because I was moving cities and couldn’t take it with me.
The last thing I bought: A gorgeous kancheevaram sari.
Jaishankar's latest purchase; a Kancheevaram sari
The last book I read: ‘My Beloved Life’ by Amitava Kumar. It is a fantastic read. I’m currently reading ‘Necessary Dreams’ by Anna Fels. It’s a thought-provoking non-fiction.
The last film I loved: I re-watched 'Notting Hill' and 'Erin Brockovich' and loved them to bits (again)!
My Spotify list would include these songs: 'Bittersweet symphony' by The Verve, ‘Unnaku Thaan’ (hit song from the movie ‘Chitta’ sung in part by my daughter), ‘Someone like you’ by Adele and ‘Bongo Bong’ by Manu Chao. Just the name perks me up.
My beauty/ wellness routine is: My routine is practical. I eat well most of the time and exercise 4/5 days a week. I sleep for 7-8 hours. My skincare is a good sunblock, a light moisturiser, lip balm, under-eye cream at night. Collagen supplements when I remember to take them. I wish I had the time and patience for a more involved skin and hair care routine but this is what I am able to manage right now.
Heliocare's sunblock, an important item in Jaishankar's beauty routine
My favourite holiday destination: Europe and the one time I have been to Bali I felt I would love going back.
I love to collect: Good memories, books and bangles.
My fridge always has: Eggs, cheese and dark chocolate. And filter coffee. Someone told me it stays fresher in there.
Minimalism or maximalism: Mediumalism.
My home looks like: a well-lived space with natural light, antique furniture offset by modern art and something belonging to my kids in nearly every corner! I have to channel my inner Marie Kondo nearly every day. I am happy to report I succeed at times.
Jaishankar's house
My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: Me. It’s how I see myself as a person.
My best ideas come when: I am walking in nature or sitting alone with a pen and paper or phone at a quiet coffee shop.
The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: To buy advance gifts for the next few months for a bunch of occasions which you will now be well prepared for.
My idea of happiness is: Radical acceptance of yourself and your situation while also trying to change things for the better. On this tightrope is my happiness.
