30 Years of Iconic Bollywood Film Styling
From Aamir Khan's first looks to the screen-stealing trends of the 90s, these moments are a glimpse into the chaos and creativity behind my 30-year journey.
A throwback to styling Aamir Khan for Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. He is known for being particular, but he was the easiest to work with. There was no drama, only love, and we had the best time creating his look for the film.
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na was such a cool, young, and fun film to work on. Genelia was a darling and loved her wardrobe, and Imran was just his real self. Styling for this film was a complete breeze.
Pyaar Ke Side Effects with Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose was a blast. Mallika was so much fun, and as soon as the camera was on, she was pure magic. They made an odd couple, but the on screen result was fantastic.
Throwback to Biwi No. 1 with Karisma Kapoor and Sushmita Sen. I remember Karisma was bleeding from a metal mesh top but was so professional. The chainmail tops we used are back in fashion again.
The song "Mehboob Mere" from Fiza changed how everyone looked at item songs. Sushmita Sen looked lovely and kicked ass. Karisma Kapoor, with no makeup, looked just stunning, and she won a National Award that year.
In 1999, I worked on Hum Saath Saath Hain. My favorite outfit was Sonali Bendre's in the "Maiyya Yashoda" song, where Saroj ji told me to make her look like an angel. It was a challenge dealing with so many heroines.
Josh was my first movie with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. I had no assistant and styled the entire film myself. SRK's cuff earring became a rage, and Ash looked her absolute best with that Goa vibe.
A throwback to Ishq Vishk, styling a young Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao, and Shenaz Treasury. Designing for newbies has always been my strength. It was like dressing up little Barbie and Ken dolls.
My first ever Hindi movie as a costume designer was Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. The iconic red dress, inspired by Marilyn Monroe, became a national sensation. I am so thankful to Mansoor Khan for introducing me to the world of cinema.
About My Bollywood Journey: 30 Years of Film Styling
You see the glitz on screen, but the work is pure grit. When I styled Karisma for Biwi No. 1, she was bleeding from that metal top, yet she nailed every take. That is the truth of film styling—it is always about problem-solving, comfort, and the occasional battle with fabric before the camera even starts rolling.
People often ask me if the life of a stylist is all red carpets and glamour. The truth? It is more about late-night sewing, frantic fabric hunts, and ensuring the actor is comfortable enough to deliver a performance.
Take the cuff earring from Josh. That was not just an accessory. We needed something that felt authentic to the Goa vibe for Shah Rukh, and that piece became a rage. That is what I love—the power of one detail to change how an audience sees a character.
My process is simple: research, adapt, and refine. Whether it was the red dress for Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar or the 'no makeup' look we forced for Karisma in Fiza, the goal is always the same. You have to understand the director's vision and then fight for it. I am not just picking clothes. I am building a character from scratch.
I share these stories not to boast, but because they are the foundation of everything I teach today. If you are an aspiring designer, stop looking for the perfect sketch. Look for the drama, the struggle, and the solution. That is where the real fashion happens. If you are curious about how to handle the pressure or how to translate a director's brief into a tangible outfit, reach out. Let’s talk about your own design journey.
Ashley Rebello
I am Ashley. For three decades, I have been breathing life into characters through fabrics and sketches. I do not just dress actors—I help them tell a story. If you want to know how the magic actually happens, let us talk.
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