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Behind the Scenes: My Creative Styling Process

byMitali AmbekarBased in Mumbai, travels across India for stylingStarts from25,000 per packageView full gallery

Get a glimpse into the energy, teamwork, and meticulous planning that go into every commercial campaign and high-fashion shoot I direct.

A quick glimpse from my perspective at Bombay Times Fashion Week. It's always inspiring to see the final looks come to life on the runway after all the hard work and preparation.

Behind the scenes while styling actor Ronit Bose Roy for a commercial. This video shows the set, the lighting, and the collaborative atmosphere that is essential for a successful shoot.

A great moment from behind the scenes. Here I am with actor John Abraham on the set of a shoot. It's always a pleasure to collaborate with such professionals to bring a creative vision to life.

About Behind the Scenes

The polished final shot you see on screen is only half the story. Behind every frame lies hours of coordination, lighting adjustments, and constant communication with the crew to ensure the concept lands perfectly. My role is to bridge the gap between the initial vision and the final capture, handling technical details like garment steaming, fit adjustments with fashion tape, and silhouette checks so that the talent and the director can focus entirely on the performance.

Whether I am managing the chaos backstage at the Bombay Times Fashion Week or directing a commercial campaign for brands like Garnier, my priority remains the same: seamless execution. Styling is rarely a solo act. It is a dialogue between the photographer, the lighting team, the model, and the creative director. When you see these behind-the-scenes moments, you are seeing the result of that collaborative spirit.

The Reality of On-Set Styling

My approach to on-set work goes beyond just choosing the right outfit. I manage the logistics, which includes garment sourcing, coordination with rental houses, and managing the wardrobe inventory. On the day of the shoot, I am there with a full styling kit—including steamers, stain removers, and clamps—to make sure that the vision we created on the mood board translates flawlessly on camera.

Why Process Matters

  • Pre-Production: We start with visual storytelling. I create mood boards that define color theory and location aesthetics, so the team is aligned before we even step on set.
  • Technical Precision: I use professional techniques for draping and fitting to ensure the silhouette remains sharp from every angle, regardless of the lighting or movement.
  • Collaboration: I believe in crediting every hand involved. From the interns helping with inventory to the production crew managing the set, my work is built on forming bonds with the people who make the magic happen.

If you are planning a campaign, portfolio shoot, or a special project, my role is to ensure your creative vision is executed with professional discipline, leaving room for authentic, unscripted moments.

12 years of professional styling expertiseApproved by the tribe
M

Mitali Ambekar

Based in Mumbai, travels across India for stylingStarts from 25,000 per package

I am Mitali, and for me, fashion is a collaborative story. I don't just pick outfits; I handle the full creative direction, ensuring that the energy on set translates into the final image. I love seeing a vision come to life from a simple script to the final shot.

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