bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Divia Harilela

Contributing writer for Style by SCMP, specialising in fashion, beauty and lifestyle


Style secrets of the hip and fashionable

Ex-fashion editor and owner of Tabla boutique

Wardrobe staple?

Jeans  are the most versatile and fabulous fashion creation. You can dress them up or leave

them casual.

What do you always wear?

My favourite perfume, Gold, by Valentino, blusher and lip gloss.

Fashion no-nos?

Shoulder pads, legwarmers and visible panty lines are probably the most obvious ones. I'd also advise against wearing things you're not comfortable in because this will show through.

Handbag pick for this season? The Chloe Paddington in tan. I love its distressed look, and it's incredibly cool and practical. I love the work of [Chloe designer] Phoebe Philo.

Favourite shoe designer?

I get most of mine at LII LII in Admiralty because you can  pick from hundreds of colours and textures.  When it's  cold I love my UGG boots. I know men don't find them attractive, but they're super comfy.

Must-have accessory?

A fabulous cashmere shawl from Tabla. They're indispensable and stylish, and especially useful when travelling.

Most cherished fashion item?

A stunning cream and silver hand-embroidered sari my mother got for me in India, and a couple of  my grandfather's  cashmere vests and cardigans, which I still wear today. They're so cosy and still look good even with a few holes.

Who would design your Oscar dress?

It would have to be vintage Chanel. I've always been a big fan of Coco Chanel.

Style icon?

Kate Moss. She rarely gets it wrong ... so effortless, yet so right.

Most expensive fashion item?

A classic black Chanel jacket from a few years ago and a gorgeous Suneet Varma sari with big Swarovski crystals

and embroidery that my  parents bought for me to  wear to my brother's wedding. It's exquisite.

Your fashion style?

Comfortable and fun, not too fussy and overdone.

Boho or lady-like?

It depends on the occasion, but more  boho at the moment.

Flats or stilettos?

Flats for the day, heels at night.

High-end or high street?

I like to mix and match to create a unique look. Zara, H&M and Top Shop are amazing value for money, but still up-to-date.

Fashion disaster?

A couple over the years, but I try to forget them.

Favourite Asian designer? Monisha Jaising,  whom I work with for my store. She's a genius. I also wear a lot of Vivienne Tam and Shanghai Tang.



Tania Mohan