“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” – Edith Head
In the current day and age, surrounded by cutthroat competition on all sides, nothing is permanent. Dynamism is key. Similarly, when we speak of fashion, only one thing remains constant, i.e. everything is always changing. From ancient history to the 21
st century, from the dynastic rulers with their heavy accessories to baggy jeans and leather jackets in the 20
th century, and now to low waist and skinny jeans, we are constantly updating, for better or worse, our tastes and preferences.
Speaking about me, I was completely different from the other kids on my block. I couldn't care less about what I wore or how I looked. I loved eating and the only way my mother could take me shopping with her was by bribing me with food. It was one such day, I had gone out with my mother for shopping. I had to buy clothes for wearing to my college. It was only when we had walked into Pantaloons, did I look up from my mobile, at which I had been staring at the entire time. Being a huge movie buff and a follower of pop culture, my eyes immediately landed on a navy blue t-shirt with a red, white and blue shield in the centre, ten steps away from where I was standing. I started perusing through the section, looking at Captain America, Iron-man, F.R.I.E.N.D.S., and The Big Bang Theory t-shirts among others. As I walked around the store, I was amazed more and more by the collection I witnessed. Boasting brands like Allen Solly, Levi’s, Louis Phillipe, Lee Cooper and Peter England to name a few, I was completely invested from the minute I stepped in and I never looked back. Trying to look good and wearing clothes that matched the ongoing trends became second nature to me. Even today, when I walk into a Pantaloons store, the quality and variety of clothes and accessories on display never fails to impress me. It still remains my most trusted store for being up to date on the industry fashion trends.
Similarly, talking about my love for food, it makes me nostalgic staying in Pune, in my hostel room and remembering the days back in Calcutta. Every day before I left for college, my mother used to wake up early in the morning and cook some homemade dishes for my lunch. Caring as she is, she never failed to wrap the sandwiches or the chicken rolls she made in Freshwrapp foils to ensure that the food she had prepared does not get ruined. It preserved the homemade flavour and love which I so desperately crave for now, while I write this piece, munching on some chips I bought from the canteen. Clothes and food, being the two most important necessities in one’s life, has been largely facilitated in my life by Aditya Birla Group and its products.
One’s ambitions in life are never final according to me. As soon as they accomplish one ambition, their focus moves on to the next one. Same was the case for me. After completing my graduation, I had enrolled for the Chartered Accountancy course, aiming to clear the intermediate exams which were due in November. I was studying, when suddenly I got the news that my aunt in Gujarat had fallen ill. I had to leave behind my studies and accompany my uncle to bring my aunt back to Calcutta. Clearing the exams was my aim, but bringing my aunt back safely was my responsibility. I had to take care of both. Since, my uncle was emotionally broken down, the entire responsibility was on my shoulders. I had to be a pillar of support for him as well. However, I was determined and eventually succeeded in bringing my aunt back and admitting her into a hospital back home. After returning, I ensured that I spent my energy studying for the examinations, which I managed to clear eventually. This experience was hardening and resulted in me discovering a side of me I had not previously expressed. But at the same time, it was a life experience I am glad I have gone through.