Onwards & Upward
These women prove that age is just a number when it comes to great style. They tell Jeffrey Yan all about the accessories that take their look to the next level.
HARPREET BEDI, 50 CEO of The Garcha Group What are your go-to accessories?
I wear the same things every day. There’s this tiger claw, which came from a tiger that belonged to my uncle in India; I wear it with a strand of coloured stones—it symbolises, to me, that you can lead as a woman with a type of calm and also power. The “Boss” ring is part of a pair that says “Lady Boss”. When I started The Vagabond Club, everyone called me that and I was like, why am I not just a boss? So I decided to own it. This “Crazy” bracelet represents how I feel and what my life is like always. There’s a bracelet that symbolises Africa too—I lived there for a long time. Traditionally, this kind of bracelet is made with elephant hair, but I had it made in gold. The panther represents my feminine side. The pieces are a combination of power and femininity— that’s how I would describe my style.
What has shaped your style?
I do want to be feminine, but I also have to be taken seriously in my job, so I’ve had to develop a style that is a combination of strength and femininity. I love pantsuits, but sometimes, they drown me, so shirt dresses are my uniform. It’s good for the weather, it’s forgiving, it’s one piece so you don’t have to think too much in the morning—you just do the matching shoes and belt, plus a bright red lip, and you’re good to go.
How has your style evolved with age?
What I’ve learned is that if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to wear it. So comfortable, stylish shoes are a must if you want to go from dawn to dusk. My daughter made me buy these Prada boots, which are one of the more extravagant things I’ve bought, but damn, they’re comfortable! I could run in them.