Style, pizzazz and glamour – one person who epitomises all of this best is Kabir Bedi – perhaps the first crossover actor from India. Handsomely suave, he received great reviews for his title role in the Italian television series, Sandokan. Too dapper to be serenading lady loves around trees, he did some films for the Hindi film industry and achieved greater success abroad with memorable roles for both the big and the small screens in Thief of Baghdad, Octopussy, The Lost Empire and Dynasty. Bedi was recently awarded the Asian Jewel Award by the London-based Institute of British Asian Professionals. Still capable of setting hearts aflutter, he has been a style icon for decades now. Question him on his branded sartorial preferences and he retorts: “I am not a fashion victim. Fashion isn’t about designer brands alone. It’s about your personal sense of style. I am eclectic. I often mix and match high street labels with designer items. For the consumer, fashion should be an expression of the self”. Currently shooting in Italy, he shares with Kunal Majumder his list of favourite fashion brands.

Casual Comfort
During the day, I wear pleatless pants and jeans, with casual shirts and tees that I never tuck in. I love Indian cottons in all the colours of autumn leaves. My favourite jeanswear brand is Armani. I have no brand favourites for casualwear, although in India I do like Colorplus. During the evening, I love wearing comfortable cotton kurta-pyjamas at home.

Formal Tucks
Indian designer kurta-pyjamas are my favourite formalwear attire. But I wear suits too. In India my suits are tailored for me, often with fabric from Raymond. I like Italian designer suits too, especially Armani, Cavalli and Brioni. I also like London’s Oswald Boetang.

Be Jewelled
I don’t wear jewellery. But I do like nice cufflinks and have acquired an interesting collection over the years. I wear Rolex, Dunhill and Cartier, and a Swatch for casualwear. My favourite is the Cartier because my daughter Pooja (Bedi) gave it to me. But India’s Titan make some great watches too.

Accessories
I love Mont Blanc belts and card holders. Italy is a great place to buy sunglasses – my favourites are Prada and Bulgari. I like leather satchels that can be hung from the shoulder and my favourite brand is Hidesign. As for wallets, my brands keep changing. Currently, I’m using Missoni and Mont Blanc.

Under Secrets
Soft cottons from Marks & Spencer, and whatever else feels good.

Foot Loose
Sandals and chappals for Indian clothing, lace-up shoes for suits, sneakers and slip-ins/loafers for jeans. I never compromise on formal shoes. They have to be well-crafted, quality leather and comfortable. My favourite Italian brands are Prada, Rosetti and Ferragamo. Most brands don’t make my size and I’m always grateful to find shoes that fit me.

Brands I Long For In India
Victoria’s Secret

Shopping Destination
India is experiencing a retail revolution. There are so many new stores I haven’t seen yet.

My favourite shopping destination abroad is Los Angeles. The city has brands from all over the world and the prices are much cheaper than Europe. And parking is never a problem. Right now I’m in Italy, shooting for an Italian TV series,living in the centre of Rome minutes away from the Via Condotti-the mecca of world class brands.The whole city centre is a great shopping experience.
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Published in IMAGES Business of Fashion

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