Stylist Aastha Sharma, the mastermind behind Disha Patni, Nora Fatehi, Tripti Dimri and Rakul Preet Singh’s stellar looks is all set to embrace motherhood. The diva, with an impeccable sense of personal style, is falling in love with her changing, more accommodating body and it shows on her ‘gram feed.
With ever-changing maternity trends in showbiz, where people are either all in with their baggy clothes or all out with cutout dresses showing off their bumps, Aastha managed to strike the balance between sultry and comfort. From bump-baring and curve-accentuating gowns to breezy kaftans, her pregnancy style was a beautiful amalgamation of both worlds.
Peepingmoon.com recently got in touch with the mama bean who is all set to welcome her little one any day now. We spoke to the style maven about her pregnancy journey, the challenges she faced, striking the work-life balance and of course, the pregnancy shoot. Check it out:
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. You are in your final trimester, due any day now. How would you describe your pregnancy journey so far?
My pregnancy journey has been good and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’m grateful that I had a healthy pregnancy and could do most of the things like travel, work, and workout. I actually love being pregnant, it’s something super special and mesmerizing to see your body change in so many different ways.
Q. They say first trimesters are hard on many mothers. Did you feel the same? If so, how did you manage your work along with morning sickness and fatigue?
Thankfully I did not have severe morning sickness. Although my third month was a bit tough and tiring but I continued my light workouts, yoga and constant walks.
Q. What was your first thought, professionally, after finding out that you are expecting?
It was exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking but I got a hang of things pretty quickly. I have an amazing team at work and their support is all I could ask for, of course, one gets nervous and anxious but if planned well and with a great support system, professional life can be well managed. I worked throughout my pregnancy with help around me.
Q. They say it takes a village to support a mama-to-be. Whom did you find your 'village' in?
My team at work, my husband and family, and friends at home. I think everyone just came in together and more than physical help I feel one needs mental and emotional help, and I have had plenty of that throughout.
Q. Looking at your clientele and work on your Instagram account, there is no doubt that you were a hard-working mama-to-be in all your days alike. Although did you face any challenges on some days? What were they?
Some days were tiring and there were days I didn’t feel like getting out of bed. But I gave myself that liberty to take some days off, be with myself and enjoy my pregnancy. Sometimes one needs to listen to their body and I did exactly that which gave me the energy to work other days and be active and going.
Q. Did any unsolicited advice like ‘rest it out, focus on the baby, you can work later’ come your way?
A lot of it, there will always be tons of such advice coming around but honestly, I didn’t pay much attention to it. I followed what my doctor advised and my body and mind let me do. I listened to my closest mom- friends who all worked and were active throughout their pregnancies and were my idol in this journey.
Q. Do working mama-to-be still face stereotypes in today’s ever-changing fashion industry?
I think it all depends on the person. Women today are constantly breaking the regular ‘norms’ or stereotypes. I am lucky to be surrounded by strong independent women who run their households as successfully as they run their businesses/work life, and that’s super inspiring. My advice would be to listen to your heart and body and break the ‘regular norms’ the way you want to instead of following what’s expected out of you.
Q. From bump-baring outfits to breezy kaftans and bump-accentuating swimwear, your maternity fashion was something that caught everyone’s attention. How would you describe your pregnancy style?
I enjoyed my baby bump and that’s what reflected in my style throughout. My style is usually very easygoing and oversized clothing. But I loved my curves while being pregnant and started wearing body-fitted clothes that accentuated my curves. I had fun dressing up throughout.
Q. Are there any pregnancy shoot pictures that would be revealed soon?
Yes, very soon :)
Q. How would you describe the feeling about working throughout your pregnancy?
I worked almost every day and still working in my 9th month. It’s kept me active, healthy and focused and I would highly recommend one to work and keep yourself busy.
Q. How did your team manage to make your workplace your comfort zone?
My team is my support system. My company and I wouldn’t be the same without them. It made my pregnancy work schedule super easy and comfortable, I can rely on them at any given point.
Q. Apart from yourself, who did you think aced the maternity fashion?
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Blake lively- loved their pregnancy style.
Q. What is your word of advice to all those aspiring people from the fashion fraternity who are on their family way?
Enjoy every bit of it and as a woman, you can do both - work and plan a family. We can balance anything if we want to.
Now that's what we call a woman of style!