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JUMANA STYLE
The world according to…
UMA GHOSH DESHPANDE The High Life Dubai presenter and clothes designer shares her thoughts on everything from PJs to fast food. People can’t believe it when they see me in the supermarket. I’m like, ‘I’m married, I have a nine-yearold son, I do have to buy groceries!’ I recently won a Style Icon award. I think I inspire people because they see me as a complete woman in how I balance things – but I still always look fresh and happy. That can be a challenge! Interviewing Dita Von Teese was great. She was so feminine and proper – but my favourite celeb is Shahrukh Khan, who I’ve interviewed four times. I’m reading his biography at the moment; his story is so inspiring. Getting star struck is a good thing. It makes celebrities feel important! People should mix designer brands and high street clothes. Buying a designer dress does not automatically makes you look ‘happening’. I like to look a little edgy. Dubai’s fashion scene is still in its infancy. It has grown a lot over the past five years and in another five it will be ready to compete with major fashion capitals. My pink Louis Vuitton stole is my favourite accessory. I’m always cold so I take it everywhere. Everything by Missoni looks the same. Their knitted pieces just aren’t me. But I love most other designers – especially Cavalli; he makes women look like women. Pyjamas do not feature in my life. I don’t own a single pair – I just don’t feel myself in loose clothing. The other day I went to a pyjama party and had to wear leggings! Deep-fried food is my weakness. I have to eat it every day – but I also work out every day. I’m pretty addicted. I am hopeless at travelling light. I always have to pay for excess baggage because of the amount I pack. Self-help books helped me overcome postnatal depression. There’s not a lot of awareness about the condition and so I didn’t know what was wrong with me for a long time. It was scary. Although I don’t like to plan too much, there’s a lot I’d like to do. I’m working on a documentary about relationships in Dubai, I’m in talks about opening my own finishing school and I’m introducing a travel segment to my show which will involve visiting some very exotic places. My to-do list is endless!