Malaika my mentor and muse: Designer Rick Roy

"I don't think Bollywood completely dictates fashion trends for the youth. It influences it to some extent, since we are a film driven country. At some point it used to as the common people didn't have access to the world fashion, so films and film stars were a big influence on what people wanted to look like," Roy told IANS.u00a0"Now we have access to much more than that. The scope to choose a look has become wider, the world fashion scenario dictates fashion trends for the youth now," he added.u00a0He has declared that actress Malaika is his muse.

Fashion Designer Rick Roy. Pic/IANS

Asked him about the same, and he replied saying, "The first thing that comes to my mind for Malaika is that she is my mentor and my muse. She is all about perfection and that's what I have learned from her and that's what I think about when I am designing for her. I always try to achieve that perfection for her," he said.u00a0"I would love to style so many of them, but one person who I love making clothes for is Malaika Arora Khan and that has nothing to do with what she does as a profession...She is beautiful, personifies my style and I like seeing her in my creations," he addedu00a0

Apart from taking care of personal wardrobe of stars, Roy also styles actors for their roles in movies. He currently worked on "Jannat 2". He designed Deepika Padukone's look in "Players" and Malaika's in the song "Anarkali disco chali".u00a0Talking about the kind of freedom required by a fashion designer while working in a film, Roy said: "A film is not about showcasing what kind of clothes you can do, it's about creating something that works for the character in the film. Reading and understanding the script is a must."

"Also, understanding what the director has in his/her mind for the characters in the story," he added.u00a0Roy feels there is no point in making anyone wear something they are not comfortable in.u00a0Everyone has their own likes and dislikes and comfort levels, he said and added that a person should always feel happy wearing what he or she is wearing. u00a0"If they are uncomfortable, it shows. So there is no point putting someone into something just because you think it works. If the person who is wearing it is not comfortable wearing it, it will not work anyway," he said.u00a0What if your client does not agree with your ideas?

"If that's the case, I reason out with the person and try and explain why a particular style wouldn't work. But if he/she isn't convinced and still wants to go ahead, then I would try and salvage the outfit to the maximum that I can," Roy said.u00a0With so many fashion designers trying to come out with their distinctive style, how difficult it is for you to stand out?u00a0"I don't think there is a certain formula that you can follow to try and break free and start a new trend. It's a trial and error process.

"It has become very challenging as everyone is exposed to newer ways and methods of creating and styling. I believe if you are good at your job, you'll be noticed. I create what comes to me naturally. I try to create new looks that I feel works. At times they catch on as a new trend, at times they don't," he added.u00a0He signs off saying that with his designs he tries to make people feel great about themselves and that is his USP.u00a0