They have known each other for close to a decade and share a relationship of friendship and also that of a mentor and mentee, learning from each other and growing with each other, like a family. Make-up pro Mainak Das and models Diti Saha and Tanisha De. And, the trio has brainstormed a gorgeous album for The Telegraph. Shot on the Maidan, this is Mainak’s debut as a creative director for a photoshoot and Diti and Tanisha have put together the looks from their wardrobes, along with lovely ensembles from Sonchiraiya, whose ‘primary purpose’ since 2020 has been the Zari Kota revival project. The looks have been accessorised with statement pieces by Jewel India Jewellers. An album.

This set of coords from Sonchiraiya can rock a range of occasions. From a wedding to an allnighter. The neatness of the look makes it so striking

in a Benarasi kurta, from Diti’s wardrobe, styled with the Sonchiraiya jacket from Diti’s coords to showcase versatility. We love the play of purple, pink and violet as much as the fusion coolness of the look.

The team is very close to me. And, so it doesn’t feel like work at all. We have styled from each other’s wardrobes. Mainakda understands my and Tanisha’s face very well. He is spontaneous at creating looks. Tanisha and I are similar in style. In fact, people call us soul sisters! My personal style for this Calcutta summer would be a tank top and baggy jeans or shorts. Or, go oversized — Diti Saha

This look is such a handsome and edgy one on Diti. She puts on Tanisha’s pants that match the colour of her sari to a T. The Sonchiraiya jacket and the embroidered top (Diti’s own) add a celebratory touch. “I want this look to have a semi-formal and Indo-ethnic vibe. You can wear the jacket with the pants alone and if you want, drape a sari around it too,” says Diti.

On a regular day, I dress casually. If I am dressed to go somewhere, I’ll still wear something basic, but style it with accessories, like a nice bag. He (Mainak) is a perfectionist. He always has a picture in his mind. So does Diti. That is why the three of us work really well together. We are clear about the look in our heads. Diti’s personal style is effortless. It’s the carriage and your personality that matters at the end of the day — Tanisha De

The idea is to create colourful and stylish fusion looks. All three of us have collaborated to pull this off. I have kept the looks nude and since it’s summer, have tied the hair up. There is kohl in the eyes in the second look. This is my first time as a creative director and I could visualise the whole shoot according to my taste. You can say I have discovered a new facet of myself. My experience so far has definitely refined my aesthetics a lot — Mainak Das, creative director

Jackets and coord set: Sonchiraiya

Jewellery: Jewel India Jewellers