EXCLUSIVE: Ananya Panday’s stylist Meagan Concessio decodes Dream Girl 2 looks: “She generally leans toward hassle-free styles and comfortable silhouettes”

Meagan Concessio recently gave an interview to Bollywood Hungama, and it provided an intriguing look into her creative thinking and vision behind Ananya's looks.

By Sargun Chabbra -

August 28, 2023 - 3:27 PM IST

Meagan Concessio, whose name is synonymous with originality and artistry in the fashion industry, continuously pushes the envelope of imagination. She has a keen eye for detail, and her use of clothing to change an actor into a character is nothing short of amazing. Meagan's distinguished career is filled with noteworthy endeavours, but her work with Ananya Panday on Dream Girl 2 was designed to be a show-stopper. Collaborations frequently result in the most captivating works of art in the fields of fashion, style, and cinema. Meagan Concessio recently gave an interview to Bollywood Hungama, and it provided an intriguing look into her creative thinking and vision as she undertook the thrilling task of styling Ananya Panday for Dream Girl 2 promotions.

EXCLUSIVE: Ananya Panday’s stylist Meagan Concessio decodes Dream Girl 2 looks: “She generally leans toward hassle-free styles and comfortable silhouettes”

1. Can you describe the overall style concept or theme you aimed for when styling Ananya Panday for "Dream Girl 2" promotions?

Meagan: The style concept and theme revolved around youthful, fresh, and vibrant colours. Incorporated a mix of both Indian wear and Western styles. The overall aesthetic was dreamy.

2. What were the key fashion trends or elements that influenced your styling choices for Ananya's promotional looks?

M: Vibrant and bold colours, as well as eye-catching prints, reflecting a desire for positivity. Ananya's personal style consists of lively and bright colours which influenced our promotional looks. We incorporated a lot of white as well.

3. Could you share some insights into the creative process behind selecting Ananya's outfits for different promotional events?

M: My approach is quite straightforward. I prefer collaborating with designers who consistently innovate and present collections. I enjoy achieving a harmony between styles that transcend seasons and the latest trends. We further shortlisted outfits according to her activities, aiming for her comfort and avoiding anything restrictive in movement.

4. Were there any specific challenges or unique aspects to styling for a film promotion, as opposed to other events?

M: The challenge lies in the daily task of assembling all the elements for each look. We're often pressed for time due to the limited preparation window, and there are instances when we have to manage two looks a day. I have a tendency to be a perfectionist and control things, which can be both good and bad at times. I create detailed jewelry briefs for each outfit, ensuring that each look is distinct and unique. At times, there's insufficient time to accomplish everything I require, and that can be quite stressful.

5. Can you highlight one of Ananya's standout looks from the "Dream Girl 2" promotions and explain the inspiration behind it?

M: I think one of the standout looks was the Zimmerman look. It was easy, casual and comfortable. The mix of textures and patterns made it a unique and fresh ensemble.

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6. Did Ananya have any input or preferences when it came to her outfits, and how did you collaborate on her style choices?

M: Ananya specifically wanted to wear saris, so we included saris and she generally leans toward hassle-free styles and comfortable silhouettes. For me, this promotion wasn’t a lookbook to showcase my styling but more of a collaboration between Ananya’s personality infused with my styling aesthetic.

7. Were there any memorable or unexpected moments during the styling process that you'd like to share?

M: You can’t get through 15+ looks without a wardrobe malfunction here and there. Luckily, we handled them carefully and had great support from the team.

8. How do you balance staying true to Ananya's personal style while also aligning with the promotional needs of the film?

M: I think it’s important to understand your clients and adapt to their needs. Understanding Ananya’s preferences was key to curating a collection of looks tailored to her style. Ultimately, she has to be comfortable in the outfits.

9. Are there any fashion tips or advice you'd like to give to aspiring stylists, especially when working on high-profile projects like this?

M: Understanding your client is extremely important. It’s best to communicate before a press tour begins. This helps in figuring out what they are expecting, as well as what they would like to avoid for sure. Doing this is a great time and energy saver.

That said, a press tour requires an immense amount of hard work, dedication and attention to detail. It cannot be executed by one person alone so a hardworking and reliable team is a must. While the world only sees the end result on Instagram, there is much more than clothes that contribute to the success of a promotion. Logistics and management are as important as creativity.

Shoutout to my styling team - Harshita, Bidipto, Nishtha Abhimanyu, my accountant Sushma and my manager Shefali. Thank you for all your efforts behind the scenes. Love you guys.

In conclusion, Meagan Concessio's experience as a stylist during the "Dream Girl 2" promotional campaign reveals the painstaking organisation, imagination, and teamwork needed in the world of Bollywood styling. Each outfit she created incorporated Ananya’s personality, fashion trends, and brilliant colours, which made for an entertaining promotion experience. Meagan's thoughts and guidance serve as a beacon for aspiring stylists, reminding us that a world of imagination, effort, and cooperation lies behind every breath-taking red-carpet performance.