lifestyles | women of substance & style
style mavens From a law student turned pageant queen to entrepreneurial Marines, our men and women of Substance and Style span all walks of life.
Bindhu Pamarthi
2013 Miss D.C. and second year Georgetown Law student Describe your personal style. I believe that what you wear should reflect how you feel, not mask it. Then, style becomes a way of communicating, rather than a way of covering. That said, I tend toward timeless, classy pieces as well as fun and eccentric items. What does style mean to you? It is the art form of taking something cast away, forgotten, or ignored and wearing it in a way that turns heads and leaves a lasting impression. What is something you’d never wear again? A nude pump with a black trouser. I don’t know if there is a rule against that but there should be.
PHOTO BY TONY POWELL Bindhu wears a Stephen Yearick Privata dress. Photographed at Georgetown University, Healy Hall
‘I wouldn’t be happy under a stylistically oppressive regime.’ Tell us a fashion rule you don’t regret breaking. The rule I regret breaking the least is wearing a dress to a conservative firm interview. The employer’s website advised applicants to wear a suit. I could tell that as soon as I walked into the interview that I wasn’t going to be considered, but if conformity is their idea of communicating competence, I’d rather take my individuality. I wouldn’t be happy under a stylistically oppressive regime! A current trend you could do without? Fur. I don’t think fashion justifies animal suffering. What is the most eccentric item in your closet? A Christian Lacroix orange, black and white cropped vest in plaid with polka dot piping. I wore it in a photo shoot and have no idea if and where I would ever wear it again! What never goes out of style? A great sense of humor and a sassy shoe!
wardrobe provided by saks jandel, 301-652-2250
Who is your style icon? I don’t know that I have one. I like what I like and I try not to let the media tell me who or what is attractive.