Akanksha Ashish Goel, founder and creative director of Unlocked talks to us about what style means to her, her fashion favourites, and more…
Style to me is: An outward expression of how one feels internally. It’s an indication of what one truly feels about themselves.
On being HELLO!’s Most Stylish Girl About Town: I grew up around the best of fashion because of my mom Prerna Goel, who is an icon! I would say her presence influenced my love for style growing up, but I didn’t inherit her’s. We have really different taste! I was always keen on exploring fashion by myself and solidified my style and my personality as I grew up.
Style motto: Being comfortable and dressing with functionality in mind are as important as looking good.
Luxury to me is: Anything that’s an investment. I believe in opting for timeless pieces rather than statement pieces. It’s about owning something that’s so basic, yet can be styled in multiple ways, like a classic pantsuit or a great quality cashmere sweater.
Being stylish VS being fashionable: They’re both subjective as they’re based on what one feels his or her best in. For me, functionality and comfort are key. Fashion can be anything, but style is how you make an outfit your own. How you accessorise and tie a look together is so personal to you!
My style icons: A style icon I really look up to would have to be Jenna Lyons. Her oversized blazers, flared jeans and sweaters are so close to the type of effortless yet on-the-go fashion I relate to. She’s also gone ahead and built a fashion empire by herself, from the ground up.
Favourite designers: My favourite Indian designer has to be Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango, for the way he uses fabrics and prints true to Indian culture, while making his designs look extremely royal. Internationally, I love JW Anderson of Loewe. I think his fits and designs are young and contemporary, yet minimal.
My personal style: I’m a complete mix of modern and contemporary styles, with modesty and subtlety. I lean towards neutrals and pastels and love anything monochromatic. I also try to experiment with prints on and off.
My most prized possession: My family!
The most stylish item in my closet: A pair of Loro Piana loafers.
I’m happiest wearing:Boyfriend jeans! They’re so comfortable and easy to style.
Items I tend to overuse: I just can’t get enough of trusty white shirts!
Current fashion obsession: I’m currently obsessed with layering my clothes.
An overrated trend: Overdressing for just about any occasion.
Shop till I drop: I love to shop in Dubai, Milan and places in India.
Three must-haves in a woman’s wardrobe: Diamond studs, tinted sunnies and self-respect!
Work is worship: I’m working on various exciting projects. My brand, Unlocked Studio, just collaborated with Ashiesh Shah, one of the most talented names in interior design and architecture today. We have a few other interesting collaborations coming up, with our next exclusive from the UAE. It’s a labour of love with a very close friend!
This story has been adapted for the website from a story that was originally published in Hello! India’s November 2022 issue. Get your hands on the latest issue right here!
