The Working Wardrobe: Anita Chhiba

“I totally feel like I’m coming into my own,” says New Zealand-born, London-based Anita Chhiba about becoming more connected to her identity through her work on Diet Paratha. “When you connect passion and purpose, it feels really fulfilling. I’m definitely proud and feel a sense of being more grounded, but I’m always hungry for more,” she adds.

Conceived as a play on words from fashion watchdog group Diet Prada, Diet Paratha was founded by Chhiba as a community platform for people to feel seen, heard and respected, take opportunities from and use as a resource. Diet Paratha collaborates with brands and creatives to challenge representations of South Asian people in fashion and lifestyle media. “We have never really been at the forefront of progressive culture in Western countries or represented in movies, music or luxury fashion in an aspirational way,” says Chhiba. “It affects us all in different ways but, as a massive consumer myself, not seeing someone like me reflected in popular culture started to affect my confidence. So being able to seek out incredible South Asian talent and curate that back to an audience feels exciting.”

“We are telling our own stories, in front of the lens and behind it, and that’s where I want fashion to go; to feel like we have a place but also a really authentic voice in the cultural conversation, which can only be achieved by giving autonomy to marginalized communities and using style to amplify those stories,” she says. “My go-to for homeware, for example, is Fourth Street. The brand’s metallic and wooden eggs used in the photoshoot – which I also have in my home – are by a Gujarati designer who is from New Zealand and now lives in Sydney. She’s a great friend of mine – and it’s so wonderful to be able to discover and connect with other Brown creatives, who are on similar paths and make beautiful objects without having to assert a traditional storyline. Diet Paratha exists for South Asian people who are really good at what they do, and that can be in any category.”

Read on to discover more about Chhiba’s best tips for great style and her beauty must-have…

“I adore this cow-print cowl-neck top by Acne Studios and cutout maxi skirt from A.W.A.K.E. Mode; I could wear this look anywhere. I would even style it with Chelsea boots to make it more versatile. You could also wear the skirt with a T-shirt or pair the top with pants. The skirt is one of my favorite pieces from the photoshoot; it’s so cool and fun.”

“Rabanne’s dress is so glam; you can really dress it up or down. I love the cutout and how fitted it is. Even though it’s a very form-fitting piece, you don’t feel self-conscious when wearing it because of the ruching around the hips.”

“I have so many events throughout the week, so being able to throw something on that’s casual but also a bit of a statement piece is great when I’m super-busy and I don’t have time to really think about my outfits. This Loewe dress is such an easy, bright piece – it’s perfect for summer.”