I am a watch freak, reveals Vivek Oberoi

Fashion to you is …
Fashion is extremely personal. I don’t believe in following trends. I believe in wearing what makes me comfortable, what seems like an extension of my personality and what I’m feeling in that moment.

Your vanity case has …
I don’t have a vanity case. I have a make-up artist who for the last 11 years has been at every film shoot of mine and aside from that I’m not into make-up as such.

A grooming/beauty elixir you can’t live without...
Issey Miyake — I love the cologne, it’s one of my favourites. I also love Lush, particularly their hair cosmetics.

How often do you upgrade your closet? Do you go to designer boutiques or random shops where you can find off-the-wall pieces?
I have a lot of designer friends and a lot of young, cool people who are aspiring designers so they keep doing interesting stuff for me. I like to upgrade, I don’t like to wear the same thing too many times. My wife doesn’t allow me anyway. She just pulls out stuff that I’ve worn too much and dumps it out. But I do love my old denims, jeans that have been really worn out. It gives them a sense of character.

How do you put together an ensemble?
If I’m going out I have a stylist — Sheetal Narang — she kind of puts it together for me. Otherwise everyday it’s just how I’m feeling. I look at colours and for me what kind of a mood I’m in. If I’m in a mood for black, its black, otherwise I might be in the mood for bright colours — it’s about my state of mind.

Which city or cities according to you are the fashion capitals of the world and why?
New York, London, Paris and Milan, but beyond the usual suspects one of the places I discovered unique fashion was Istanbul. I loved the confluence of fashion. I loved the culture from Asia and Europe blending in.

Which decade in the fashion history appeals to you the most and why?
I think the 80s. The totally mad hair, crazy fashion, anything would go. It was the decade when people were very bold and constantly experimenting with new stuff. All the pop artistes we would watch as kids trying new stuff. 

One designer label which has been an essential part of your closet over the years and why?
Diesel — all my old pair of jeans. I have pairs that I’ve worn for the past 10-12 years. From the Indian lot, I love Arjun Khanna, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna from Cue. There’s a designer from Rajasthan who does killer jodhpurs as well, Kiran Rathore. I also like Nivedita Saboo, very nice structured Indian and Western wear.  

Unforgivable fashion faux pas according to you..
Fashion shouldn’t have any rules. But I don’t believe in not tucking in T-shirts, it looks like the 70s or 80s.

Do you share a penchant for accessories?
Watches, I’m a watch freak! I like ones like Pierre Kunz with limited edition models, handmade machinery with multiple functions. I have a large collection, some of them I’m very proud of. My wife keeps laughing at me every time she sees me winding my watches.

Who are your favourite style icons?
So many. Currently I think Kangana Ranaut is extremely stylish. The kind of stuff she can pull off its incredible. She just transforms herself.

Any style tip you’d like to share for today’s fashion conscious men?
Wear your style statement, not somebody else’s.