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Positioned as an "all you wanted to know” about the fashion scene in India, Meher Castelino’s (pictured) third book, Fashion Musings is in a chatty style, "an unconventional question and answer (Q&A) format” with various denizens of the industry. The former Femina Miss India (1964), catwalk model and fashion editor brings to life various aspects of the industry — the fashionistas who value business above creativity, editors who think nothing of selling themselves out for commercial gains, protective mamas fulfilling their own ambitions via their daughters, et al. The 52 "dialogs” she pieces together are humorous, yes, but there is also sarcasm, a touch of jadedness, a generous undercurrent of "I have seen it all.” As states the Author’s Note, this is a "slightly exaggerated expose” of the stories behind the glitz and the glamor.
Castelino introduces her readers to "fakistas” — fashion queens who do not know which charities they are supporting, but want to be seen helping charitable causes. Then there are the "frow queens” (portmanteaux term for those who vie for the front row at showings) whose clothing is watched equally closely as that of the ramp walkers! The author covers the shenanigans of those involved in the business side of fashion, fashion weeks and "faux celebrities” whose job is to act as publicity agents for upcoming fashionistas. What is appreciable is that Castelino’s pen spans even the hangers-on and the ‘wanna-be’s — the interns and the backroom boys and girls, the forgotten mentors who are cast aside at whim and the woes of image make-over agents.
The craze for taking shows overseas and the difficulties associated therewith under the dialog "Foreign Foray” is particularly telling: it reveals all the heartaches behind this dream of aspiring designers: belied expectations, payments to be made for ostensible "invitations.” "Sponsor shopping” highlights how "unconventional sponsors like the hardware store, the carpentry collection, furniture for the future brands” piggyback on fashion brands and events. Castelino informs her readers in "Instagram Design Graduate” that social media platform Instagram is believed to be "the best and most creative design teacher.”
The Q&A format can get tedious after a while. For instance, in order to continue the "conversation,” the writer prods her imaginary speaker with "Oh that must be difficult for you” or "Oh tell me more” or "That is good” or "Oh that sounds crazy.”
With over 30 commendations about her work printed at the start of the book (including a glowing Foreword by couturier Tarun Tahiliani), you would expect the writing to be exceptional. You tell yourself, "They are all from the author’s own industry, they would know.” Do not pick up this book for any serious insights into the fashion industry. Read it for what it is — musings, the voice of experience, and mild ranting. Also, you may want to not read the book at a stretch. The mildly acidic tone may get overwhelming for some. Do dip into it when not doing anything of earth-shattering urgency. As states the blurb at the back of the book, "it makes great travel read or a relaxing bedside book.”                   

 FARROKH JIJINA