Girls Of Summer: Kanishtha Dhankhar
A light-as-air dress in the breeze, probably of the softest organic indigenous material, sitting by the sea, beach read in hand, SPF on standby, a sweet juice caressed and sipped for hours on end… summer is a whole mood. And its bearer is model and sustainability advocate Kanishtha Dhankhar (@kanishthadhankhar). Quickly rising up our hot weather mood board with her twin-city life across Mumbai and Goa, and an envy-inducing wardrobe to match, Dhankhar is the first in our Girls of Summer edit.
This series encapsulates summer - a season that brings with it optimism, a new life, and a whole new wardrobe. No matter where in the world, that summer feeling is one that you can’t escape, with its seasonal joy and singularly exciting activities.
Watch this space for the next few months as we shine the spotlight on our favourite Girls of Summer.
The best part about an Indian summer is...
The summer fruit! Mangoes and melons all day long.
Where are we likely to find you in summer months…
This year, I think I’d like to be up in the mountains, breathing in scents of pine trees engulfed in the cool temperate climate of north India.
Keeping cool for the summer by…
Working a sweat in the early morning hours plus loads of hydration - water and freshly squeezed juices.
The perfect summer sweat sesh…
Yoga a few times a week with a teacher and self practice on other days. I’ve been practising yoga for over 10 years now - I’m also a certified yoga teacher. I discovered pilates in 2011, the next thing I’d love to do is training to become a Pilates instructor. I gave online classes to my parents and some friends during the lockdown and really enjoyed the process
A hot weather diet includes…
In the summer months my body prefers fresh light meals - lots of fruit, green juices, smoothies. I could easily survive on a big bowl of salad with some cheese. I eat eggs for my protein intake and I love a good bowl of tomato pasta and a glass of red wine from time to time.
The perfect summer indulgence…
Roasted hazelnut gelato.
Your summer uniform…
It definitely changes. Half the time in Goa is spent on the beach, so I’ve a closet full of bikinis, easy ponchos and cotton dresses. A cotton shirt or tee with some loosely tailored pants or culottes for the city.
Favourite summer fabrics…
Gamcha fabric, mulmul, cotton - my favourites for when close to the beach.
Summer accessories?
Must-haves are a beautiful pair of gold earrings and a really unique and striking chain. Footwear must-haves for summer include a pair of strapped sandals in black, white or beige, white sneakers, mules and espadrilles.
Carry forward Summer staples…
I wear the same shirts in winter as in summer, for winter I just team it with a warm polo neck inside. The best example is an oversized white shirt which doubles as a short dress with a belt, or with a pair of jeans- tucked in or out.
Ideal summer break…
A trip to crystal blue waters in a land far far away.
Summer skincare routine…
Lots of water and a light serum. I use the Estée Lauder ANR which truly works like a dream no matter what the season. Sunblock is a must have.
