On the streets of NYC with Diva Dhawan Sheth

She refuses to call Bombay ‘Mumbai’, loves a good bidding war on Vestiaire Collective, and has worn many hats, including model, host, consultant, and now, full-time mom to her little Rumi. In New York, a city so nice, you have to say it twice, but also a city that runs high, chaotic and full of hustle culture, Dhawan finds calm in her morning yoga, comfort in takeout nights with family, and creativity through jewellery. On the self-care front, she leans into her reformer Pilates and trusts her gua sha to fake that eight hours of sleep. Yes, Diva Dhawan is that girl.

We spent a (virtual) day together to get a glimpse into her world. Catch all the moments below.

How did your personal style transition from Mumbai to New York?

In Bombay, your style becomes climate conscious. You’re running around in the heat and humidity, so I basically lived in athleisure. New York is different, no matter what you’re doing, you bring your personal style to the game. I definitely had to revamp my wardrobe a bit. I’ve always dressed for myself, but in New York, there’s this energy, everyone’s expressing themselves through what they wear, and that kind of motivates me to put in a little more effort every day.

Your off-duty look is super cool, what are your wardrobe staples?

Easy but still put together – that’s my style.

Being in my thirties, and especially after becoming a mom – has taught me to invest in fewer, nicer pieces instead of just buying constantly. I’m not big on colour; my closet is mostly white, grey, black, and chocolate brown on repeat.

I like letting my jewellery do the talking through a minimal wardrobe. I love a nice pair of fitted jeans in both black and blue. Beige cargo trousers, classic white and black t-shirts, an oversized suede or leather jacket, and lately, this zip-up Prada tech vest I’ve been living in – it’s perfect for spring. And always my Chanel ballet flats. It feels cool, comfortable, and clean.

You used to run VRTT, how did your love for vintage start?

Yeah. Well, I'm a vintage girl.

I think many people found it weird, but when we started VRTT Vintage, the concept of secondhand or vintage wasn’t really out there in India. For me, it was such a normal thing; the first thing I’d do when I got back to New York was go vintage shopping. My love for vintage started in high school. I got my first Dior Saddle when I was fourteen or fifteen, and to now see it back in the zeitgeist makes me realise we always come full circle.

I love that you can get a piece of a creative director or fashion house you admire, like old Celine, for example, which you just can’t find anymore. There’s a charm to vintage. It feels the same way jewellery does: timeless, meaningful, and with a story attached.

Where do you love to shop in New York?

I prefer shopping online, and I honestly just wait for sample sales. One of the biggest hacks or best-kept secrets is knowing how to shop at a sample sale. I set reminders and really hunt for my goodies there. New York is amazing for shopping on sale.

I don’t love shopping in physical stores as much. I’d rather go to a sample sale or shop online. Some vintage stores I love in NYC are No. Standing, and lately I’ve become more of an online shopper on Vestiaire. I love the bidding system; the authenticity process feels solid, and they have a great selection.

I recently bought a vintage men’s Hermès button-down in ballet pink — not crazy expensive, but such a beautiful piece. I know exactly how I’ll style it, and it’s fun because it’s actually my husband’s size too, so he can wear it if he likes.

If we spent a day in your world, where would you take us — cafés, restaurants, tell us all.

I’m off to the studio to teach Pilates at No Far Method. On the way, I’ll stop at Hungry Ghost in Tribeca for a coffee and maybe a scone as my Friday treat.

Later, I’d probably take Rumi for a walk on the West Side Highway and then grab a drink outdoors at Puffy’s. We love Puffy’s; it has that London energy where you’re drinking on the street, but it’s also on this cobblestone street just a block from the water. It’s such a New York moment. People bring their dogs, kids, and colleagues — it’s just great.

For dinner, I’d probably head uptown. Some of my favourite spots are Puffy’s, Hungry Ghost, Locanda Verde, San Sabino, 12 Chairs in Soho, Clemente Bar, and Thai Diner for Chinese. We also love Borgo, Max, and Cornerstone in the neighbourhood. And Rubirosa for pizza.

Life in NYC is fast, motherhood is a full-time job. What’s your reset?

Sleep. That’s it. Reset is sleep. Music and sleep.

I never stopped working out, even during postpartum. I got back to teaching Pilates in March. Wellness is a huge part of what keeps me grounded, especially in a job like fashion where you’re always doing something.

I also do my yoga, my breathing and some prayers. That's it. That keeps me grounded for the day. Even if it's five minutes, it happens, and I need that.

You’re always sharing the best skincare tips on Instagram. Tell us about some new products or rituals that you like?

I definitely ice my face in the morning and do my gua sha. I’ve just started trying a new brand called Typology; it’s French, super clean, and has fewer ingredients. My skin got really dry postpartum, and I use their cleanser and vitamin C serum; it’s really helped.

For retinol, I’m trying a cream from Kate Somerville that has both vitamin C and retinol for nighttime. And a product I love, especially in winter, is the Avène moisturiser. I just mask it on, and it doesn’t clog my pores.