The fashion director of Saks Fifth Avenue was an obvious choice for our annual grouping of stylish women. We polled Roopal Patel for her words of wisdom.
For me 2020 has brought... a lot of insight, clarity and focus on what’s important to me in my life—and a lot about the power of the human spirit.
This year really taught me... that life is such a precious gift, and I’m so grateful and blessed to live the life that I do and to not take people for granted. The pandemic and the world stopping taught me to be accountable and to show up and be present—for my family, my friends, for my loved ones, my community.
I have always been a believer in... the art of getting dressed.
My hope for the future is that... our society and our community can become more inclusive and more accepting of one another. I think the Black Lives Matter movement and the spotlight on social injustice that has been taking place for so long is a big lesson—but there’s so much work to be done. How can we as a community come together to build a stronger foundation for the future for future generations? That’s my hope, you know, to live in a more inclusive, mindful and supportive and nurturing society of all for all. In regard to fashion, I think it’s really important that the fashion industry look at how we are supporting and nurturing Black brands. There’s much work to be done.
Style today is... much more lifestyle-driven and much more functional in regard to one’s every day. Being casual can still be chic; casual can still be put-together.
Photography by: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
