About Riva
I’m Riva Paun, a fashion stylist with experience across campaigns, celebrity appearances, product shoots, and costume styling for film and advertising. My work is about understanding the vision of a project and translating it into looks that feel authentic, relevant, and visually striking.
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Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in fast-paced environments like fashion weeks, brand campaigns, and creative shoots, where I’ve learned how much styling is about detail, adaptability, and teamwork. From fittings and moodboards to coordinating on set, I enjoy being part of the entire process that shapes the final image.
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I see styling as a mix of creativity and strategy — it’s about bringing together design, culture, and current trends to create visuals that connect with people. My aim is always to make styling feel approachable while keeping it fresh and distinctive.
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Beyond work, I’m someone who is constantly exploring new ideas, whether it’s through fashion archives, exhibitions, or simply observing how people express themselves in everyday life. These small inspirations often shape the way I approach styling, keeping my perspective evolving and my work grounded yet contemporary.
My Journey
I started my journey in fashion with FAD International, where I gained my first practical exposure to the industry. It was here that I learned how styling goes beyond creativity — it requires organisation, discipline, and the ability to work under pressure while still delivering strong visuals.
Soon after, I had the opportunity to be a part of Dubai Fashion Week, where I worked backstage during shows and fittings. Being in that fast-paced environment taught me how much detail and coordination it takes to bring a designer’s vision to life, and how every small decision impacts the final outcome on stage.
Over time, I explored different areas of styling through campaign shoots, celebrity projects, and product styling. These experiences helped me develop a creative process — from building concepts and moodboards to executing looks that align with the story a brand or individual wants to share.
I also worked on costume styling for advertisements and film, which gave me a deeper understanding of character-building through clothes. Styling for screen made me see fashion as not just aesthetic, but as a powerful tool to shape identity and narrative.
Each step has added to my perspective and growth, shaping me into a stylist who values creativity, adaptability, and collaboration in equal measure
My first Ad shoot as a Head Stylist
One of the biggest milestones in my journey was styling for Google India’s Onam campaign, where I worked as a Head Stylist alongside Mitali. This was my first ad shoot in a lead role, and it came with both responsibility and excitement.
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From curating looks to final fittings, I was involved in every stage of the process. The challenge was to bring together traditional elements that celebrated Onam while keeping the overall aesthetic fresh and visually appealing for a global brand. Coordinating with the team, ensuring every detail was in place, and seeing the final visuals come alive on screen was a rewarding experience.
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This project taught me how much leadership and clear communication matter on set, especially when time is limited and expectations are high. More than anything, it gave me the confidence to trust my instincts as a stylist and to take ownership of my creative choices.
