StyleBuddy's Priya Rajesh Reveals All About India's Biggest Style Competition: The Style Awards 2026

Exclusive Q&A with StyleBuddy's Chief Operating Officer on the fashion event that's capturing India's attention

Fashion enthusiasts across India are buzzing about the StyleBuddy Sabse Stylish Kaun Style Award 2026—a nationwide competition offering a whopping Rs. 1 lakh cash prize and the coveted title of India's Most Stylish Person. We caught up with Priya Rajesh, Chief Operating Officer at StyleBuddy, to get the inside scoop on this groundbreaking style competition.

Q: Priya, what's the vision behind launching the Sabse Stylish Kaun Style Award?

Priya Rajesh: Since 2020, StyleBuddy has been on a mission to democratize personal styling across India. We've witnessed firsthand how transformative the right style guidance can be. The Sabse Stylish Kaun Award is an extension of that mission—we wanted to create a platform that recognizes and rewards personal style in its many beautiful forms. This isn't about conforming to a single beauty standard; it's about celebrating individual expression through fashion.

Q: Walk us through the eligibility criteria. Who should consider entering?

PR: We've designed this to be as inclusive as possible. Any Indian resident who's 18 years or older can participate. You don't need modeling experience, a professional portfolio, or thousands of Instagram followers. We're looking for genuine style enthusiasts—students, professionals, parents, creatives, entrepreneurs—anyone who takes pride in how they present themselves and wants to share their fashion perspective with India.

Q: What's the investment required to participate?

PR: We're asking for a one-time registration fee of just Rs. 499 plus applicable taxes. Payment is completely secure through our gateway—participants can use UPI, debit cards, or credit cards. Here's the exciting part: once you're registered, you can submit entries in up to three different style categories. That's three chances to impress our judges, all for one registration fee.

Q: Rs. 499 seems very accessible. What's included?

PR: Absolutely, and here's where it gets even better. Every single participant—not just winners—receives one premium StyleBuddy service at no additional cost. You choose between two incredible options:

Option One: Complete access to our Personal Grooming and Styling Workshop, an online masterclass usually priced at Rs. 1,999. This covers everything from color theory and body-type dressing to grooming techniques and trend forecasting.

Option Two: A personalized styling package worth Rs. 2,499, where our professional stylists create five custom looks just for you. You'll receive detailed mood boards, outfit breakdowns, shopping links, and virtual styling guidance tailored to your unique preferences and body type.

Think about it—you're spending Rs. 499 and receiving services valued at up to five times that amount, plus competing for a Rs. 1 lakh grand prize!

Q: Can you break down the different style categories?

PR: We've curated six categories that reflect authentic fashion moments in everyday Indian life:

Smart Casual Style captures that polished-yet-relaxed aesthetic perfect for brunches, casual Fridays, or creative workspaces.

Beach Day Out Style celebrates vacation fashion—think coastal elegance and resort wear.

Wedding Guest Style showcases festive dressing for the countless celebrations we attend.

Friends Day Out Style represents casual sophistication for social gatherings and weekend plans.

Outdoor Wedding Party Style focuses on garden parties and daytime celebrations—lighter fabrics, elegant silhouettes.

Festive Style embraces traditional Indian wear with contemporary twists.

Each category offers participants the opportunity to demonstrate different facets of their styling ability.

Q: Let's talk prizes. What's at stake?

PR: The rewards are substantial. Our Grand Winner takes home Rs. 1,00,000 in cash—let that sink in! They also receive exclusive shopping vouchers from our prestigious partner brands: Boldfit, Youthiapa, and Yamini. Plus, a stunning trophy and the title that will open doors: "India's Most Stylish Person 2026." Winners will be featured across StyleBuddy's platforms, gaining significant visibility.

Our Runner-up isn't far behind with Rs. 50,000 in cash, shopping vouchers, and a trophy. We're also planning special recognition awards that we'll unveil closer to the finale.

Q: Tell us about the judging process and panel.

PR: We've assembled a distinguished panel featuring celebrity stylists who've worked with Bollywood's biggest names and business leaders from India's fashion industry. The judging criteria focus on five key elements: creativity and originality, execution and attention to detail, trend awareness, personal authenticity, and overall visual impact.

We're not looking for carbon copies of runway trends. We want to see how participants interpret fashion through their personal lens—that's what makes someone truly stylish.

Q: What's the timeline participants need to follow?

PR: Registration and submissions are open now through February 15, 2026. That's your deadline—non-negotiable. Our expert panel will evaluate all entries during the latter half of February, deliberating carefully over each submission. The grand finale and winner announcement is scheduled for March 1, 2026. We recommend not waiting until the last minute to register and submit!

Q: What kind of photos should participants submit?

PR: Quality matters more than equipment. Yes, professional photography is welcome, but smartphone photos work beautifully too—most modern phones have excellent cameras. What we need is clear, well-lit images that showcase your complete look. Make sure we can see your outfit details, how you've accessorized, your grooming, and your overall styling choices.

Natural light works best. Avoid heavy filters that distort colors. And please, high-resolution images only—we want to appreciate every styling detail.

Q: You mentioned partner brands. How did these collaborations come about?

PR: Boldfit, Youthiapa, and Yamini are brands that align perfectly with our philosophy of accessible, quality fashion. They understand that style isn't about expensive labels—it's about knowing yourself and making smart choices. Their involvement allows us to offer better prizes and ensures our winners receive shopping experiences with brands that truly understand contemporary Indian fashion.

Q: What's the post-registration experience like?

PR: The moment you complete registration, you receive your official digital participant badge—show it off! You'll gain access to our competition portal where you can upload entries, track submission status, and receive notifications. Our editorial team reviews submissions for technical compliance—image quality, resolution, appropriate content—and provides guidance if anything needs adjustment before the judging phase.

Participants also join our competition community, connecting with fellow style enthusiasts across India.

Q: Are there any content restrictions or style guidelines participants should know about?

PR: We encourage maximum creative freedom within appropriate boundaries. Your submission should genuinely reflect the category you're entering—don't submit a beach outfit for the festive category, for instance. Beyond that, we celebrate all aesthetic approaches.

Minimalist or maximalist? Love it. Traditional or ultra-contemporary? Bring it. Bold colors or neutral palettes? Both work. Vintage-inspired or cutting-edge trendy? We want to see it. The only real rule is authenticity—wear what makes you feel confident and represents your true style.

Q: What's your advice for someone on the fence about participating?

PR: I'd say this: What do you have to lose? For Rs. 499, you're gaining professional styling education or personalized styling services worth thousands. You're joining a community of fashion lovers. You're potentially winning life-changing prize money. And most importantly, you're challenging yourself to curate, create, and confidently present your personal style.

Some practical tips: Utilize whichever complimentary service you choose—let it inform and elevate your competition entry. Study each category carefully before deciding where to submit. Pay attention to fit—ill-fitting clothes undermine even the most creative styling. And remember, confidence is the best accessory you can wear.

Q: Can participants get their money back if they change their mind?

PR: The Rs. 499 registration fee is non-refundable, which is standard for competitions. However, given that you're immediately receiving complimentary services worth up to Rs. 2,499, you're already ahead financially. Think of it less as a fee and more as an investment in your style education and portfolio.

Q: Where can participants find updates and support?

PR: Multiple channels! The competition portal provides real-time updates once you're registered. We're very active on social media—follow @stylebuddy.fashion on Instagram, StyleBuddy.Official on Facebook, and our YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes content, styling tips, and competition announcements.

For direct queries, our support team at support@stylebuddy.in is responsive and helpful. We're committed to making this experience smooth for every participant.

Q: What sets the Sabse Stylish Kaun Award apart from other fashion competitions?

PR: Three distinctive elements: First, universal value—every participant receives premium services regardless of whether they place in the top positions. Second, our category structure celebrates diverse style expressions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to fashion. Third, our focus on real people living real lives, not just industry professionals or social media influencers.

We're also backed by StyleBuddy's four years of expertise in personal styling. This isn't a random contest—it's an extension of our core mission to elevate personal style across India.

Q: Any closing thoughts for potential participants?

PR: Fashion is one of the most accessible forms of self-expression available to us. You don't need special skills or expensive resources—just awareness of what works for you and the confidence to own it. This competition is your stage.

Whether you win the Rs. 1 lakh grand prize or simply gain new styling knowledge and confidence, you're investing in yourself. India is full of incredible personal style that goes unrecognized. Let's change that together.

Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Register, select your complimentary service, prepare your entries, and show us what makes your style special. We're genuinely excited to discover India's next style icon—and it could be you!

Competition Details:

Registration Portal: www.stylebuddy.fashion/pricing-plans/list

Entry Deadline: February 15, 2026

Results Date: March 1, 2026

Registration Investment: Rs. 499 (non-refundable)

Queries: support@stylebuddy.in

Grand Prize: Rs. 1,00,000 cash + shopping vouchers + trophy + title

Runner-Up Prize: Rs. 50,000 cash + shopping vouchers + trophy

StyleBuddy is India's leading personal styling platform, providing wardrobe transformation, personal shopping, professional styling consultations, and AI-powered fashion recommendations across major metropolitan areas since 2020.