Fashion and Me

Portrait courtesy of Shanti Ananda I have always been very conscious of my way of dressing. During my years as a ballet and flamenco dancer, I outshone everybody with my embellished and beautiful clothes. The designers who created my clothing loved making outfits that were extravagant and out of this world. I am a perfectionist, and my immense respect for my fans and the public meant that the quality of my clothing had to match my performance. As an actor, I wanted exactly the right clothes for each role onstage and on television. For 40 years I developed an extravagant, exotic, and flamboyant wardrobe that lent itself to the television-show format. I own thousands of capes and suits that are a fashion designer’s dream. They will eventually be displayed in a museum. The colors, styles, outfits, boots, and brooches of my wardrobe were representative of the signs of the zodiac. In springtime, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and the flourishing seasonal colors reflected my moods and feelings and those of my fashion designer, Mrs. Yway Baralt. Spring means new life, new beginnings, and bright colors, so I would wear greens, reds, and yellows. During summertime, the signs of Cancer, Leo, and Virgo become more prominent, and I would dress in variations of white, light browns, and mauve. In autumn, I wore Swarovski crystals and dramatic brooches, influenced by Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and the romantic fall light and colors. For winter—the time of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces—I would combine black and dark tones with traditional Christmas and Yuletide accessories. The wardrobe that I used from 1969 to 2010 was inspired by Triptych of Love, Passion, and Death, a theatrical show I performed during this time. It was a huge success, and over the years countless people were hypnotized and mesmerized by it. During an interview on Telemundo Puerto Rico, I was wearing the clothing for the production mentioned above. The theater director and the television producers decided that this kind of outfit was the perfect one for an astrological television show about the messages, philosophy, and energy of the cosmic forces. So we devised Walter, las Estrellas, y Usted (Walter, the Stars, and You), which was broadcast on Telemundo and many Spanish-language networks in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hispanic regions of Europe, Mexico, and Central and South America. I enjoyed inventing new combinations of colors and fabrics, and my TV viewers loved how I wore these outfits. The most important part, however, was the message I was sending them through my astrological predictions, which were full of love, peace, and enthusiasm. But my clothing was just a frame for the picture—an aid to draw attention to my messages and teachings. I’m not a victim of fashion; I just like to look my best but in a very original way, combining different styles. Many in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, and Puerto Rico have imitated my look, but they fool themselves by focusing on the eccentric clothes and jewelry. They cannot imitate my spiritual message. After so many years of wearing these flamboyant outfits and costumes, I’m entering a more classic and conservative—but no less beautiful—phase of personal style. For this new chapter of my spiritual journey I will be known as Shanti Ananda, the mystical name I received from my spiritual master, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (who today is known as Osho), on July 17, 1972, in Pune, India. My mystic name, which means “peace and bliss,” has been received like a blessing around the world. Along with my new name, I had to reinvent myself, and now I must utilize an exquisite new wardrobe to match my reinvigorated spiritual messages and advice that the people are waiting to hear. From now on I will be wearing an elegant, sober, and unique outfit inspired by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It fits perfectly with my professional image. Your wardrobe can be your passport for success. What you wear to a new job interview or an audition can be of great impact and open doors for you. If you possess talent and faith in yourself, and wear clothing that enhances your personality, you have a 50 percent better chance of winning or gaining whatever you’re seeking. According to the stars, 2011 will be the prelude to or preparation for the coming of the “Dragon Year” (Chinese astrology), when chaos will reign and individualistic fashion will be in. Be bold and daring, by creating your style and design, in your own way of dressing.