Malaika Arora, Bipasha Basu And Sussanne Khan On How They're Raising Their Cups To Joy

Morning is said to be the most meaningful time of day; for solace, for motivation and for setting its tone. It looks like mornings are about to get more chic and it's all thanks to Malaika Arora, Bipasha Basu And Sussanne Khan. Starbucks has joined hands with the fabulous trio at The Label Life and launched their Optimist series, a line of merchandise dedicated to bettering your mornings. The drink ware and lifestyle accessories are themed around the Art Deco movement and created to inculcate joy. That's certain to happen with one sip from these. As they join hands for the first-of-its-kind collaboration, NDTV Swirlster speaks to Malaika Arora, Bipasha Basu And Sussanne Khan on their home ware essentials, morning routines and sparking optimism.

NDTV Swirlster: Where did your inspiration come from for this collection?

Sussanne Khan: The collection is inspired by the Art Deco movement; a design movement and characterized by opulent flourishes of sun-bursts, star lights, prisms and golden glamour. The collection celebrates the coffee making routine - the familiarity of the flavour, the warmth of the mug in our hand, that first delectable sip. The series is an ode to joyous mornings and is designed by The Label Life in conjunction with Tata Starbucks.

Starbucks and The Label Life mugs from Optimist series

NDTV Swirlster: How important is home ware in expressing one's personal style?

Malaika Arora: Very. With a turbulent 2020, everyone was home much more than usual. People took this time to reflect and redo their homes. They spent time building corners, nooks of their personal space, a space where they can reflect themselves to the fullest, a space which is their safe haven in times of uncertainty.

NDTV Swirlster: How did the quarantine and lockdown affect the way you create designs?

Sussanne Khan: As Malaika mentioned, the quarantine forced us not only to stay indoors, but look inwards too.This brought forth the concept of customisation even more. People started to do up their homes keeping in mind function first, as all of their time was spent indoors.

NDTV Swirlster: What made Starbucks and The Label Life perfect partners for this collaboration?

Bipasha Basu: Both the brands are a perfect fit and make complete sense when put together in a lot of ways. The Label Life and Tata Starbucks share a joint focus on community building and respond to the customer pulse. Also, our collective optimism for 2021 resulted in chic morning essentials like gorgeous mugs, a diary to note down our day's intentions and a nifty pouch for our essentials.

Starbucks and The Label Life home ware from Optimist series

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NDTV Swirlster: What's a home ware staple that you cannot do without?

Sussanne Khan: My French press; I cannot do without it.

Bipasha Basu: My diary to note down my thoughts at the end of every day. It's important to use this exercise to show gratitude to yourself and love yourself.

NDTV Swirlster: With more time being spent in the kitchen, what is your expert advice when decorating it?

Sussanne Khan: The pandemic has promoted kitchens and brought them at par with the living room. It is a cheerful spot where the family can gather to cook, talk, eat and just hang out. Considering majority of us spent most of our time in the kitchen, it's important to keep in mind function first followed by personalisation. For example, if you found yourself baking goodies most of the pandemic, then building an accessible baking counter with appliances would take precedence, and so on.

NDTV Swirlster: What makes the Starbucks and Label Life a must-have in every kitchen?

Sussanne Khan: It is an essential collection, because every morning you're looking for that moment of joy and optimism before you dive head-first into your busy day. The Optimist Series collection makes for a covetable must-have kitchen essential for its chic minimalism, multi-functionality and durability.

NDTV Swirlster: What is your must-have accompaniment when drinking coffee?

Sussanne Khan: The occasional petit four!

Malaika Arora: Almond biscotti

Bipasha Basu: A bowl of fresh fruit

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