PS: What does Diwali mean to you?
Ann Mukherjee: I'm a Bengali, and we also celebrate Kali Puja. For us, it's a reminder about resiliency and what our role is to protect. And as a mom, it's a big deal for me to protect not only my family, but as a CEO [of Pernod Ricard North America] to protect my employees and the people I serve. It's a real reminder about what my role is as a woman. Ma Kali is a woman with a lot of power and courage, and that's what it reminds me of.
PS: What is your favorite Diwali tradition?
AM: I'm from Calcutta; it's not just the lights, but it's the fireworks that's the best part. You go out in the street and you light up the sparklers, and that's the fun.
PS: Who are you wearing?
AM: I am wearing Falguni Shane Peacock; they are just an amazing couple.
PS: What is your favorite thing about South Asian fashion?
AM: My daughter [left] who's here tonight, she's doing her thesis on fashion. It's all about the explosion of Indian couture through cinema. It's almost like Indian weddings have become homogenized because everyone wants to have that glorious Bollywood wedding, and with that comes the fashion and the intricacy of fashion and film coming together to create a multibillion-dollar industry.
