How Freida Pinto Spent the Day in Mumbai Before the Dior Show

Born and raised in Mumbai, Freida Pinto knows a thing or two about her metropolitan hometown. So, ahead of Dior’s pre-fall 2023 show last week—which was hosted at the Gateway of India—Pinto gave Vogue some insight on the best places to visit in the city. On her agenda? Visiting her former school stomping grounds, admiring some of India’s craftsmanship and artisans, and of course, taking in the new fashions from Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, too.

For Pinto, who now splits her time between Los Angeles and Mumbai, visiting her alma mater St. Xavier’s College is essential. The star has fond memories of studying at the institution, which is known for its striking architecture. “It’s the Hogwarts of Mumbai,” Pinto says. “It is a very old college. The building is stunning: It’s 154-years-old. It brings back the most wonderful memories. It’s a place that gave me a lot of confidence to follow my dreams, to listen to my inner voice, and to respect the rebel in me.”

After touring the school grounds, Pinto then headed over to her second stop of the day—a field trip to the Chanakya School of Craft, where many artisans have studied the art of hand-embroidery and beadwork. There, Pinto was able to see where some of the looks in Dior’s new pre-fall 2023 collectsion were made, before they even hit the runway later that night. “Dior has a longstanding relationship with this place,” says Pinto. “The brand has such a strong relationship with the artisans in India, and Mumbai specifically. It’s important that we don’t forget the culture and country that influences these big design homes; India plays such an important role in how much it has contributed to the fashion world.”

Back at her home base, it was time for Pinto to change into her evening look for the Dior show. The star landed on a short-sleeved, purple floor-length gown that reflected her love of color. “The purple is so dreamy,” says Pinto, who was struck by how the presentation paid homage to India’s unique beauty and craftsmanship. “It’s a big celebration of the city—it’s monumental,” says Pinto. “Maria Grazia Chiuri chose a place like this to showcase it to the world.”

Though she concluded her busy day in Mumbai with a glitzy fashion show, Pinto’s advice for first-time travelers to Mumbai is decidedly much simpler. “You should definitely eat—eat a lot of food,” Pinto says. “There’s so much amazing food here; I highly recommend the street food if you can." She also suggests that the best way to admire Mumbai is just to sightsee without any strict plans or agendas. "I want people to take in the pulse of the city—through its architecture, but also through its people," says Pinto. "There is something very poetic about the chaos over here; It’s hard to explain to someone until you immerse yourself into the city and experience it for yourself.”

Below, a closer look at Pinto’s full 24 hours in Mumbai.