When someone is being approached by a total stranger, the first question that pops up in their head is "why is this stranger talking to me?"

It benefits you to answer this question preemptively in your opener. If you don't, they will ask themselves more questions:

"Is this person dangerous or crazy?" "What do they want from me?"

You don't want to trigger that fear & suspicion spiral.

Therefore: Tell them why you're breaking that social norm of talking to a stranger. To show them that you're not crazy or dangerous!

Bad opener example: Do you think men or women are better at interior design?

While this question is cool later on, you didn't explain why the F you're asking a stranger this weird question!!! She will therefore begin asking herself "what does this guy want"? And become suspicious. She will think you're weird or maybe even dangerous.

Good opener example: "Hey, that yellow bag you have, did you get it locally? I want to get one like that for my sister."

Boom! You just went from crazy weirdo bothering her - to normal friendly person in two sentences. Instantly lowering her defenses. She was given a reason for why you're talking to her even though you're a total stranger.

So always have your excuse ready. Explain why you're talking to this stranger - because just talking to a stranger can put you in the "crazy weirdo bothering me" category unless you have a somewhat logical reason to do it.

Exception: If already in a social setting where it's expected for strangers to engage in chit chat - this becomes far less necessary. My advice above is for pure cold approach.