Arpita Mehta, known for her flattering take on Indian wear, believes clothing is a form of self-expression, conveying personality without words.
By Nichola Marie
Your latest collection ‘Duality’, featuring Lisa Haydon, shot against the serene backdrop of Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s private beach in Phuket, is making waves. Tell us more about the inspiration behind this luxury holiday collection.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai is known for having some of the best resort properties in the world, and when we envisioned shooting Lisa, the idea for the location was very clear. Since Lisa has a holiday home in Phuket and has been living there for some time, it was a perfect fit. This collection, ‘Duality’, is designed for women who are constantly juggling multiple roles yet continue to find harmony and peace in the process. Inspired by coastal serenity, it explores the balance between contrasts — soft yet bold, effortless yet statement-making. Whether it’s a breezy kaftan for a relaxed getaway, a pearl-fringed skirt set for a glamorous sangeet, or a sheer embroidered jacket for a sunset soirée, ‘Duality’ embodies effortless luxury for every occasion.
What made Lisa Haydon the perfect muse for this collection?
Lisa captures the essence of “duality” very effortlessly. She seamlessly juggles multiple roles at any given time with grace and ease, while staying present and full of life. The way she has embraced every aspect of her life with utmost grace and confidence, maintaining the balance of elegance and ease, strength and softness, makes her a perfect fit for this collection.
The eponymous label Arpita Mehta is known for its flattering take on Indian wear. As a creative visionary, what is your view of fashion and how do you give it expression?
For me, clothing is a form of self-expression, conveying personality without words. My designs are rooted in inspiration and reimagination, blending elegance with ease.
At Arpita Mehta, our signature aesthetic fuses minimalism with ethnic and contemporary elements. Hand-embroidered mirror work is central to our designs, reflecting my deep cultural connection. My love for this craft began in childhood, inspired by the mirror work lehengas my mother brought from Gujarat during Navratri.
The women in my family have also shaped my design philosophy. My mother and grandmother had an effortless sense of style — whether draping sarees or pairing jeans with sunglasses, they balanced tradition with individuality. That harmony of heritage and modernity defines my work — classic yet contemporary, timeless yet fresh.
How did your interest in fashion spark and what are some of your inspirations?
I have always been drawn to creativity since childhood. I loved sketching nature and figures, often doodling clothing designs on the back of my course books. I would often wonder if becoming a fashion designer was a real possibility. My passion for fashion deepened when I started collecting magazines from raddiwalas and eagerly flipped through the pages, mesmerised by the designs. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer.
Born and raised in Mumbai, I have always been inspired by the city’s vibrant energy. There is never a dull moment here, and the constant hustle and bustle, combined with the city’s cultural diversity, has significantly influenced my design aesthetic.
Charting your journey in the world of fashion since 2009, what has the journey been like?
My journey has been filled with mixed emotions overwhelmed by everything we have accomplished, and deeply touched by the love we have received. It took time and consistency but today I can say that an Arpita Mehta outfit is instantly recognisable among a sea of design. Over so many years, I have learnt and evolved every day to push this brand forward.
What are some of the breakthrough moments in your career so far?
Establishing a distinct identity for my brand is a significant breakthrough. One memorable moment was when Deepika Padukone wore a red outfit from our collection during the ‘Chennai Express’ film promotions on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, leading to over 1,000 pieces of that look being sold. It’s gratifying to see our designs recognised and supported by iconic personalities, who have played a key role in shaping our brand. Opening our first flagship store in Mumbai in November 2020 was another milestone, further expanding to New Delhi with our boutique in DLF Emporio in March 2024.
Challenges you encountered and overcame?
To be honest, each day brings a new challenge but instead of viewing it as a challenge, I like to view it as a chance to learn something new and gain valuable lessons from it. Each day, we try to learn and evolve. Throughout my design journey, I have learnt a lot of things but two key things that I would share are being consistent and never giving up! Also, having a great team is important. It truly changes the way you work.
Any aspirations for the label?
Our label has grown significantly both in India and internationally. We have two standalone stores, one each in Mumbai and Delhi. Apart from that, we are available at multi-designer stores such as Aza, Ensemble, OGAAN, Indian Emporium, and Fuel. Internationally, we retail at Vesimi in Dubai and Kynah in the US. Our collections are also available online through Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, Aza, OGAAN, and Kynah. We participated in a global popup in Dubai in 2023, reflecting our expanding global presence.
What is your reading of the fashion industry in India today?
Fashion has seen a vast shift in the past few years; there was a time when we had to convince people to believe in fashion, good clothing and style but today people have started taking fashion seriously. For me, it is very important to feel comfortable in whatever you wear. It’s not about the price of the garment, but the goal is for the garment to make you feel confident and unstoppable.
