D esigner Arpita Mehta, who has carved a distinct identity in the Indian fashion landscape, calls herself “blessed” to be able to do what she loves. Completing 15 years in the industry this year, the creative force behind her eponymous label reflects on her “maximalism in minimalism” design ethos and why she believes sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Fresh off the launch of her latest wedding collection, she spoke to indianexpress.com about couture as an expression of a "woman’s quiet strength", and why actor Ananya Panday is her ultimate muse. Edited excerpts below. Q: Tell us about your latest collection, Ranibagh. Arpita Mehta: It’s an ode to the modern bride, not just adorned, but also enthroned. I’ve reimagined traditional Indian crafts like mirror work, bandhani, and jaal embroidery through a contemporary lens. Each piece is designed to celebrate a woman’s quiet strength and individuality. For me, couture isn’t just clothing—it’s about creating a world where heritage meets modernity, where every bride feels like the queen of her own story. Q: What’s your ideation process like? Arpita Mehta: I always go back to my own experiences—how I’ve felt in the past, and how I want to feel moving forward. Q: Take us through your journey. Arpita Mehta: My design journey has been incredibly colourful, marked by constant change and evolution. As a brand, we’ve grown while staying true to our aesthetic. For me, it’s about finding maximalism in minimalism and creating pieces that last, promoting sustainability through quality over quantity. There have been ups and downs, but challenges are just opportunities to learn. Each collection is built with care, refining what we do best while keeping our signature intact. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arpita Mehta Official (@arpitamehtaofficial) Q: With so many designers in the space, how do you stand out? Arpita Mehta: The past 15 years have been beyond what I could have hoped for––rich experiences, growth and doing something I love. What makes us stand out is consistency. We’ve been perfecting our craft and doing it our way, season after season. Q: Which celebrity do you love seeing in your creations? Arpita Mehta: Ananya Panday. I love seeing her in our collections. When we work together, we create magic. Q: Do you believe that in wedding couture, many are playing it safe with the reds, pinks, or pastels? Arpita Mehta: I feel a wedding look must be classic and not experimental; this memory is one that stays for life. In my opinion, it’s not about playing safe but making it timeless. Q: If not a designer, what would you have been? Arpita Mehta: I can’t imagine doing anything else. But if I had to choose, probably something connected to art or music. Q: How do you reinvent yourself in a space with names like Masaba Gupta, Ritu Kumar, Anamika Khanna, and Sabyasachi? Arpita Mehta: By staying consistent, launching fresh collections every season, and tuning out the noise. Focusing on our product and our clients keeps us evolving. Q: Who do you see as your biggest competition? Arpita Mehta: Ourselves. If we can do better than last season, that’s a win. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arpita Mehta Official (@arpitamehtaofficial) Q: What inspires you? Arpita Mehta: Everything—nature, travel, the sea, flowers, architecture, interiors. Inspiration is everywhere. Q: What’s the best and worst thing about the overload of information today? Arpita Mehta: I try not to overeducate myself. I feel it fosters preconceived notions that deter me from doing many things. I am not a fan of extra information. Q: If you could change one thing in fashion today, what would it be? Arpita Mehta: The dependence on social media for businesses to run. Fashion goes way beyond digital, it should be experienced—it’s touch and feel. Social media used to be fun, but now it’s become more transactional. We mostly use it for work, but I miss the carefree days.
