EXCLUSIVE: Fashion designer Arpita Mehta pens down a letter about her fashion journey, design and more

Although my eponymous label, Arpita Mehta was founded on paper in 2008, it was only after 2 years that we actually started producing collections. The first two years rushed by in a blur as I worked on piecing together a cohesive team. Back in 2012, I came up with the concept of contemporary mirror work that now serves as my signature. It was an instant hit and immediately caught on with my clients as well as noted celebrities. Once we gained momentum, we took things in our stride and have worked relentlessly on designing back-to-back collections. With a strong aesthetic and individuality, I have simultaneously worked on reinventing my offering every season.

Back then, the digital landscape wasn’t quite as populated and word-of-mouth was the key to sharing opinions about products. One of the fringe benefits of working in this scenario was that the growth my label achieved in its early onset was completely organic. Having my product speak to people, instead of me trying to speak for my product, said it all.

(Arpita Mehta's 'Enchanted Forest' campaign shoot)

Hailing from a very simple and humble background with no experience in fashion, except my education, I’ve learnt a great deal through these years as I started from absolute scratch without any external help to tide me through. I humbly believe that I could stay strong all these years only because of the great support from my family, friends, well-wishers and the people who believed in me and my brand. It would be remiss of me to not mention how supportive Bollywood has been about my brand. I’ve gotten the privilege to dress some of the finest leading actresses in the industry, for which I shall remain eternally grateful. I have had them wear my pieces from various collections for several events on a regular basis, which brings me to my loyal stylist friends who have always appreciated my collections. It is amazing how each of them style the actresses so beautifully and makes them look fabulous!

The process of designing, planning and sampling of new collections is the highest point for me, and it is something I am always looking forward to. I believe that my collections are like art and like each artist, I have different muses. I have always been inspired by nature, and for my tropical spring/summer collection ‘Enchanted Forest’, I aimed to highlight femininity in all its vibrancy. This collection weaves together the subtle nuances of melon green and ivory, along with hues of ruby red and fuchsia pink. This collection is very special to me as I have recently ventured into fusion and prêt-wear. Our upcoming collection has a deep rich palette of rani pink shades, red, black, touches of frozen blue and beautiful lavender. Hydrangeas are an important element of this collection as I have created a print inspired by them, along with corresponding

embroidery motifs. The best part of this collection is that we are coming back with a lot more mirror work this season. We have a lot of exciting collaborations coming up in the next few months, and I am eager to share it with everyone.

(Sketches of looks from the collection, 'Enchanted Forest')

After all these years, I still remain convinced that this is just the beginning and I have got a whole lifetime to go. I am excited to see the direction and growth of the brand’s journey and hope to take you along with me on this journey.

With love,

Arpita will be showcasing her Winter-Festive collection 'La Fleur' at Lakme Fashion Week F/W'18. Listed below are a few looks from her collection.