Designer Arpita Mehta’s eponymous label, known for its signature mirrorwork and vibrant colour palette, will now be available in Kolkata. As the label opens its doors in the City of Joy today, we sit with the designer for a hearty chat about her latest festive edit, Ranibagh, which depicts an imagined realm where the bride is not adorned but enthroned.
It’s an ode to India’s rich past, featuring unusual silhouettes like a metallic anarkali, mirrorwork lehengas that scatter light like ancient constellations, bandhani blooms, and jaal-embroidered dupattas that mimic the carved filigree of sandstone palaces.
The palette is a symphony of moods, right from corals and pastels, golds and pinks, to the timeless blaze of scarlet red and olive green. “Every collection I create begins with a feeling — of a woman, her world, and what it means for her to be truly seen and celebrated. It is an imagined world — the expanse of a queen’s life, her elegance, choices, and sovereignty — designed for every bride who wants to feel confident, timeless, and most of all, true to herself,” says Arpita, as she takes us through the immersive trail of the visually stunning range.
What's the idea and thought behind Ranibagh?
It was born from the vision of the bride as the queen of her own story, a woman who rules not kingdoms, but her own heart. The idea was to create garments that don’t just dress her, but crown her, in her individuality, grace, and quiet power. It’s where heritage meets modernity, and opulence is balanced by restraint. At its core, Ranibagh is about feeling the intimacy of wearing not just couture, but a legacy.
How different is it from your previous collections?
The idea is not to make it different, but to take it a step further from our previous collections, making it more immersive and engaging. This season, we are playing with new silhouettes, textiles, and colour palettes to enhance our bridal looks.
How do the bridal outfits stand out among the crowd of other labels?
The kind of intricate mirrorwork we do, the way we use our colours, the layers we do, and the way we style our brides makes them stand out from the rest.
What’s your definition of a bride?
A bride is a woman happily transitioning into a whole new world of her dreams.
How have the choices of a modern bride evolved? What do they look for?
The best thing about a bride today is that she knows what she wants, has clarity on her wedding look and feel, has a vision, a plan, a concept, and is ready to pursue what she wants and execute it to perfection.
What inspires your designs?
Many things inspire me, and they keep changing according to the phase of life I am in, including architecture, nature, travel, music, and memories, among others.
When it comes to colour palettes, what are the shades trending this bridal season?
I feel different shades of reds will dominate the bridal season; it’s a classic palette, and we will see many more shades and versions of red.
Who’s the most stylish bride among the celebrities so far?
Sonam Kapoor, for me, was by far the most effortlessly stylish bride.
Any celebrity you would like to dress up for her wedding?
It would be Ananya Panday.
Tell us how you feel about coming to Kolkata.
Well, this will be our first flagship store here and in the eastern region, and I’m super thrilled to enter this market where the audience is so deeply rooted in culture and has a strong sense of fashion and aesthetic.
What are the winter wedding wardrobe must-haves?
A beautiful red sari, a gold mirrorwork jacket, and a fondant brown fusion outfit.
What are the plans for your label?
We have a very exciting international collab dropping soon.