Indian Fashion Designer Anjali Patel Mehta on Her Recent Stint for The White Lotus

I never intended to become a fashion designer—I took a break from Wall Street after about a decade to heal from a chronic spinal injury. I’ve always loved design, fashion, and art. Verandah began when I was homebound on my healing journey, experimenting with a few designs that brought me comfort, joy, and stylish options for Mumbai’s warm, sunny weather.

I craved soft, well-cut silhouettes that could transition internationally and made me feel like I was on holiday, even when I wasn’t. Telling stories through nostalgia, art, architecture, nature, and travel—while celebrating the beauty of our region with vibrant colours and sustainable fabrics—became an obsession. That’s what Verandah is today.

The name itself, Verandah, represents a space that seamlessly connects the indoors and outdoors, evoking a feeling of relaxation, effortlessness, and laid-back luxury. The little bird on our logo was inspired by one that sat on our verandah at home. It symbolises freedom, travel, and returning home—just like my own journey in and out of India. I wanted to share that sentiment with the world through a voice in luxury vacation fashion.

To me, Verandah is about feeling relaxed yet chic, comfortable yet transitional. It embodies joy—the idea that you’re on holiday even when you’re not—and a sense of exclusivity, which is central to our brand.

The Verandah woman is discerning, well-travelled, drawn to discovery and colour, and appreciates effortless dressing that seamlessly transitions from AM to PM, beach to bar, city to vacation. Our consciously crafted pieces tell a story through hand-drawn patterns, inspired by my experiences over the years. Each collection is timeless, not bound by seasons. My goal was to showcase the beauty of India through a unique lens—where art meets fashion on sustainable fabrics—and bring it to the world. Hopefully, we’re just getting started!

It’s been an exciting few months! The costume designer, Alex Boivard Sprouse, first discovered Verandah in early 2022 and reached out to scout pieces for The White Lotus Season 2 in Italy. Unfortunately, I missed that opportunity, but we stayed in touch, and when Season 3 came around, it finally worked out.

Alex was wonderful to work with—she had a clear vision and knew exactly what she wanted to pull from Verandah. I think she was particularly drawn to our hand embroidery, patterns, and my take on the kaftan as a travel essential. We had fittings in LA in December 2023, and I had no idea what would ultimately make it into the show! It was just as much a surprise for me as it was for the audience.

It’s been an incredible opportunity to showcase our work, and I’m grateful to have been chosen among so many amazing luxury vacation brands. The White Lotus audience aligns perfectly with our brand, and we’re now stocked in over 100 luxury stores and hotels worldwide—from Bora Bora to Miami, St. Tropez to Palm Beach. In New York, Verandah is available at Bergdorf Goodman, my personal favourite store.

Alex selected some of my designs, but the team has been tight-lipped about what made the final cut. The outfit chosen for Sritala (Patravadi’s character) is one of my personal favorites from the Mandrem collection.

I actually designed it for myself—I love floating around in kaftan dresses! This particular piece was hand-draped along the princess seam for a more flattering silhouette. Crafted from ultra-soft Ecovero fabric, it features pockets (a must for me). I wanted it to feel powerful—something that would make the wearer feel like Wonder Woman: strong, elegant, and effortlessly chic. To enhance this, I added traditional Indian gota lace detailing along the yoke for a hint of shine and high slits along the sides.

At first, my team was amused that I insisted on including this design, but it has since become a Verandah essential—an effortlessly chic kaftan dress that complements almost any body type and height.

To think and act globally, designers need to consider multiple factors before beginning their journey. Pricing, logistics, production, quality control, supply chain efficiency, taxation, and creating a universal design language that transcends cultures and body types are all critical.

A major challenge for Indian designers is that many primarily cater to the diaspora rather than targeting a truly global audience. India has an extraordinary legacy of craftsmanship and design, capable of producing world-class products, but its fashion industry often remains niche.

Other hurdles include warehousing, handling returns, cross-border pricing, and navigating international market dynamics. To succeed globally, a brand must have a strong backend, a clear market strategy, and a deep understanding of who will appreciate its aesthetic.

I love fashion in Asia—they’re often ahead of the curve. Thailand, in particular, has long been a premium shopping destination with a thriving fashion scene. From Jatujak Market to the boutiques in Siam, I adore it! Designers like Thakoon and Disaya have made a significant mark.

I would love to explore Thailand as a market for Verandah. We might need to tailor our offerings in terms of shapes and sizing, but I find Thailand’s culture, history, and natural beauty inspiring. I’d be thrilled to create a collection inspired by my travels there.