In a world obsessed with fleeting trends and viral moments, Pia Mehta continues to stand as one of fashion’s most quietly influential forces. Known for her impeccable front-row presence, bold personal style, and effortlessly curated wardrobe, Mehta has become a go-to reference for those looking to balance modern elegance with individuality.
In this exclusive Q&A, Mehta opens up about the future of fashion, her favourite designers, how motherhood has sharpened her style lens, and why social media is rewriting the fashion playbook for women everywhere.
Pia Mehta in Ferragamo/Warrior Network Agency
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: As someone who consistently sits front row at major fashion weeks, where do you see the future of fashion heading in the next five years — in terms of trends, sustainability, or cultural influence?
Pia Mehta: I see the future of fashion as increasingly shaped by cultural exchange and diversity, with Western designers drawing inspiration from traditional garments and techniques from around the world.
Many Western designers are now looking to the East for inspiration. Gucci recently made waves at Cannes by dressing Bollywood star Alia Bhatt in a sari. Vivienne Westwood showcased an entire collection in Mumbai using traditional textiles like chanderi.
Likewise, Eastern designers are earning global attention — Sabyasachi’s gowns and high jewelry are breathtaking, while Gaurav Gupta and Rahul Mishra’s Haute Couture collections in Paris have wowed both buyers and collectors.
In the next five years, I believe we’ll see even more designers draw from a global palette, blending styles, colors, fabrics, and silhouettes into fresh, innovative statements.
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Who are your top three favourite designers right now, and what is it about their work that resonates with you personally and stylistically?
Schiaparelli is having a major moment right now, especially under Daniel Roseberry. I don’t see it as just fashion — it’s wearable art. The avant-garde flamboyance isn’t for the faint-hearted, and I love that when I wear Schiaparelli, I’m not blending in with current trends.
Thom Browne is also firmly on my radar. His chic, preppy aesthetic paired with impeccable tailoring makes him the king of celebrity dressing in 2025. You simply cannot go wrong with his structure and silhouettes.
Miu Miu has mastered the art of creating viral pieces. Their aesthetic is youthful and nostalgic — ballet flats, ultra-mini skirts, cowboy hats — but it transcends generations. It speaks to both Gen Z and women in their 40s like me. Miu Miu cuts through the noise of trends with pieces that feel timelessly fun.
Your style often balances elegance with personality — do you lean into colour when curating your closet, or do you gravitate more toward neutrals and classics?
My closet is a balance of functionality and drama. I start with neutrals and classics — tailored blazers, shift dresses, fitted trousers — as a strong foundation. Then I bring in dimension with color, texture, or structural silhouettes.
A bold printed coat from Grover Rad or a vibrant, structured piece from Schiaparelli can instantly elevate a look without overwhelming it. For me, fashion is art — and I choose to experiment rather than follow rigid rules.
Pia Mehta in Schiaparelli/Warrior Network Agency
How has being a mom influenced the way you approach fashion — whether it’s daily styling or choosing what to wear for major events?
Motherhood has completely reshaped my fashion choices — not by limiting them, but by refining them. I’ve become more strategic, balancing elegance with functionality.
My daily uniform often starts with jeans from Khaite or Toteme paired with a simple Eterne white tee and Miu Miu sneakers. Add a chic trench or a blazer with Chanel heels, and I’m polished for casual meetings after school drop-off.
For events, I gravitate toward pieces with structure and storytelling — think a Schiaparelli gown or a timeless Oscar de la Renta moment. Motherhood has made my fashion not just about looking good, but about expressing identity, legacy, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Social media has become a powerful platform in shaping style narratives. How has it changed or enhanced your perspective on female fashion and personal expression?
Social media has democratised fashion and amplified diverse voices in ways we’ve never seen before. Style inspiration is no longer reserved for magazines or the rich and famous — anyone can share their perspective.
We’re seeing a much broader representation of body types, ethnicities, ages, and personal aesthetics. As a woman of color, a mom, and a woman in my 40s, this visibility has made a huge difference for women like me who can now see themselves reflected in fashion.
There’s also a growing appreciation for authenticity. Curated feeds are giving way to real, unfiltered content — and that’s empowering. Women are using fashion to tell their stories, reflect their values, and embrace who they are at every stage of life. And I’m absolutely here for it
Pia Mehta in Schiaparelli/Warrior Network Agency
Pia Mehta continues to be one of the most captivating voices in fashion — blending culture, art, and personal identity into every choice. As the fashion world evolves, her perspective is exactly what makes this new era so exciting.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
