Farewell dear Phyllis

In the 70’s, Anjali Mendes, a tall, dark, Indian beauty made it big by walking the ramp for one of the biggest fashion designers Pierre Cardin and became his muse for 12 years. She passed away on Friday. 

DNA spoke to designers and her contemporaries on how much she will be missed by the fashion world...

James Ferreira, fashion designer: Anjali brought designer Pierre Cardin to India. She lived in Paris but whoever knew her is going to miss her presence.

Shobhaa De, author: Phyllis (Anjali) was one of my oldest and dearest friends, who will be greatly missed not just by me but by my entire family. She was India’s first supermodel in Paris — applauded for her unique beauty and statuesque grace. Despite her many years in France, she remained proudly Indian, serving superb Goan cuisine at her soirees at which she entertained  British Lords,  European aristocrats and visiting Indian celebs.

Wendell Rodricks, fashion designer: Anjali Phyllis Mendes was an icon and role model (quite literally). At a time when no Indian girl dared to dream of Paris, this simple Goan girl from Santacruz went to the capital of couture with her dusky skin, too-skinny-for-India frame and the best long legs.