Manish Malhotra is definitely a man blessed with a strong sense of creativity.
The internationally acclaimed designer has designed for both Bollywood and Hollywood divas as well as the crème de la crème of society. He has designed for the likes of Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Kylie Minogue, Demi Moore, Kate Witherspoon and the late Michael Jackson. The list is long. He recently participated in the Dubai Fashion Week and the South African Fashion Week.
Early in February, Malhotra was in Muscat for a fundraiser show for local charity Darr Al Atta’a and the Oman Cancer Institute. A fashion show held on the lawns of Intercontinental Muscat by him helped to raise funds, and morales too.
Malhotra’s contemporary creations ooze opulence, exquisite detailing, a strong color scheme and originality. His bridal wear comprises amazing pieces of haute couture.
He is the preferred choice of all A-listers in Bollywood. Moreover, he has also designed the team gear for Shahrukh Khan’s IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. He has explored the myriad vastness a designer can only envision; perhaps not many do.
There is more to him than just this. In the past year, Malhotra took up the cause of regional handicrafts and workmanship from rural India and has been effectively promoting it. He also did a fashion show as part of the Save the Girl Child campaign. The designer is also associated with veteran actress Shabana Azmi’s Mijwan Welfare Society, which has adopted 45 girls workers.
An exclusive interview with this ace designer reveals more:
What are your ‘classic’ fashion moments?
Talking of classic fashion moments my “Lehenga Anarkali” moment when Jacqueline Fernandes wore it for IIFA 2008 and then Katrina Kaif wore it for one of the events; it has been one of the most appreciated silhouettes in the recent Indian fashion journal. Then there is my signature Kashmiri work which is now synonymous with my style and my long association with Chikankari from Mijwan.
You had once tweeted about coming to Riyadh for a royal wedding. How was that experience?
Yes I had come to Riyadh for a royal’s wedding. It was fabulous. It was a different and one of a kind experience all together. We had designed the wedding outfits for the princesses of Riyadh.
Which are your favorite heritage crafts that you have incorporated in your collections?
Undoubtedly it is the Kashmiri work. Not just for its artisanal value and intricacy but also for the fact that I can relate the most to it. Kashmiri embroidery reflects my style of designing. It’s clean, intricate and has a soul to it. I came across this wonderful craft while shooting for the movie Rockstar, where we were styling Nargis Fakhri in traditional Kashmiri clothes, we went down to all the markets in Kashmir to make styling look very authentic and true to its character and that’s when I fell in love with this art form. Since then it has been synonymous with my style of work.
You are the Avant-garde of the fashion industry today. How do you summarize your journey this far?
I am very thankful and grateful to have reached where I am. I think the fact that it’s been 24 years of styling and costume designing and nine years to my label it feels amazing. So many people continue to have faith in me and my designs, defines my journey today.
Your upcoming collections and movies to look forward to?
We have just launched our Luxe Collection 2014 and we have be done a show in Muscat and we are kick starting the Lakme Fashion Week with an opening show like the last time. In terms of movies, there is Happy New Year where we have styled Deepika Padukone and Detective Byomkesh Bakshi by Dibakar Banerjee.
What do you think about Middle East fashion sensibilities?
Middle East fashion cleverly blends the influence of the West and the East. To me what intrigues the most about Middle East fashion is the mix of culture, mystique and the subtle touch of modernism.
What aspects do you keep in mind before envisioning a look?
I always focus mainly on the character and the person I am designing for whether a movie or an event.
Who are the Manish Malhotra brides and grooms?
I think brides and bridegrooms come to a Manish Malhotra store because of its individuality and the fact that they can relate the most to it. I have fortunately always met brides and grooms who believe in my creative instincts. They are here because they want a particular look/design and craftsmanship that will not be found anywhere else but at the Manish Malhotra store.
What should any female keep in mind before choosing a color and style?
One must keep in mind the occasion and their body type before they plan their look for the occasion. Follow your instinct and be confident about whatever you choose as it is you who will present it further.
What fashion advice would you like to give to our readers?
My only advice to the readers is to “Be yourself and accept who you are.” Never follow a trend just for the heck of it. Build a wardrobe that reflects your style, your dreams and your lifestyle.
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