The Strength And Majesty Of Manish Malhotra

The fact that everyone knows who Manish Malhotra is helps him wield immense influence. We’re used to seeing famous people swarmed by fans, but Manish is one of only a handful of fashion designers who have achieved his level of success. By 1996, when he won Filmfare’s first Best Costume Design award for Rangeela, he had successfully bridged the gap between the two industries of fashion and film. Some claim he was responsible for the decline and eventual demise of the fashion industry by having A-list celebrities walk in his shows.

Like the work of his contemporaries Sabyasachi and Manish Mishra, a Manish Malhotra ensemble can be identified at a glance. In the new version of Tip Tip Barsa Pani, Katrina Kaif wore a saree designed by Manish Malhotra, which even the untrained eye could tell. His forte has always been flashy, glamorous styles. It’s no surprise that Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karan Johar are among his closest friends. There’s no way he’s over 40, but he’s 55 today. He’s dabbling in a wide variety of fields, from filmmaking to design, jewelry making, cosmetics, technology, and now filmmaking.

The unconventional fashion designer was interviewed by us, and we discussed…

How do you manage to play so many roles as a designer, costume designer, and now director?

I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do, and I welcome the opportunities for new ventures and partnerships that come my way. To me, fashion is an overall effect that includes clothes, hair, and makeup. Thanks to my passion for the movies, I was able to simultaneously launch a full-fledged brand and design some unforgettable on-screen looks. In the director’s chair, I get to bring the magic of fashion, film, and fun to life, just as I always imagined it would.

You’ve had the kind of longevity in fashion and film that few people have – what do you think your secret sauce is?

Have a good time, try new things, and, above all, discover what you’re truly passionate about. You wouldn’t be merely working; rather, you’d be enjoying the ride, warts and all.

You always seem willing to try new things and be open to new ideas – is this a learned trait or have you always been like this?

To be honest, I’ve always been this way. Alteration is one of my favorite things. If I’m going to change, I want to change for the better. Experimenting with novel approaches is always beneficial. With the necessary effort and years of experience, I can switch genres while still sounding like me. Even though I work in the fashion industry, I’ve always tried to see the big picture. New approaches to research inform my creative process in the fashion industry and inform my approach to design.

Trends come and go, but what do you believe will last?

What I did in the year 2000 is considered trendy right now, and I have no idea why. Some of the most memorable runway designs of our time are reminiscent of the Y2K aesthetic, such as Kareena’s Poo looks and the combination of sneakers and lehengas. Although fashion is always changing, I’ll never be able to let go of my classics because they are there in every thread.

What is your design ethos?

My business is run on pure enthusiasm; the boundaries between work and play have vanished. When I travel for work, I usually take some time off to see the sights, learn about new cultures, admire works of art and architecture, and reconnect with friends both old and new. My creative expressions are intrinsically linked to every aspect of my life. My wearer, however, has a wonderful personality that elicits a wide range of philosophical perspectives.

What are your thoughts on people getting styled these days, whether it’s for the airport or a simple dinner?

It’s important to view clothing and accessories as a whole to achieve the most current and chic look. It’s not specific to any one look, so feel free to switch up the accents and try new silhouettes.

Which Bollywood celebrity do you believe has a good sense of style?

Everyone has their own distinct look and character, so I couldn’t possibly name anyone in particular. All of them have a charming beauty about them. However, in my mind, Rekhaji will always represent timeless beauty and elegance.

Do you think celebrities are losing their distinct sense of style because they are all styled?

My first job was as a costume stylist, where I got to put my artistic skills to use by making costumes and set pieces that were both functional and eye-catching. To help your client feel at ease with adopting a more refined look, it is crucial to first determine their current aesthetic and then incorporate your suggestions. To put it simply, we want to help them express themselves more fully. And there are a lot of young stylists who are really impressing me with their ability to reimagine and create new looks for both the screen and the real world.

Who would you like to dress, past or present?

I wish I could dress Meryl Streep, because she is the best.

Do you think celebrities are more willing to try new things these days? If so, could you give an example?

Why stop with famous people? In today’s enlightened society, everyone is eager to experiment with new ideas and practices, especially the young. The world of ideas is just a Google search or an Instagram scroll away, so they are more likely to be inventive and original. The majority of people on Earth despise following the same old pattern; instead, they prefer to explore new avenues within their own sphere of influence. Sara (Ali Khan) is fond of Kurta Suits, but she also wears modern, colorful clothing with abandon. It’s no secret that both Alia (Bhatt) and Deepika (Padukone) look amazing in sarees, but they also know how to rock a pair of pantsuits. The younger generation, including stars like Shanaya Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Suhana Khan, flaunt a sophisticated Y2K aesthetic while elegantly donning traditional Indian garments like saris, gowns, and lehengas.

How much do you agree with the statement “If you dress well, you look good, and you feel good?”

Each person has their own taste when it comes to how much they value their appearance. It’s not the clothes themselves that make a person happy; it’s their own sense of pride in their physical presentation. The right clothes would make me feel even better, but I still think it’s the person and not the clothes that make the statement.

How different is your current collection from previous ones?

Diffuse is a transitional term, a linguistic outgrowth, and a fresh start. Pricing considerations were given, making it more affordable and approachable for a younger audience. A new business diaspora is emerging as formal silhouettes join forces with youth-centric celebrations, characterized by gender-fluid editions of sweatshirts and zipper jackets. Metallic embellishments are featured heavily throughout the line’s signature geometric patterns and eccentric prints. There are trendy blazer and overcoat sets that combine elements of both street fashion and high fashion athleisure. And, to add a touch of glitz, my trademark embellishments, including sequins, sequins, metallics, feathers, fringes, tassels, and mirrors.

What are your thoughts on sustainable fashion? Is it going away?

Sustainability is one of the most important new considerations in my opinion. I consider it my responsibility as a label and a top-tier designer today to think about things like technology, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. To be worthy of the trust placed in us, as well as any other business, we must act in accordance with these principles. All of these are essential to our success, and we are working hard to incorporate them into our travels. Power and water are particularly important to us as we work with an NGO to help disadvantaged people.

The pandemic was difficult for all industries, but it had a significant impact on the fashion industry. How did you handle it?

Unfortunately, we were able to adjust to the new norms that emerged as a result of the unprecedented pandemic. The pandemic prompted us to finally launch our online shop and advice service, providing customers with an easy and secure shopping experience in today’s high-tech world. In India, we pioneered the use of a fully immersive virtual storefront. The majority of our orders are now being placed online, and our customers are happy to do so. Additionally, in response to your inquiry, I am not deterred for long by the thought of being on the receiving end of business stints. Since I’ve never been one to resist change, I welcome it with open arms.

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