Manish Malhotra on his expansion into jewellery and films, his latest collection, and more

Be it on celluloid, in their larger-than-life films or off camera, A-listers have looked like a million bucks thanks to the stunning outfits designed by Manish Malhotra, who is today a name synonymous with fashion in the country. With fashion and its trends changing every season, let alone every year, the designer continues to stay ahead of the game with collections that never fail to impress. The most recent example is his latest, the Bridal Couture Collection which strikes the perfect balance between the conventional and the contemporary. 

In an exclusive interview with Bazaar India, Malhotra speaks about being part of the industry for three decades, his latest collection, his production house and much more. 

Harper’s Bazaar: You have been in the fashion industry for over three decades. How do you continue to stay ahead of the curve?

Manish Malhotra: Staying ahead in a dynamic fashion industry is undoubtedly a challenge, but it’s also what keeps me motivated. I am committed to innovating with new designs and techniques, ensuring my designs resonate with diverse audiences worldwide, not just in India.

HB: Tell us a little more about your latest collection.

MM: The Bridal Couture Collection is a reflection of my enduring appreciation for timeless hues, seamlessly merging with classic tones. Drawing inspiration from nature, the collection incorporates elements and textures to create pieces that exude comfort and serenity. The silhouettes are a harmonious blend of conventional and contemporary, featuring elaborate trails, head veils, and statement blouses adorned with hand-embroidered techniques like zardozi, aari, Kashmiri, thread-work, and taban.

HB: You entered the beauty category in 2018 and high jewellery just a few months back, what prompted you to enter these markets?

MM: Diversifying into the beauty category and entering the high jewellery market were a natural progression for me. I believe that jewellery is an essential element that completes and transforms an ensemble, offering a holistic luxury experience. Recognising the central role of jewellery in Indian weddings, I ventured into this category to create an integrated statement for a “Manish Malhotra Bride”, viewing jewellery as a reflection of individuality, love, tradition, and heritage.

HB: Since new categories are an extension of your brand, how do you ensure that they are uniquely Manish Malhotra?

MM: I believe achieving this has been possible by maintaining a strong philosophy that reflects the brand’s identity and resonates with the target audience. It is a delicate balance of innovation, a profound understanding of evolving trends, and an unwavering commitment to uphold our distinctive touch across different categories while capturing the timeless elegance synonymous with the Manish Malhotra brand.

HB: You recently also launched your production house. How did that come about? What all is on the cards for it?

MM: After three decades in the movies, the launch of STAGE5 Production is an exciting venture for me. It stems from a desire to nurture diverse artistic voices, collaborating with talented directors, writers, and artists who bring a unique vision to the table. Collaborating with Jio Studios, we have three films in the pipeline. With the successful completion of the first production—Train from Chhapraula— we are gearing up for Bun Tikki starring Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, and Abhay Deol.