The Man Who Glamourised Bollywood
Manish Malhotra is a monumental figure in Indian fashion, celebrated for single-handedly transforming Bollywood costume design and translating that glamour into aspirational couture. His name is synonymous with opulent, modern Indian style that has captivated a generation.
Manish Malhotra pioneered the concept of the Bollywood designer as a tastemaker, influencing not just onscreen wardrobes but national trends and bridal dreams. Malhotra’s work redefined the visual vocabulary of countless films, setting new benchmarks for storytelling through style. His signature blend of traditional crafts with contemporary cuts has firmly placed Indian couture in the global spotlight.
Beyond cinema, his creations are a staple at international galas and celebrity weddings, making him an enduring icon who bridges cultures and eras.
The Path to Couture
From Film Enthusiast to Stylist
Malhotra began his career as a model before his passion for cinema led him to costume design in the 1990s. With no formal training, his intuitive understanding of character, color, and silhouette quickly made him the industry's most sought-after stylist. Juhi Chawla
The Leap to Label
After a decade of revolutionizing film fashion, he launched his eponymous label in 2005. This move marked his official transition from a costume designer to a mainstream couturier, bringing his cinematic vision to a wider audience.
A World of Inspiration
The Magic of Bollywood
Bollywood remains his primary muse. His designs are crafted to make every wearer feel like a star, embodying the drama, romance, and larger-than-life energy of Indian cinema.
Heritage Meets Modernity
He draws inspiration from India's rich craft traditions, particularly the intricate embroidery of Kashmir and Lucknow. He reinterprets these heritage techniques with a modern, global sensibility for today's fashion landscape.
Building an Empire
The "Rangeela" Revolution
His work in the 1995 film Rangeela was a turning point, revolutionizing on-screen style and earning him the first-ever Filmfare Award for Costume Design. This set the stage for his dominance in the field.
Brand Building
From styling to a couture label, Malhotra has built a multi-faceted luxury empire. The brand's identity is built on glamour, impeccable craftsmanship, and a deep connection with its celebrity-driven clientele.
The Manish Malhotra DNA
The Philosophy of Glamour
His design philosophy centers on creating dream-like, memorable fashion. He designs for individuals who want to make a statement, celebrating grandeur, femininity, and unapologetic opulence in every creation.
Signature Design Elements
Flattering Silhouettes
Malhotra is a master of silhouettes that enhance the female form. Think flowing lehengas, sensuous saris with modern blouses, and impeccably tailored gowns that blend Indian and Western aesthetics.
Luxurious Textiles
He is known for his use of rich, fluid fabrics like velvets, silks, georgettes, and tulles. His signature is often a play on sheer textures combined with shimmering embellishments.
The Sparkle Factor
Intricate sequin work, crystal embellishments, and feather detailing are hallmarks of his designs. His "more is more" approach to sparkle creates an unmistakable sense of luxury and drama.
A Vibrant Color Story
While he masters pastels and ivories, Malhotra is famous for his bold use of jewel tones, vibrant hues, and dramatic color gradients. His color palette is always celebratory and impactful.
The World of Manish Malhotra
Bridal & Couture
The pinnacle of his brand, the bridal and couture lines are an extravagant affair. These collections feature heavily embellished lehengas, gowns, and sherwanis that define modern Indian wedding wear.
Menswear
His menswear collections offer a regal and contemporary aesthetic. Expect sharp sherwanis, bandhgalas with unique detailing, and embroidered jackets perfect for festive occasions.
Diffusion & Prêt
The brand offers more accessible ready-to-wear lines that capture the essence of his couture aesthetic, making his designs available to a broader, aspirational audience.
Manish Malhotra Beauty
Expanding beyond fashion, he launched a successful luxury beauty line. The collection features high-glamour makeup products, translating his sartorial vision into cosmetics.
Collaborations and Crossovers
Beyond the Label
Malhotra has collaborated with numerous brands, from tech giants to lifestyle products, extending his design Midas touch. He also directs fashion films and music videos, merging his cinematic and design talents.
Film's Go-To Couturier
He continues to be the first choice for major period dramas and blockbuster films. His detailed work in movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... and Kalank has created iconic and trend-setting fashion moments.
Air India Uniforms
A national touchpoint for design, Malhotra crafted Air India’s new uniforms to balance heritage with modernity. The palette, silhouettes, and detailing nod to Indian craftsmanship while meeting global aviation standards—bringing couture-level polish to an everyday icon.
The Celebrity Entourage
Bollywood's Best Friend
He is the go-to designer for nearly every major Bollywood star. His iconic creations have been worn by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Kriti Sanon, Tara Sutaria, Shraddha Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, and Sonakshi Sinha. Actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, and Siddharth Malhotra often don his menswear on and off screen.
Global Recognition
His designs are increasingly spotted on international stars and at global events. Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid have turned heads in his couture. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kylie Minogue, Sophie Turner, and global influencer Lilly Singh have embraced his creations, showcasing his ever-expanding global appeal.
Unforgettable Fashion Moments
Red Carpet Dominance
From the Filmfare Awards to international red carpets, his creations are a perennial favorite. His gowns and lehengas consistently land his celebrity muses on best-dressed lists.
Iconic On-Screen Wardrobes
He is credited with creating some of Bollywood's most memorable looks, from Kajol's saris in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Kareena Kapoor's iconic "Poo" outfits in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham....
Craft, Community, and Cause
Championing Mijwan
Malhotra has a long-standing association with the Mijwan Welfare Society, an NGO founded by Kaifi Azmi. Through this collaboration, he empowers female artisans in rural India, bringing their chikankari craft to a global stage.
Business Footprint
Flagship Destinations
His opulent flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are more than just retail spaces; they are immersive experiences that reflect the grandeur of his brand.
Digital Presence
With a strong e-commerce platform and massive social media following, the brand has a powerful digital footprint. This allows it to connect directly with a global clientele.
How to Wear Manish Malhotra
Embrace the Full Look: A Manish Malhotra outfit is a complete statement. Pair his lehengas or saris with a sleek hairstyle and statement jewelry to let the ensemble shine.
The Modern Drape: Opt for one of his pre-draped saris or concept lehengas for a modern, fuss-free take on festive dressing that is both glamorous and comfortable.
A Touch of Sparkle: Incorporate a single Manish Malhotra piece, like an embellished blouse or a sequined jacket, to add a dose of his signature glamour to any outfit.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- He started his career at 25 without any formal design education.
- He has designed costumes for over 1000 films.
- His first major styling project was for Juhi Chawla in the film Swarg (1990).
