Since launching his brand twenty years ago, Manish Malhotra has remained steadfast in his fashion-forward vision. With Indian craft at its core, Malhotra designs in a way that feels deeply relevant to modernity.
From a young age, Malhotra was drawn to fashion, whether observing characters’ clothing in films or noticing what people wore around him. “Even as a child, I remember how deeply I noticed what people wore,” says Malhotra, “I had a teacher who came home to teach me. But instead of focusing on my studies, I was more interested in what she was wearing. I’d constantly tell her, ‘Your outfit doesn’t match your shoes.'” Encouraged by his mother, he was always sketching designs. In 1990, Malhotra designed costumes for the film Swarg, where he felt at ease designing costumes before taking the next step into couture.
A deep emotional connection to culture and an understanding of the future of Indian fashion continue to inspire the designer’s work. From Chikankari through the Mijwan collection to the weaves of Banaras or Kashmir, techniques are rooted in the brand’s traditions. The designer’s work has grown and evolved alongside him. In his latest collection, Inaya World, Malhotra presents a global silhouette while remaining rooted in tradition. Glamour and Indian craftsmanship shine in this collection, with a focus on the future.
Speaking of looking to the future, the brand has entered the jewelry market. Progressing from couture, jewelry instinctively spoke to the designer. Working with gemstones ranging from emeralds to tanzanite, Malhotra aims to create modern heirlooms that elevate any look. Always observing and expressing emotion, he draws inspiration from the world around him.
Looking ahead, the designer is expanding into both accessories and into a production house, Stage5 Production. “There’s a lot happening right now, and it’s a very exciting phase for me,” Malhotra expresses. “There have been many highlights in my career, but if I had to pick something that consistently stands out, it would be seeing Indian craft receive the love and respect it truly deserves—not just in India, but across the world. It’s never just about the garment; it’s about centuries of tradition, skill, and storytelling finally getting the recognition it has always deserved.”
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
