Who is Manish Malhotra?
Manish Malhotra is an Indian fashion designer. His career in fashion started in modeling, but soon spanned into costume design, couture, and even makeup.
His work in costume design for mega-hit Bollywood films like Rangeela, Mohabbatein, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (To name only a few!) earned him international prestige. And coveted awards from the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), Filmfare, Zee Cine and Bollywood Movie Awards.
After 15 years as the top costume designer in Bollywood, Malhotra decided it was time for something new. By this point, he had iconic movie wardrobes as his credentials and the right connections to start his own brand. He spent some years strengthening his business fashion sense by running a boutique then working for a clothing design studio.
Finally in 2015, he was fully prepared to start his eponymous label – Manish Malhotra.
Given his history and connections in Bollywood, it’s no surprise Manish Malhotra was an instant success. His designs determined the trends of the season. And everyone wanted in!
His designs were glamorous, luxurious and covetable. Even more so because of how they were presented to the public. See, Malhotra was the first Indian designer to have movie stars model his designs first.
Rather than having models walk his runways, he would choose a ”muse” for the show who would often be a Bollywood star. Past muses include Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Urmila Matondkar.
People seeing glamorous celebrities wear Manish Malhotra instantly gave the brand credibility and prestige. While this strategy is now expected in the Indian fashion industry, it was Manish Malhotra who first implemented it.
What is Manish Malhotra Known For?
Manish Malhotra is known for luxury fashion. Although the designer cannot so easily be contained in one category. His career in fashion officially started with Bollywood costume design and now spans into luxury ready-to-wear, couture, bridal gowns, makeup, home goods and even NFT’s.
His brand continues to expand rapidly, but his past achievements are not easily forgotten. I would argue his current luxury clothing and his previous work in Bollywood costume design hold the same weight in his notoriety. His current fashions are internationally lauded while his reputation in Bollywood is forever remembered. I mean the outfits he created for iconic Bollywood films are still imitated to this day!
In fact, I first recognized Malhotra’s name in the credits for a classic Indian film – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham aka K3G. I recently re-watched the film (I’ve seen it upwards of 5 times now) and noticed his name which sparked my curiosity.
See, K3G is an iconic movie for many reasons: its superstar cast, its timeless soundtrack, its quotable lines. And all these elements are woven together by the thread of great design. Each character’s wardrobe communicates who they are and what they value. Not to mention the costumes during the film’s songs are simply enchanting.
Image courtesy of 80vity.com
Upon further research, I discovered Manish Malhotra’s longstanding reputation in fantastic costume design. I didn’t realize until then he was the mind behind many iconic Bollywood films. Some of my favorites being Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Veer-Zaara, and Bewafaa.
His work in Bollywood is what built his reputation, but his current work is what solidified his standing as the top voice in Indian luxury fashion. Malhotra references his royal blue lehenga on Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif’s high slit anarkali as particular trendsetters in Indian fashion.
Our Favorite Manish Malhotra Looks in Bollywood
