Despite being the biggest name in the Indian fashion industry with world wide recognition, Manish Malhotra’s humble and modest demeanour are his biggest assets.
Manish Malhotras creativity and genius span the broad spheres of Bollywood design, styling, diffusion, bridal and couture. It is no wonder that he is regarded as a pioneer in the field of fashion. 2015 is a turning point in his career, not only does it mark 25 successful years as a costume designer but it also celebrates 10 incredibly successful years of his eponymous label Manish Malhotra.
You ave single handily revolutionised the Indian fashion Industry, how does it feel?
There is always some excitement and nervousness which accompanies anything new. Taking a first step in any field is intimidating and involves a big risk factor. I just knew that this is what I’ve always wanted to do and I had to take the plunge. It was all in or nothing for me. I was not educated in fashion at all, but I loved to draw, design and I loved the movies; so I started styling and I never looked back. I admit I sometimes feel I’ve played an imperative role in creating the costume design industry as it stands today. Starting out as a costume designer, then spearheading Sheetal designs, to opening my own label has been a dream come true to me. Success for me is measured by consistency over a period of time.
You have created the first commercially successful fashion house in the country, what did it take to build brand Manish Malhotra?
It took a lot of confidence in myself and in my team to become pioneers in this field. I took a huge commercial risk by starting multiple fashion lines and opening huge stores that needed to be commercially viable or I stood to bear huge financial losses. But my gut told me if I got it right there was no looking back, and I just went for it. I took a chance 25 years ago to become a stylist and a costume designer for the movies and that was a success, now we have crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in the fashion business and are still growing; this reassures me I am on the right path. I opened two separate stores each in Delhi and Mumbai, the one in Delhi being approx 9,000 sqft was a challenge to make successful, but I believe one has to keep pushing themselves.
You have won many accolades and been felicitated numerous times, how significance is recognition to your success.
The only recognition I need is the encouragement of my clients, the support of my friends and family, and the faith of the audience.
Your current couture line is said to be a departure from your previous collections, how so?
At AICW this year, I present Couture Soiree, an evening reminiscent of the heady 1950s era, when western fashion was revolutionised. It was a time when shows had a sense of intimacy and luxury. Presented in an intimate setting, it will be the perfect place to preview my limited edition Manish Malhotra London Label. The line will celebrate womanhood, and is designed for women who are confident, beautiful, happy to have global influences and wear their style with class.
Tell us about your new international label
It’s called Manish Malhotra London, I wanted be present internationally all year round so I decided to launch an independent label and open a store in London. My aim is to promote India’s heritage and craft on a global platform and to showcase our textiles and rich embroideries on International silhouettes.
What are your current expansion plans?
I am launching three new stores, one in London, in Dubai and a third in Delhi that will cater strictly to menswear and showcase our entire range.
You are fashion’s blue eyed boy in Bollywood, how do you juggle so much?
I used to face a lot of criticism from the fraternity for being part of the movies, but that never stopped me. I loved the challenge and the hard work. Today the entire elite of the country who they catered to also come to me for my designs. That is a compliment to me and that speaks for my work. Success comes with vision, be it for the movies or for the industry. I work with an entire spectrum of stars from Kareena Kapoor to young actors and even brides to be, they are all special to me
You have completed 25 years in the as a professional in this field. How does it feel?
My label is only 10 years old, but yes I’ve been in the costume design industry for 25 years and it feels great. Business is growing and it just proves hard work pays.
Is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan your showstopper?
Yes, Ash is walking for me, I feel she is the perfect face for the global Indian woman, not only does she represent Indian globally, but she is renowned, educated, confident and she has also done some great work.
