Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra has become the fourth Indian creator to be officially featured in the Paris Haute Couture Week calendar, marking a significant milestone for Indian representation at the prestigious event. Joining the ranks of Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta, and Vaishali S, Malhotra’s participation highlights the growing influence of Indian craftsmanship in the global luxury fashion arena.
Malhotra, 59, whose career began designing costumes for Bollywood productions, emphasized that Indian artisans and their heritage have long contributed behind the scenes to European haute couture houses, including Chanel and Christian Dior. These brands have historically sourced intricate embroidery, textiles, and embellishments from India for their bespoke collections. Now, Indian designers are increasingly showcasing their own unique voices on the global stage. “India is so culturally rich in terms of texture and textile, architecture, jewels, embroidery,” Malhotra said, calling this moment “long overdue.”
His debut collection, titled “Maa,” served as a poignant personal tribute to his mother, who passed away three months prior to the show. The designs featured structured dresses that symbolized the relationship between a mother and son through different phases of life. “Paris doesn’t know me, and if they are going to know me, they have to know what I’m feeling,” Malhotra remarked.
Originating from a middle-class family in Mumbai, Malhotra has steadily expanded his portfolio beyond Bollywood costume design to couture, bridalwear, jewelry, and beauty products. His international ambitions are evident: in 2023, he opened his first store abroad in Dubai and has frequently dressed global celebrities such as Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez. His appearance at this year’s Met Gala attracted attention for an outfit incorporating sculptural and embroidered elements inspired by Mumbai.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Malhotra indicated that this phase represents a search for new challenges, including the possibility of establishing a Paris atelier or a store in New York. The designer’s growing prominence underscores not only the richness of India’s artisanal traditions but also the increasing integration of Indian creativity within the global high fashion industry.