MANISH MALHOTRA, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

MANISH MALHOTRA’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 
​for Moral Moda during the haute couture week in Paris

In this exclusive interview, we ask Malhotra about the evolution of his style, new global brand partnerships and expansion of his brand internationally, and how Manish has contributed to promoting Indian craftsmanship and has embraced a changing culture in the industry. The ace designer gets candid about his friendships in the culture world and film fraternity and how he has maintained his integrity and remained honest to his vision, savoir-faire and the incredibly rich Indian heritage for over three decades.  

​Bollywood's biggest fashion designer, Manish Malhotra, speaks exclusively to Moralmoda Visionnaire about some of his most recent milestones in his 35-year-long career in the movie business and two decades of his label. Manish talks about designing outfits for some of the biggest stars in the world, including Jennifer Lopez, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan...

MANISH MALHOTRA sari look, first time for Jennifer Lopez on a visit in India. All images all rights reserved MANISH MALHOTRA.
​

​Seeing Jennifer Lopez wear a saree was not just about a garment-it was about representation. The saree is one of the most powerful symbols of Indian identity, and to see it embraced so beautifully on a global icon was incredible. It truly became a moment of cultural pride, where tradition met modern global glamour in a very effortless way.

​MANISH MALHOTRA

Cannes Film Festival 78th, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wearing Manish Malhotra, the undisputed icon of the Cannes red carpet, the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, made a striking return in a visual statement that honours Indian handloom-a meditation in ivory, rose gold, and silver: a handwoven Kadwa ivory Banarasi handloom saree from Manish Malhotra. 
​

​Indian craftsmanship is incredibly layered-there’s history, emotion, and human touch in every technique. When global icons wear these creations, it’s not just about fashion, it’s about showcasing the depth of our artisanship to the world. I want people to see India not as inspiration alone, but as a leader in luxury craft, storytelling, and innovation.

On the storied steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, under the gaze of the global fashion world, Manish Malhotra couture looks testify why he is widely regarded as the torchbearer of Indian couture (and the man himself also made a quiet yet resonant debut at the 2025 Met Gala).

You were in person at the Met Gala 2025 (images below), marking a new milestone moment of your career and for the Manish Malhotra brand--tell us more about this experience?

​Manish Malhotra -- Being at the Met Gala in person was truly special. It was a moment of celebration. I’ve always believed that fashion is about storytelling, and to see Indian design conversations naturally finding space on such a global platform felt exciting. It wasn’t about arrival or validation, but about being present, observing, exchanging ideas, and feeling grateful for the journey so far. It definitely feels like a new phase- one that’s calmer, more global, yet deeply rooted.

At the Met Gala 2025 we saw global icons wear your intricate creations with fascinating craft techniques and research behind them--as well as during the Cannes Film Festival. Is this part of your vision--to take Indian artistry to the world and share the passion for India’s craft traditions?

Absolutely. That has always been at the heart of my work. Indian craftsmanship is incredibly layered--there’s history, emotion, and human touch in every technique. When global icons wear these creations, it’s not just about fashion, it’s about showcasing the depth of our artisanship to the world. I want people to see India not as inspiration alone, but as a leader in luxury craft, storytelling, and innovation.

At the Met Gala 2025 we saw global icons wear your intricate creations with fascinating craft techniques and research behind them--as well as during the Cannes Film Festival. Is this part of your vision--to take Indian artistry to the world and share the passion for India’s craft traditions?

Absolutely. That has always been at the heart of my work. Indian craftsmanship is incredibly layered--there’s history, emotion, and human touch in every technique. When global icons wear these creations, it’s not just about fashion, it’s about showcasing the depth of our artisanship to the world. I want people to see India not as inspiration alone, but as a leader in luxury craft, storytelling, and innovation.
​
​What is the research process for some of the looks, and what excites you about creating such iconic looks for global stars?

Research is very intuitive for me. It begins with understanding the person—their personality, their energy, their likes and wants. Then comes history, art, architecture, textiles, and technique. I spend a lot of time with my artisans, experimenting, evolving traditional methods in a modern way. What excites me most is creating something timeless yet current—something that feels personal to the wearer but also becomes part of a larger cultural conversation.

​Seeing your creations on the international red carpets, you stated in an interview, it becomes more than just fashion; it becomes a moment of cultural pride. Is one of those moments seeing Jennifer Lopez wearing a saree for the first time in history, which literally broke the internet?

Yes, without a doubt. That moment was incredibly emotional. Seeing Jennifer Lopez wear a saree was not just about a garment--it was about representation. The saree is one of the most powerful symbols of Indian identity, and to see it embraced so beautifully on a global icon was incredible. It truly became a moment of cultural pride, where tradition met modern global glamour in a very effortless way.
​

You’ve embarked on scaling your brand further, with brand collaborations (Golden Goose), and the recent flagship boutique opening in Mumbai, which are the next areas of expansion? What’s driving that ambition?

The ambition comes from curiosity and passion rather than scale alone. I’m interested in meaningful collaborations, global retail experiences, and expanding categories like jewellery, accessories and couture-driven design. I’m focused on building authentic relationships rather than rushing growth. What drives me is the desire to tell Indian stories in contemporary ways, and to keep evolving while staying true to who we are.