Glamouria - Manish Malhotra: Passion, Heritage and Haute Couture By Hayat Ammouri

Manish  Malhotra: Passion, Heritage and Haute Couture

Watching the Met Gala red carpet, one look stood out—a white, pearl-beaded gown radiating bridal elegance, worn by Coco Jones. Curious, I checked the designer: Manish Malhotra. Coincidentally, I was interviewing him that same week. 

More than a designer, Manish is a storyteller shaping Indian couture on the global stage. From dressing legends like Sridevi to icons like Kim and Khloé Kardashian at the opulent and much talked-about Ambani wedding, and Jennifer Lopez’s 55th lavish Bridgerton- themed birthday soirée, his work transcends time and borders. Starting as a model, he’s built an empire rooted in artistry, heritage, and passion.

In this exclusive interview, Manish shares his journey—from sketching in a store to launching his flagship in Dubai, a city he calls home. He reflects on Indian craftsmanship, the style of Middle Eastern women, and the glamour-meets-soul philosophy defining his aesthetic.

Whether reimagining traditional textiles or designing world collections, Manish’s work blends heart, history, and timeless vision.

You started a a model-  how did the shift happen?
During my college years at Elphinstone College, I stumbled into modelling almost by accident. A friend suggested I give it a try, so I did a photoshoot. At that time, I didn’t see modelling as a career path, it was more of a spontaneous venture. My passion for fashion, however, has been with me since childhood. While films sparked my interest, I was always captivated by fashion. I paid more attention to the details of what people wore than to anything else around me. I vividly remember being more focused on my teacher’s outfits, often noting mismatches, than on my studies. My mother noticed my deep-seated passion for fashion and encouraged me. These early observations and interests eventually led to my first job at a store, where I spent my time sketching designs. These initial steps paved the way for my transition into fashion designing, setting me on the path to where I am today. 

What traditions from India do you keep or incorporate into your designs?
For me, Indian tradition isn’t just something I reference. It’s the very foundation of my work. I’ve always been deeply inspired by our craftsmanship, our textiles, our embroidery techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether it’s the intricate zardozi from Lucknow, the timeless chikankari, or the opulence of Banarasi and Kashmiri weaves, these are treasures I’ve grown up admiring and continue to reinterpret in my own way. But I don’t just recreate the past. I reimagine it. I love taking something deeply rooted in heritage and giving it a modern expression. That could be in the form of a classic silhouette reworked with contemporary tailoring, or traditional embroidery paired with unexpected fabrics or cuts. At the core of every design is a respect for the karigar (craftsmanship), the hand, the soul of India. It’s that dialogue between old and new, between nostalgia and now, that truly defines my aesthetic. It’s not about preserving tradition as it was, but celebrating it as it evolves.

Your designs are very colorful. What do colors represent to you?
You know, color is really the heartbeat of my designs. Every shade has its own story, its own emotion, its own mood. India itself is so vibrant, full of festivals, celebrations, life that energy naturally comes through in the colors I use. But personally, I have a special place for classic black. I love how timeless and elegant it is. Black has this quiet power, a sophistication that lets the craftsmanship and details shine without competing.

Why Dubai? You could have showed and  opened a store anywhere. Anytime. And why Adriana Lima?
Dubai has always felt like an extension of home. I’ve been going there for over 30 years now, and there’s a certain familiarity, a warmth, a deep-rooted connection that has only grown stronger with time. So when it came to choosing where to open my first international flagship store, it wasn’t even a question. It had to be Dubai. It’s a city that celebrates glamour, innovation, and culture, all at once. To me, that’s the perfect canvas for couture. We recently celebrated the store’s first anniversary while also showcasing our World Collection: Dubai for the first time at Dubai Fashion Week. It was a special moment, bringing together creativity, culture, and the city that has been such a constant part of my journey. As for Adriana, she’s more than a supermodel, she’s confident, beautiful, and brings a certain strength to the runway. There’s an ease in the way she carries herself that made her the perfect fit for the collection and the show.

What is something common that we always  find in your designs?
There’s a certain language I try to follow in all my designs. Whether it’s sequins, the structured fluidity of silhouettes, or the balance between tradition and modernity, it’s all very intentional. Glamour is a constant, but never without depth. You’ll always find a rootedness in Indian heritage, whether it’s through intricate hand embroidery, vintage karigari techniques, or textiles that celebrate our culture. But I love giving that a contemporary twist, making it relevant, global, and new. That’s really been the signature of the brand. Couture that’s cinematic yet personal. Pieces that celebrate individuality, but always with a sense of timeless elegance. And of course, there’s always a touch of drama. Always.

Who is a celebrity you were happy that she wore your clothes? 
I think Sridevi was one of the most iconic personalities I’ve designed for. Dressing her remains a defining moment that truly set the stage for my career.

I’ve always loved designing for all my girls and friends,  from the 90s to now with Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Zayn Malik. I believe I’m among the few who’ve had the privilege of dressing multiple generations of actors. From the legends of the past to today’s stars, I’ve worked with a diverse range of talent.
It’s been an incredible journey to evolve with each era, creating designs that not only resonate across time but also remain relevant to different styles and personalities.

Do you feel you made it? You arrived to the top?
I’ve never looked at it that way. For me, it’s always been about the work. About creating, evolving, and staying inspired.

What do you think of women in the Middle East?
When I think of women in the Middle East, I see a powerful blend of tradition and transformation. They embody resilience and grace, rooted in heritage yet embracing change with confidence. Their story is one of strength expressed through art, education, fashion, and leadership. As a designer, I’m inspired by how they wear their culture with pride while embracing modernity. Whether in a beautifully crafted abaya or a bold contemporary silhouette, their style tells stories of identity and empowerment. It’s not at all just about clothing; it’s about what those clothes represent, their journey toward self-expression and influence. In fact, I was excited to see Middle Eastern women become icons of style, blending rich artisanal heritage with global trends. Their presence inspires me to create with respect and depth every day. 

Where to after Dubai?
We are continuously evolving, pushing boundaries, and exploring new frontiers. Though I can't reveal everything just yet, there's a lot on the horizon. Each project is created with deep passion and a commitment to excellence, reflecting our dedication to innovation. We'll unveil more when the moment is right.  

For A Moment with Manish  Malhotra- Glamouria's Über Glam guest, Click Here.

For more on Manish  Malhotra and to view all collections, click here.