On the 4th of august 2013 one of India’s leading designers, Manish Malhotra showcased his couture collection at the grand finale of PCJ Delhi Couture Week 2013. His collection was inspired by the princely states of India in the 1930s. The décor of the fashion show; a 1930s town hall with dark wooden floors, tables decorated with glass chandeliers and large white flower pieces, including white lilies and white roses. A very classic backdrop to a beautiful show, taking us back to the 1930’s.
Manish Malhotra is couture royalty and once again proved this with his new collection. Haute couture is the finest of fashion; custom made designs made from expensive and luxurious fabrics, decorated with intricate embroidery. In India these designs are best fit for special occasions like weddings. In an interview for Vogue India, actress Deepika Padukone explains that Manish Malhotra truly understands a woman’s body and is able to create perfectly fitted designs for her, just by looking at her physique. Malhotra knows what women want and he knows how to design figure flattering ensembles that emphasize a woman’s curves and best features.
For this collection Malhotra combined traditional Indian craftsmanship with classic minimalism of the west. His designs include intricate Indian motifs and influences of British culture on Indian lifestyle. His show included a few contemporary designs, long length gowns and western silhouettes influenced by Indian design. I particularly loved the daring, deep v-neck cut dresses, which were a contrast to the more modest ensembles passing by. I also loved the silver and gold threadwork, a very classic Indian touch. The antique gold embroidery really lifted the collection to a higher level. The show was a look into a Maharani’s wardrobe, regal attire borrowed from the wife of a supreme ruler. I feel Malhotra took a risk this time, by combining contemporary with traditional, but it worked out beautifully. His use of color for this collection was also a highlight of the show: deep reds, royal blue, mustard, olive, beige and ochre. The combination of these colors is interesting, greyish/green tones combined with reds, a daring decision that worked out nicely. Manish Malhotra joined forces with French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, the creator of the famous red soled heels, for his show. Louboutin arranged a collection of stunning heels to finish off the runway looks.
Manish Malhotra about his collection:
‘’While designing this collection, I could imagine a Maharani, dressed in a layered lehenga ensemble, embellished with antique gold, walking down a corridor with her entourage, to meet the Viceroy in his regalia.’’
Deepika Padukone appeared onto the ramp during the closing ‘scenes’ of the show in a deep blue Lehenga. She was a sight for sore eyes. She wore a heavily embroidered skirt combined with a mid-riff bearing top with velvet sleeves, finished off with a statement necklace in silver. I am sure Malhotra envisioned Deepika as the Maharani of his show. Also making an appearance at the end of the show was famous Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. Couture royalty and Bollywood royalty united at Delhi Couture week!
Manish Malhotra’s collection is available at his brand new New Delhi Flagship Store.
For more about Manish Malhotra visit: manishmalhotra.in
Look out for Manish Malhotra at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013, coming up next week on the 22nd of august!
