If you see the name ‘Manish Malhotra’ appear in the credit list of a Bollywood film, you know you are in for a fashion treat! Malhotra has designed costumes for many leading actresses in Indian cinema and his designs are present in at least 100 films. We are only one day away before Manish Malhotra’s new designs hit the runway at the Wills lifestyle India Fashion Week. Tomorrow he will present his autumn/winter 2013 collection to the world. One week after this event Malhotra will show us his summer/resort 2013 collection at Lakmé Fashion Week on the 22nd of March. Malhotra’s WIFW collection shown tomorrow is called ‘Threads of Emotion’, it celebrates the ‘Phulkari’ embroidery technique from the Punjab region in India. If you are curious about his 2013 collections keep your eye on: willslifestyleindiafashionweek.com and lakmefashionweek.co.in.
Other designers to watch during both fashion weeks are: Shivan & Narresh (WIFW and LFW), Manish Arora (WIFW) and the must watch show from Naeem Khan at Lakmé Fashion Week on the 23th of March. A little online birdy told me this is Khan’s first show in India and he might be showing some saris with a modern twist.
A good week of top Indian fashion entertainment ahead of us, a true feast for our eyes!
Before Manish Malhotra’s new designs hit the runway I would like to share some of his Bollywood costume designs with you. In an old television interview Malhotra revealed he is very fond of soft pastel colors. His love for soft pastels, like yellow, pink, purple and peach can be seen in designs for films like Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khusi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002). Lately his designs for Bollywood are a lot more daring and fierce, he combines traditional elements with modern shapes. He often uses bright and neon colors.
I have created a top 5 of costume designs done by Manish to discuss some of his work for film:
1. Kajol in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
A bright yellow number worn by actress Kajol during the song ‘Yeh ladka hai Allah’ in K3G. She dances with actor Sharukh Khan at the wedding of a relative.
2. Kareena Kapoor in Heroine (2012)
A sexy hot pink/black sari worn by Kareena Kapoor during the song ‘Halkat jawani’, an item number with a lot of dance and glamour.
3. Preity Zinta in Veer-Zaara (2004)
A feast of color worn by Preity Zinta during the song ‘Lodi’, a more traditional outfit.
4. Deepika Padukone in Om Shanti Om (2007)
A hot pink ensemble based on outfits worn by Bollywood starlets in the 70s. This outfit is worn by Deepika Padukone during the song ‘Aankhon mein teri’
5. Madhuri Dixit in Aaja Nachle (2007)
A show stopping black/blue dress worn by Madhuri Dixit in her big comeback item song ‘Aaja Nachle’
Where to buy: If you aren’t living in or near India or Dubai or Doha it is hard to get your hands on a Manish Malhotra design from one of the shops or flagship stores. Online you can visit perniaspopupshop.com for Malhotra gowns or clothing from other famous or talented Indian designers. In the UK, London you can visit Aashni & Co. (aashniandco.com), they also sell beautiful clothes from designers like Sabyasachi, Rohit Bal and Gaurav Gupta.
Share your favorite Manish Malhotra Bollywood design with us in the comment section or via @FashionOriental on Twitter!
For images from Manish Malhotra and other designers please browse our Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/fashionoriental