Manish Malhotra is India’s most influential fashion designer, a couturier who transformed Bollywood costume design into a global luxury brand and, in 2026, became the fourth Indian designer to debut on the official Paris Haute Couture calendar. With a career spanning 35 years in costume design and 20 years since founding his eponymous label, Malhotra has built a fashion empire that bridges Indian craftsmanship with international luxury.
His journey from modelling gigs earning ₹2,000 to leading a brand valued at over ₹100 crore reflects a rare trajectory in fashion—one built without formal design training, driven instead by an intuitive understanding of how clothing tells stories. Today, Manish Malhotra dresses everyone from Bollywood royalty to Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian, while his atelier employs approximately 700 craftspeople and his company’s headcount stands at 1,000 employees.
From Bollywood Costumes to a Couture House
The Early Years: A Movie-Obsessed Kid
Manish Malhotra was born in Mumbai in 1966 and grew up in a Punjabi household where his fascination with clothes began early—advising his mother on her sarees and falling in love with painting. He attended Elphinstone College but found academics unengaging. His true education came from the cinema and the boutique where he worked part-time.
He began modelling in college, earning ₹2,000 from modelling jobs, and realised he could not afford a formal fashion degree. Instead, he learned on the job, observing and absorbing every detail around him.
The Breakthrough: Costume Design in the 1990s
Malhotra’s first major break came in 1990 when he created costumes for Juhi Chawla, one of India’s leading actresses at the time. For the next decade, he moved from one film to the next, dressing actor after actor. His work on the 1995 blockbuster Rangeela earned him widespread acclaim for using wardrobe to flesh out character.
He went on to design costumes for some of Bollywood’s most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2001), and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). Perhaps his most memorable contribution was Kareena Kapoor’s character Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)—a look that became an extension of the character and a cultural reference point.
“I learned about storytelling through clothes, about bringing out personalities, and about balancing creativity with practicality.”
The Birth of the Manish Malhotra Brand
Although Malhotra staged his first fashion show in 1999 in collaboration with a Mumbai boutique, it would be another six years before the Manish Malhotra brand was formally born. In 2005, he founded the House of Manish Malhotra, transitioning his creative vision from film into the broader luxury fashion market.
The label began with couture and bridal wear, including sarees, lehengas, and anarkalis, before expanding into ready-to-wear. The brand is recognised for its integration of Indian heritage with modern design sensibilities, distributing collections through flagship stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Dubai.
The Manish Malhotra Brand Today: A Multifaceted Empire
What began as a couture atelier has evolved into a brand universe. Malhotra has moved from ready-to-wear into couture, expanded from high jewellery into fine jewellery, and extended his reach through accessories and a film production arm.
Key Business Milestones
| Milestone | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First fashion show | 1999 | Staged with a Mumbai boutique |
| Label founded | 2005 | House of Manish Malhotra established |
| Reliance Brands investment | 2021 | 40% stake acquired; brand grew 33% YoY for three years |
| Dubai flagship store | 2023 | First retail step outside India |
| Paris Couture Week debut | 2026 | Collection “Maa” presented on official calendar |
Following the 2021 acquisition of a 40 percent stake by Reliance Brands Limited, Malhotra retains a 60 percent stake and serves as chairman and head designer. The company’s retail footprint has grown to six doors, including a 15,000-square-foot address in Delhi, a similarly sized one in Hyderabad, and a store at Dubai Mall.
Malhotra has publicly stated his ambition: “I want my business to be at ₹1,000 crore; I would say we are not very far from it”.
High Jewellery and Accessories
Manish Malhotra High Jewellery launched three years ago, with his niece Riddhi Malhotra supporting the venture. The Hathphool—a traditional Indian hand ornament reimagined for contemporary wear—has become one of the line’s most popular pieces, worn by Alia Bhatt and Rihanna alike.
His connection with jewellery dates back to his earliest days as a costume designer in 1990, when he began paying close attention to accessories as part of an actor’s overall appearance. “I genuinely feel that jewellery completes a look,” he said. “It’s one of the most important aspects”.
INAYA: Reimagining Heritage Through a Modern Lens
In September 2025, Manish Malhotra unveiled INAYA, a couture collection presented at the Taj Palace in New Delhi with supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio as the muse of the evening. The collection was born from the intimacy of Malhotra’s home and the first sketches made during quiet evenings.
INAYA redefines after-dark dressing for the modern woman through sculptural silhouettes illuminated by design. Its standout element is the high jewellery line, which reconsiders jewellery as part of the garment’s story rather than mere adornment.
Notable pieces include:
- Cascading necklaces featuring over 30 carats of tanzanites, diamonds, and pearls
- Wings of Life brooch with over 7 carats of vivid pink sapphires
- Whispering Blooms earcuff set with over 1,400 diamonds and rubellites
- Menswear line featuring tourmalines, rubies, uncut diamonds, and 18k gold
The brooch emerges as the shared language between menswear and womenswear—a versatile accessory that can anchor a bridal dupatta, embellish a sari pallu, or sit on the lapel of a bandhgala.
The World Collection and Dubai Fashion Week
In 2025, Manish Malhotra closed Dubai Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2025–26 with his World Collection, a showcase that marked a significant expansion beyond the bridal couture he was best known for. The collection was met with acclaim and signalled his ambition to position Indian craftsmanship on a global stage.
The designer himself described the collection as a dialogue between Indian sensibility and global fashion—rooted in heritage yet shaped for international audiences. This approach would become the throughline of his work throughout 2025 and into 2026.
Global Recognition: MET Gala, Golden Globes, and Beyond
2025: A Year of Firsts
For Manish Malhotra, 2025 was a year of many firsts. He completed 20 years of his label and 35 years of his journey as a costume designer in films, while also turning producer with the inception of Stage5 Production, a film production arm championing new artistic voices in cinema.
His first feature film under Stage5, Gustaakh Ishq, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, released in cinemas worldwide.
MET Gala and Golden Globes Debuts
Malhotra made his MET Gala debut in May 2025 in a sculptural velvet sherwani-cape layered with a sharply tailored blazer. He also created standout looks for Natasha Poonawalla and American singer-songwriter and actor Coco Jones. The brooches he wore were not merely embellishments but medallions honouring craftsmanship.
His Golden Globes debut followed, with Malhotra opting for black with abstract white patterning on a shawl-lapel blazer.
Dressing Global Icons
Manish Malhotra’s designs have stepped far beyond the silver screen. Global names including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter have worn his creations. For Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour in 2025, he designed striking Western-inflected silhouettes.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore a handwoven Kadwa ivory Banarasi handloom saree by Malhotra at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, while Rihanna sported ruby buttons from Manish Malhotra High Jewellery at the MET Gala.
Paris Haute Couture Week: The “Maa” Collection
On July 8, 2026, Manish Malhotra made his official debut at Paris Haute Couture Week, presenting his Fall/Winter 2026 collection titled “Maa”. The collection was built as a tribute to motherhood and served as a meeting point of craftsmanship, sentiment, and the depth of Indian textile heritage.
The front row underscored the significance of the moment: Anna Wintour, fashion’s most recognisable gatekeeper, sat alongside Isha Ambani, who wore a Manish Malhotra handmade gold couture gown. Malhotra became the fourth Indian designer after Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta, and Vaishali S to join the official Paris calendar.
The collection leaned heavily on traditional Indian techniques—zardozi, hand embroidery, and fine threadwork—worked into rich fabrics. The palette moved between deep jewel tones, soft pastels, and metallic accents, each meant to capture a different dimension of motherhood.
In an Instagram post, Malhotra wrote that the colours defining his 1970s childhood were, quite simply, the colours of his mother’s saris. “When I chose an unconventional path in the 80s, my mother never asked me to be certain. She simply believed in me. Sometimes, love is the greatest permission to dream,” he wrote.
Janhvi Kapoor, who could not attend, shared her admiration: “Today, my godfather, my mentor, my guiding light, my safe space, and my most honest confidant, Manish Malhotra, makes his debut at Paris Couture Week”.
Manish Malhotra’s Design Philosophy and Craftsmanship
Storytelling Through Clothes
Malhotra’s approach to design is rooted in narrative. “I learned about storytelling through clothes, about bringing out personalities, and about balancing creativity with practicality,” he has said. This philosophy was forged in Bollywood, where costumes had to serve character, movement, and emotion—not just aesthetics.
When he started as a costume designer in 1990, the idea of a designer sketching an entire look—from hair to makeup to styling—was unheard of. His early years were defined by 18–20-hour workdays and relentless execution.
Bridal Wear: Individuality Over Templates
Malhotra has observed a significant shift in bridal preferences. “Today’s brides are very different from those of even ten years ago,” he notes. “Earlier, there was a very set template of what a bride should look like… But now, individuality is the key”.
He describes the modern bride as someone who wants authenticity—an outfit that reflects her personality while honouring tradition. “It’s not about replacing heritage, it’s about interpreting it in a way that feels modern and personal”. This insight has driven innovations like string dupattas, which have emerged as a significant bridal trend for 2025–2026.
The Couture Process
Manish Malhotra’s couture process reflects the brand’s commitment to personalisation. Clients begin with an initial consultation at flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad—or online—where they meet a Client Relations specialist. Measurements, design development, and final delivery follow in a structured sequence.
The atelier’s 700 craftspeople are central to this process, ensuring that traditional techniques like zardozi and hand embroidery are executed to the highest standard.
Collaborations and Brand Extensions
Manish Malhotra has demonstrated a willingness to extend his brand into unexpected territories.
Golden Goose Sneaker Collaboration (2025): The Italian luxury sneaker brand partnered with Malhotra on two limited-edition sneakers combining Italian precision with his trademark glamour. The collaboration was designed with Indian celebrations in mind, offering a luxurious alternative to traditional wedding footwear.
Samsonite Luggage Collection (2025): A limited-edition collection of premium luggage and travel accessories, revealed in April 2025, combining Samsonite’s technical precision with Malhotra’s artistic finesse.
NFT Pioneer: In 2021, Malhotra became India’s first NFT designer, collaborating with Lakme Fashion Week, FDCI, and WazirX NFT Marketplace—a move that demonstrated his willingness to embrace new platforms and audiences.
Manish Malhotra’s Global Expansion: Qatar and Beyond
In September 2026, Manish Malhotra told Gulf Times that he is looking to deepen his presence in Qatar, saying the country’s appreciation for art, craft, and luxury could open the door to more Indian fashion and jewellery collaborations.
“I think there’s a lot of taste in Qatar and there’s a lot of love for arts and craft. And I’d like to be a lot more involved in getting Indian craft to Qatar,” he said, speaking on the sidelines of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2026.
Malhotra showcased his High Jewellery collection at DJWE, where the Hathphool attracted significant attention. “It’s been really very, very popular,” he noted, adding that Alia Bhatt wore the piece during his show and Rihanna has worn it on several occasions.
The designer’s global ambitions are clear. “I always feel it’s not just about launching a collection or about the business, although that is important. For me, it’s also about meeting new people, new tastes, new requirements… everything is so new and it pushes you to think anew and adapt”.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manish Malhotra |
| Born | 1966, Mumbai, India |
| Career Started | 1990 (costume design) |
| Label Founded | 2005 (House of Manish Malhotra) |
| Costume Design Career | 35+ years |
| Label Anniversary | 20 years (2025) |
| Paris Couture Debut | July 8, 2026 (Collection “Maa”) |
| Retail Footprint | 6 stores (Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Dubai) |
| Atelier Craftspeople | ~700 |
| Company Headcount | ~1,000 employees |
| Reliance Brands Stake | 40% (acquired 2021) |
| Notable Films | Rangeela, DDLJ, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham |
| Global Clients | Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell |
Expert Insights: Why Manish Malhotra Matters
Manish Malhotra’s significance in the fashion world extends beyond his designs. He represents a bridge between two worlds that rarely intersect—the spectacle of Bollywood and the rigour of haute couture. His ability to navigate both has made him a singular figure in global fashion.
Cultural Translation: Malhotra’s genius lies in his ability to translate Indian craft traditions for global audiences without diluting their authenticity. His Paris debut with “Maa” demonstrated that Indian embroidery techniques—zardozi, hand embroidery, fine threadwork—can stand alongside French couture’s most prestigious traditions.
Commercial Acumen: The 33 percent year-over-year growth following Reliance Brands’ investment speaks to his business discipline. Malhotra has built a brand universe rather than a single label, moving from ready-to-wear into couture, high jewellery into fine jewellery, and extending into accessories and film production.
Mentorship and Legacy: Through Stage5 Production and his continued support of emerging talent, Malhotra is investing in the next generation of Indian creative voices. His goddaughter Janhvi Kapoor’s tribute—”my godfather, my mentor, my guiding light”—reflects the personal relationships that underpin his professional network.
The Road Ahead: With ambitions to reach ₹1,000 crore in revenue and plans for deeper international expansion, Manish Malhotra is not resting on his laurels. “Every year is a challenge, because you’re looking to make your work younger, newer and do something different,” he says.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Manish Malhotra?
Manish Malhotra is an Indian fashion designer, couturier, costume stylist, and entrepreneur. He began his career as a costume designer in Bollywood in 1990 and founded his eponymous fashion label in 2005. He is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential fashion figures.
When did Manish Malhotra start his career?
Manish Malhotra began his career in 1990, creating costumes for actress Juhi Chawla. He spent the next decade working across Bollywood films before launching his fashion label in 2005.
What is Manish Malhotra famous for?
Manish Malhotra is famous for his Bollywood costume designs—particularly Kareena Kapoor’s character Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham—as well as his bridal couture, high jewellery, and his 2026 debut at Paris Haute Couture Week with the collection “Maa.”
What is the “Maa” collection?
“Maa” is the name of Manish Malhotra’s Fall/Winter 2026 couture collection, presented at his official debut at Paris Haute Couture Week on July 8, 2026. The collection was a tribute to motherhood and drew on Indian textile heritage, zardozi embroidery, and his mother’s saris for inspiration.
How many stores does Manish Malhotra have?
Manish Malhotra operates six retail stores across four cities: three in Mumbai, one in Delhi, one in Hyderabad, and one at Dubai Mall in the UAE.
What is Manish Malhotra’s net worth or business value?
Manish Malhotra’s business has been reported as a ₹100 crore empire. The designer has stated his ambition to reach ₹1,000 crore in revenue, saying “we are not very far from it”.
Conclusion
Manish Malhotra has redefined what an Indian fashion designer can be—not just a couturier, but a brand builder, a cultural ambassador, and a storyteller through clothes. From his first costume design for Juhi Chawla in 1990 to his Paris Haute Couture Week debut in 2026, his journey reflects a singular commitment to craft, consistency, and the belief that Indian heritage deserves a place on the world’s most prestigious platforms.
For aspiring designers and fashion entrepreneurs, Malhotra’s advice is direct: “The most important thing is consistency and really believing in your vision. Don’t get carried away by what’s trending today, because trends come and go”. His own career—built without formal design training, on passion and perseverance—is the ultimate proof of that principle.
As Manish Malhotra continues to expand into new markets and new categories, his legacy is already secure: he has shown that Indian couture can be both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly global in ambition.
