Craft, Culture & Couture

When it comes to fashion, there's no finer balancing act than the one Manish Malhotra demonstrates, and while he's at it, he's lending India the global powerhouse status that it has long deserved

- MEHERNAAZ DHONDY

It's possible that Manish Malhotra packs in 25 hours and more into his day. It's the only way to explain how he's staging solo couture shows, launching eponymous verticals in the high jewellery and make-up and skincare space, designing costumes for the biggest studios releases in Bollywood like Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and stage theatricals like The Great Indian Musical at NMACC and dressing brides and bridal parties at exotic destination weddings around the world - all of this and more while he's planning on consolidating his global footprint with a scheduled store opening at the City of Gold's hallowed Dubai Mall this season.

"Taking the brand to the world has been a journey filled with highs and occasional hurdles. At its core was the balancing act of showcasing our Indian soul while weaving stories for a global audience," says Malhotra, explaining that his brand's collaborations with international stars, stylists, magazines, and other brands were instrumental in the process.