The COVID-19 pandemic changed a great deal in our lives, from the way we shopped to the way we worked. For Manish Malhotra, it brought about a change in his creative process. The esteemed fashion designer is Bollywood's favourite hands down, with everyone from Kiara Advani to Janhvi Kapoor wearing his creations. In these times, Manish also added another feather to his cap as Seagram's Blenders Pride associated with him to design a limited-edition pack. Of course it echoes of rich taste and unmatched craftsmanship like the man himself. NDTV Swirlster spoke to Manish Malhotra on his latest collaboration, his creative process and celebrity style.
NDTV Swirlster: How has the pandemic changed your creative process?
Manish Malhotra: I have always believed that change is the only constant. I, for one, love the new digital trend in the industry. Fashion shows moved online post the pandemic. Today, everything is instant. A digital live fashion show is viewed by millions sitting anywhere in the world. The reactions are immediate through comments and likes. How fabulous is that! With my previous collection 'Ruhaaniyat', I launched my fashion films during the couture fashion week and then a new one again at the Lakme fashion week last year. I designed the clothes and conceptualised and directed the fashion film myself. It was a whole new experience for me. I enjoyed the process so much that I decided to do it again this time with my latest collection 'Nooraniyat' and I intend to do so with my future collections as well.
NDTV Swirlster: How has celebrity style changed over the course of the pandemic?
Manish Malhotra: There has been an increase in loungewear and a lot of co-ord sets that I see. Minimalism is the route most are taking.
(Also Read: Ethereal Is The Word For Stunning Sara Ali Khan In A Statement Lehenga)
NDTV Swirlster: Tell us about your collaboration with Blenders Pride?
Manish Malhotra: I have had a long-standing association with Blenders Pride, and it gives me great pleasure to announce this collaboration. The brand takes immense pride in their product quality and heritage and continue to celebrate the pride in craft through this collaboration. The limited-edition pack is a sophisticated and glamourous statement that combines exquisite taste and design, bringing together the precision and the bold, rich character of Blenders Pride on the same canvas.
NDTV Swirlster: What's an ethnic fashion garment that doesn't fade from grace?
Manish Malhotra: The saree! The saree is always and will always remain a timeless garment for me and I think it is just so versatile for every woman. It never gets old.
NDTV Swirlster: Tell us a little bit about the limited-edition pack that you designed.
Manish Malhotra: The pack reverberates with a contemporary design that represents glamourous curations, something that has been synonyms with my personal style for a long time. Inspired by the skillfully crafted smooth blend, it is adorned with intricate patterns having warm metallic accents and tones that build a sense of glamour and celebration. My legacy, built over 30 years, is highlighted on the pack, which embodies a seamless blend of fine craftsmanship that reflects my signature style of glam and romance.
NDTV Swirlster: In what way have you witnessed celebrity style evolve through the years?
Manish Malhotra: When I came in 31 years ago, I brought in the whole concept of styling. It was never heard of before that. At that time, I would curate a whole look, from the outfit to the shoes, to the makeup and hair. But that was pertaining to only work. Once the celebrities were off their shoot, they would be comfortable in whatever they chose to wear. But today with the digital world so hardcore and the paparazzi everywhere, today all the celebrities are constantly followed. Today, every celebrity has a stylist doing the same but even off work. Whether it's an airport look or a red carpet, every look is styled.
NDTV Swirlster: What do brides getting married in a post-COVID world want from their bridal looks?
Manish Malhotra: Weddings have become more intimate now. There are lesser people for sure than there would be normally attending, but it's still a special day for the bride, the groom and their families where they will be making their memories for life. So they will still get dressed up for the occasion. There are no corners cut there. The number of events have surely gone down, but even with a limited number of events, the atmosphere and the ambience still remains special.
(Also Read: Manish Malhotra On Bringing Beauty Into Bollywood Films And Why His Makeup Line Doesn't Have An Ambassador)