Manish Malhotra is all set to unveil his luxury prêt collection on the runway for the first time at Lakme Fashion Week. The acclaimed couturier has time and again redefined the idea of timeless glamour with his distinctive aesthetic that reconciles cinema, couture, and contemporary luxury. However, this season, the design house ushers in an expansion into a more versatile and modern wardrobe while staying true to the unmistakable glamour that has long been synonymous with the brand.
Presented in collaboration with NEXA, the showcase reflects a shared commitment to innovation and progressive design. Much like NEXA’s philosophy of continually reimagining the product, the house approaches fashion with a similar spirit of reinvention.
For the veteran designer, glamour has always been an emotion. “When people say, ‘more is more,” I think of it as celebrating detail, craft and presence. With the luxury prêt Fall Winter collection, the idea was to bring that sense of glamour into pieces that feel more versatile and wearable. You still see the shine, the metallics and the textures, but the silhouettes are lighter and more fluid,” says Manish.
At the same time, this collection also reflects a conscious approach to sustainability. “We have worked with archival fabrics from the house and reinterpreted them into new silhouettes. Elements like sustainable fur and feathers were also developed within the atelier over four months,” he adds.
MM’s signature metallics comprising liquid golds, burnished silvers, and luminous sheens lend drama and intrigue to sculpted silhouettes, creating a vibrant interplay of light, movement, and form. Superimposing high-octane glam with modern ease and accessibility, Bollywood’s go-to designer translates high impact design into pieces that feel instantly desirable and relevant to a diverse demographic.
One of the key highlights is the introduction of MM Accessories, which have been conceived as a natural extension of the house’s design language. Moreover, the ensembles are further elevated by Manish Malhotra High Jewellery, where sculptural diamonds and rare signature gemstones infuse sheen and sophistication. All in all, one could expect a fantastical visual feast tempered with craft and passion.
Ahead of his showcase, the designer spoke to ELLE India on constantly evolving and exploring new verticals and markets. Over to him…ELLE: Who’s the Manish Malhotra luxury prêt consumer? What’s the demographic?MM: The luxury prêt consumer is someone who appreciates design and craftsmanship but wants it in a more everyday context. They could be a young professional, someone who travels often, or someone who enjoys dressing up but still values comfort and versatility. What connects them is a love for glamour and individuality. They want pieces that feel distinctive but still easy to wear. Luxury today is not only about occasion dressing – it’s also about creating pieces that move naturally between different moments in life.ELLE: In terms of textiles, embroideries and cuts, how have you crafted the prêt silhouettes?MM: The approach was to retain the richness of couture but translate it into ready to wear constructions. You still see the signature detailing, the metallic textures and the surface play, but the cuts are more fluid and relaxed. For this collection we also explored archival fabrics from the house and reworked them into contemporary silhouettes. It was important that the pieces feel modern, versatile and responsible at the same time. Many of the elements – including sustainable fur and feather accents, ensure the craftsmanship remains at the centre of the design process.
ELLE: You’ve ventured into accessories recently which will also be showcased. How does your core design insignia reflect in the bags?MM: Accessories felt like a very natural extension of the brand. After high jewellery, it felt instinctive to explore how the design language of the house could translate into objects people carry every day. The bags carry the same design principles – structure, glamour and strong visual identity. They are sculptural, refined and designed to move easily between day and evening. In many ways they complete the look. Just like couture garments, the accessories are designed with attention to detail and craftsmanship, making them a natural extension of the Manish Malhotra aesthetic.ELLE: Metallics have always been your leitmotifs across collections. What made you bring back the statement-making liquid golds, burnished silvers, and luminous sheens this season?MM: Metallics have always fascinated me because they capture light and movement beautifully. This season they felt especially relevant because they bring a sense of glamour. Of course, there was also an interesting connection to the world of automotive design. When you look at a beautifully finished e VITARA, the polish, the reflection, the sense of precision – there is a similar visual language in these fabrics. On the beautifully crafted car surface, there is precision, reflection and a certain sleekness. Golds, Silvers and luminous sheens bring that same visual language to fabric. Presenting the collection alongside NEXA made that dialogue between fashion and design even more interesting.ELLE: Let’s talk about Manish Malhotra High Jewellery. How’s been the process of experimenting with sculptural diamonds and rare signature gemstones?MM: You know, jewellery has always been very closely connected to fashion for me. When we design high jewellery, we approach it the same way we do couture – thinking about structure, proportion and overall aesthetic. Working with sculptural diamonds and rare gemstones has been a very exciting journey. We focus on strong forms and distinctive cuts, including our house signature armour cut. The idea is to create pieces that feel powerful and timeless but also connected to the larger design language of the brand.
ELLE: Season after season Manish Malhotra has evolved over the years. How have you tweaked the offerings to suit the changing tastes and lifestyles?MM: If there is anything that I believe in, it is that change is the only constant. You must evolve to remain relevant with today’s times. Clients want versatility, movement and ease while still appreciating glamour and craftsmanship. So, the brand continues to evolve with them. You see it in the introduction of Luxury Prêt, in accessories and in high jewellery. The idea is to expand the universe of the brand while staying true to the values that have always defined it – craft, glamour and individuality.ELLE: What’s the next big step for the brand Manish Malhotra?MM: The next step is really about continuing to expand the world of the brand. We are always exploring new verticals, new markets and new ways of engaging with clients globally. At the same time, craft really remains the heart of everything we do. The goal is to continue presenting Indian artistry on global platforms while evolving the brand in a way that feels contemporary and relevant.ELLE: Nostalgia is having a moment in fashion with designers revisiting and reimagining their archival pieces. Do you also revel in nostalgia and perhaps contemplate bringing back your past iconic looks in your runway presentations?MM: Nostalgia is always a beautiful emotion because fashion carries memories with it. When people remember certain looks or silhouettes, it means those moments truly resonated. I often revisit the archives of the house, but I prefer reinterpreting them rather than recreating them exactly. Whether it’s for the runway or for bespoke orders, the idea is to take the essence of something iconic and present it in a way that feels relevant today. For instance, the Bole Chudiyan look has become a great example of this. From Kareena Kapoor originally to Shloka Ambani and Nysa Devgan more recently, the outfit has been reinterpreted many times, each version retaining the spirit of the original while speaking to a new generation.ELLE: Do you see a growing pride among today’s evolved customers investing in India Proud labels?MM: Yes, very much so. There is a strong sense of pride today in supporting home grown brands, and especially Indian craftsmanship and design. I have always believed in reviving and celebrating India’s age-old crafts. Our textiles, embroideries and artisanal traditions- from Banarasi weaves to exquisite Chikankari- are incredibly rich. Today, Indian craftsmanship is being recognized on the global stage, and people are proud to wear pieces that reflect that heritage. We have always been very good at what we do, and it is wonderful to see that work receiving the recognition it deserves internationally.
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