Bollywood designer Manish Malhotra features Indian heritage, craftsmanship and identity at MET Gala
From Mumbai to New York City -- diversity is more than just a talking point for Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra, known for dressing many of Bollywood's luminaries.
This year's Met Gala theme, "Costume Art" was the perfect opportunity and canvas for Malhotra to imbue his art with cultural meaning.
"I am one designer in Southeast Asia whose career starts from costumes, and goes on to mainstream, and goes on to becoming a brand. That's an unheard story," Malhotra shared.
"That is something I am extremely proud of."
This was the designer's second time at fashion's biggest night.
Malhotra says people are no longer interested in just the beauty of an outfit; they want to know the story behind it.
This year, Malhotra styled his friend and one of Bollywood's biggest filmmakers, producers and directors: Karan Johar, who transformed into a living masterpiece.
Johar wore a structured jacket over a dramatic cape that spanned six feet.
It featured hand painted elements and was inspired by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma.
The design and production process is painstaking.
"I think each and every piece that we have worked on for this time has been about three months that we worked on it -- or more. I mean, I'm not even talking about the time we discussed it, and sketched it, and conceptualized it. I think just the making of it had taken about three months," Malhotra explained.
Malhotra's outfit honored more than 50 artisans across Mumbai and Delhi, taking his atelier, his work family, to the steps of the Met Gala with him.
Curling around embroidery and sculptural elements are the names of the artisans who worked tirelessly on his piece.
Each look Malhotra designs is both a celebration and a reminder/ of where he comes from.
"Many fashion designers or big fashion houses have embroidered their garments in India, but now that it's all getting credit and the artisans are ... getting their long overdue credit," Malhotra said." I'm really happy that India is getting its due. It really deserves to."
Malhotra also designed a gown for actress Camila Mendes, inspired by Amrita Sher-Gil's paintings.
Indian philanthropist and business woman Sudha Reddy's outfit was inspired by the Indian city Hyderabad.
Malhotra plans to open his first U.S. store in New York City by 2027, or 2028 at the latest.
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