Why are retrospectives for Indian designers so uncommon?
Manish Malhotra’s Retrospective Show Stuns at India Couture Week
At the India Couture Week 2025 in New Delhi, Manish Malhotra presented a show that felt like a heartfelt love letter to Indian fashion. Celebrating more than three decades in the industry, the designer curated a stunning retrospective that walked the audience through his prolific career. With shimmering fabrics, intricate embroidery, and an unmistakable Bollywood flair, the show wasn’t just a runway spectacle—it was a tribute to Malhotra’s unique place in Indian couture.
This was no ordinary couture showcase. Instead of unveiling a new seasonal line, Malhotra chose to reflect on his journey—a body of work spanning 34 years that has shaped the very definition of glamor in Indian fashion. The stage was set not just for beautiful clothes, but for nostalgia, craftsmanship, and celebration. His designs, drawn from the archives, seamlessly blended traditional Indian artistry with contemporary elegance.
The venue buzzed with energy as celebrities, fashion insiders, and admirers gathered for what felt more like a cultural event than a fashion show. With every look that appeared on the ramp, the audience was taken through different chapters of Malhotra’s legacy—from his early work as a costume designer in Bollywood to his evolution into a fashion empire. Each garment echoed his commitment to detail, heritage, and storytelling through fabric.
It was clear that this retrospective was also deeply personal. The designer revisited the techniques and textiles he’s long been passionate about—zardozi, chikankari, rich velvets, shimmering sequins—each one representing an era, a muse, a memory. Malhotra’s show didn’t just highlight garments; it spotlighted emotion and narrative stitched into couture.
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By the end of the night, it was evident that Manish Malhotra’s name isn’t just associated with glamor, but with a deep, reverent understanding of Indian fashion’s roots and its global resonance. The retrospective was not only a celebration of his past but a promise of continued innovation and storytelling in the years ahead.
