Hashtag Magazine brings you an exclusive interview with the legendary MANISH MALHOTRA, India’s most celebrated fashion designer. From redefining Bollywood glamour to shaping global couture, he opens up about his creative journey, inspirations, and the evolving world of fashion in 2025, offering rare insights into his iconic legacy.
How are you making your signature bridal style more accessible to younger or more experimental brides while keeping that Manish Malhotra charm?
You know, brides today are really fearless. They love their traditions, of course, but they also want to bring in their own personality, and I think that’s beautiful. For me, it’s about giving them the grandeur they’ve come to expect from a Manish Malhotra bridal look, but doing it in a way that feels fresh. That could mean innovative construction, modern silhouettes, or just a more effortless styling. The glamour will always be there, it’s just evolved. Sometimes it’s through a sharper corset, sometimes through a softer drape, but the magic is always alive.
What are the top three bridal trends you see ruling weddings in 2025?
So, first, I think it’s about layering. Whether it’s a signature head veil or even a cape, it allows a bride to really play with her look across different celebrations. It’s about showcasing unique embroidery or luxurious fabrics that can be styled in multiple ways. Then second, I’ve been loving crystal drapes, they bring in this beautiful sensuality and shimmer. It’s glamorous without trying too hard. And third, statement blouses – brides today are embracing unique necklines, dramatic sleeves, and corsetry to make the blouse the highlight.
Which colours are defining the Manish Malhotra bridal palette this season?
This season, I have been drawn to deep, decadent tones such as rich maroons, soft almond shades, old rose, and metallics that never go out of style. Deeper jewel tones are standing out this year, especially when paired with a modern finish, which feels unexpected.
For brides who want to go beyond the classic lehenga or saree, what fresh alternatives are you designing?
The one thing I really wanted to change was the double dupatta. It just felt like it was time to bring in something fresher, something lighter, but still keeping the essence of tradition intact. So, this season, we’ve been working with cape sleeves, crystal drapes that feel lighter yet glamorous, and these beautiful pearl-strewn ensembles that are rooted in Indian craftsmanship. You’ll see it in our Inaya collection – every detail is steeped in Indian craft, but the way the silhouettes are shaped, they speak to a global audience.
How can bridesmaids complement the bride’s outfit without looking too similar or overshadowing her?
They can reflect a detail from the bride’s outfit – maybe the embroidery or a hint of her color palette – but in a softer or more playful way. It’s all about balance.
Have you created any special looks or capsules for bridesmaids and female wedding parties this season?
Yes of course! From sarees to lehengas, there’s something for everyone in our Inaya collection.
For smaller pre-wedding events like mehendi, haldi, or welcome dinners, how can a bride keep her look unique while still feeling bridal?
For me, it’s really about playing with both colour and silhouette. A haldi outfit doesn’t always have to be that expected bright yellow- it can be ivory with just marigold accents. For the mehendi, you don’t have to stick to only green- you can experiment with mirror work, embroidery, or even playful prints. I feel like every function today is a chance to tell a different story. Whether it’s the haldi or the mehendi, a bride can choose to be different- perhaps wearing a lehenga or even a statement corset blouse.
Jewellery trends are shifting – what are the must-have accessories for the Manish Malhotra bride in 2025?
For 2025, at Manish Malhotra High Jewellery we have crafted statement ear cuffs, diamond haathphools, and diamond hair accessories, while men can elevate their wardrobe with our exquisite brooches, buttons and collar pins.
What’s one common mistake brides make with their wedding wardrobe and how can they avoid it?
Sometimes brides come in wanting every single trend in one outfit. While I understand the excitement, I always tell them it’s important to choose one hero element. Maybe it’s the embroidery, maybe it’s the silhouette, or even just the colour. Once you decide on that, everything else should complement and support it. That way, the look feels intentional and striking. When one element becomes the statement, the whole outfit looks stronger.
Across multi-day celebrations, how can brides keep each look distinct and avoid repeating styles?
Answered for the question: For smaller pre-wedding events like mehendi, haldi, or welcome dinners, how can a bride keep her look unique while still feeling bridal?
Are there any fabrics, cuts, or styling choices you feel are overused or due for a refresh?
Heavy dupattas for every look. We can do lighter overlays, capes, or veils instead. Corsets, too, can be reimagined in fresher, more versatile ways that feel contemporary while still bridal. And then there are cummerbunds. I feel like they’re such an underrated accessory. Styled differently, they can add that modern edge to an otherwise traditional silhouette. That’s something we’ve been experimenting with a lot in our bridalwear.
Finally, what’s one unexpected look or detail you wish more brides would try this year?
A crystal drape – it is oh so glamorous. It takes something every bride knows- the dupatta- and turns it into a piece of movement and modernity. It’s light, it’s unexpected, and it transforms tradition into something entirely new.
