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

The 2025 Met Gala dazzled with its theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a celebration of precision tailoring, cultural identity, and the elegance of Black dandyism. From custom sherwanis to futuristic corsets, Hashtag Magazine shares some standout moments and key style takeaways from a night where tailoring met timelessness. Key Fashion Takeaways from the 2025 Met Gala Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” The 2025 Met Gala red carpet was a masterclass in tailored elegance, artistry, and personal expression. Celebrating Black dandyism and the power of tailoring, this year’s looks blended historical homage with modern flair, resulting in a parade of bold silhouettes, precision cuts, and inventive interpretations of classic menswear. Tailoring as Art Tailoring took centre stage, not just in the form of suits but as a vehicle for storytelling. Think asymmetrical lapels, reimagined tuxedos, and sculptural drapes. Both men and women leaned into sharply cut silhouettes with exaggerated shoulders, nipped waists, and dramatic fabric plays. Menswear Reimagined Menswear wasn’t just for men. Female celebrities, too, embraced power dressing through androgynous ensembles blazers, wide-leg trousers, and three-piece suits, often styled with pearls, hats, and luxe textures like velvet and silk. Hyper-Personalised Couture Custom-fitted, one-of-a-kind garments were the norm. Designers focused on craftsmanship and personal narrative every stitch, pleat, and detail tailored to the wearer’s identity and story. Ethical Fashion The red carpet dress code, aptly titled “Tailored For You,” encouraged guests to embrace sharp suiting, personalised silhouettes, and expressive detail. True to the spirit, Indian celebrities brought their A-game merging tradition, innovation, and individuality on one of the world’s most-watched fashion stages. Indian Celebrities Who Stole the Spotlight Shah Rukh KhanMaking history as the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala red carpet, SRK arrived in a regal black Sabyasachi sherwani updated with futuristic accents. A rhinestone studded ‘K’

In a world where change is often feared, Varsha Chaturvedi embraced transformation with grace, grit, and unshakable determination. Her journey is not just one of personal growth, it is a story of reclaiming identity, defying societal expectations, and inspiring countless others to take control of their lives. Born and raised in a traditional family in Rajasthan, Varsha’s early life followed a path that many women in India are expected to tread: academic excellence, a conventional marriage, and settling into the role of a homemaker. But beneath the quiet rhythm of domestic life, Varsha harbored a restless spirit. She always knew she was meant for more not out of dissatisfaction, but out of an innate desire to explore her full potential. Breaking the Mold It wasn’t an overnight shift. Varsha’s transformation began subtly—through books, self-reflection, and engaging with women’s forums. She became increasingly aware of the silent struggles women endure, particularly in balancing personal dreams with family responsibilities. Rather than resigning, she began asking bold questions: “Why not me?” “What if I tried?” That inner voice led her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue public speaking, health and wellness, and social impact work. But her greatest breakthrough came when she entered the world of pageantry not as a means of glamor, but as a platform for expression and empowerment. The Pageant That Changed Everything In 2022, Varsha registered for a regional beauty pageant under the Mrs. category. It was an unconventional move for a woman who had never imagined herself on stage, in heels, under the spotlight. Yet, it was in that bold step that she discovered a version of herself she hadn’t met before: confident, articulate, and unapologetically ambitious. Though she didn’t win the crown that year, the experience became a turning point. She trained in grooming,