For a generation raised on Bollywood’s grandest cinematic romances, a Manish Malhotra lehenga has long been the ultimate bridal fantasy. Few designers have influenced the visual language of Indian weddings as profoundly as Malhotra. Having walked the Met Gala carpet consecutively for two years, the celebrated couturier has continued to expand the global footprint of Indian couture. Each appearance has served as a powerful showcase of the country's craftsmanship, heritage, and evolving luxury narrative. And adding yet another feather to his illustrious cap, Malhotra made his official debut at Paris Haute Couture Week 2026.
In a freewheeling chat, the designer talks about the big fat Indian weddings and the significance of showcasing an Indian couture narrative on fashion’s most coveted stage.
Manifest: Over the last three decades, the Indian bridal industry has transformed from a niche couture segment into a multi-billion-dollar business. What have been the most significant shifts?
Manish Malhotra: The biggest shift has been the way brides approach fashion today. When I started, bridal wear was largely driven by tradition and family expectations. Today, while tradition remains important, brides are far more involved in defining their own identity and personal style.
We’ve also seen weddings become much more immersive and experiential. Every event has its own mood, aesthetic, and wardrobe. The modern Indian wedding has evolved into a celebration of individuality, where fashion plays a central role in storytelling. At the same time, there is a much deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and couture. Brides today are incredibly informed. They understand textiles, embroidery, construction, and the value of handwork in ways that were less common three decades ago.
M: How important is the wedding category to the overall growth of the Manish Malhotra brand today?
MM: Weddings have always been central to my journey because they allow us to celebrate Indian craftsmanship at its most expressive. I remember Kiara Advani’s wedding being a special moment for us, as she was the first one to wear Manish Malhotra High Jewellery emeralds. Since then, we’ve seen brides embrace the idea of creating a complete bridal narrative through both couture and jewellery, seeking pieces that feel personal, timeless, and deeply connected to the occasion. For the brand, bridal couture remains a very significant category, but what excites me most is how it continues to evolve.
Today's bride is global in outlook but deeply rooted in her heritage. She wants both craftsmanship and individuality, which allows us to constantly reinterpret tradition through a contemporary lens. More than a business category, weddings have always been an emotional space for us—we become part of the most meaningful moments in people's lives, and that responsibility is something I have always valued deeply.
M: The Indian wedding market continues to grow despite economic fluctuations. What makes bridal fashion such a resilient category?
MM: Weddings hold a unique place in Indian culture. They are deeply emotional and often represent milestones that families plan for over many years. Fashion becomes a part of that memory. People may postpone many purchases, but weddings remain significant life events where there is still a desire to celebrate, invest, and create something meaningful. I think that's what makes bridal fashion resilient. It goes beyond luxury. It is connected to emotion, family, tradition, and memory.
M: What are brides investing in today that they weren't five or 10 years ago?
MM: Brides today are investing much more heavily in individual custom pieces. A decade ago, the focus was often on the wedding day itself. Today, they are curating an entire wedding wardrobe across multiple celebrations, each with its own personality and expression. There is also a greater appreciation for craftsmanship and customisation. One of the biggest shifts I've seen is in bridal jewellery. Today's brides are investing far more thoughtfully in high jewellery than they did a decade ago, treating it as an heirloom to be passed down through generations.
M: Do you believe bridal couture is becoming more about personal storytelling than tradition?
MM: I don't think it's one replacing the other. It's really about finding a balance. Tradition will always be at the heart of Indian weddings because it connects us to family, culture, and heritage. But today's bride wants to interpret that tradition in a way that feels personal and authentic to who she is. That's where storytelling comes in. Over the years, I've often reimagined a mother's or grandmother's sari, incorporated meaningful family heirlooms, or woven personal memories into the craftsmanship of a garment. Those details make a bridal ensemble truly special. For me, the most beautiful bridal looks are the ones that honour tradition while celebrating individuality. They feel timeless because they carry both heritage and personal meaning.
M: What role does comfort play in bridal fashion today?
MM: The modern bride wants to feel beautiful, but she also wants to move, celebrate, dance, and enjoy every moment of her wedding. Comfort today has become a part of luxury. The challenge is to create garments that retain the richness and craftsmanship of couture while allowing ease and movement. That balance is something we think about constantly.
M: Your recent debut at Paris Haute Couture Week marks a significant milestone. What does this moment represent personally and professionally?
MM: It feels like a very special moment. Over the last three decades, my journey has taken me from cinema to couture, but at the heart of everything has been Indian craftsmanship and the artisans who have shaped that journey alongside me. To be present at Paris Haute Couture Week is not simply about showcasing a collection. It is about bringing a piece of India—its artistry, its heritage, and its craftsmanship—to one of fashion's most important stages. It represents an opportunity to contribute to the global couture conversation from an Indian perspective.
M: How do you approach showcasing Indian craftsmanship to an international couture audience?
MM: For me, the focus is never on explaining Indian craftsmanship—it is on celebrating it authentically. Indian artisanship has an extraordinary richness and sophistication that can stand confidently alongside any couture tradition in the world. The key is presenting it in a way that feels contemporary while remaining true to its origins. I always approach it through storytelling, craftsmanship, and emotion. When the work is authentic, people connect with it regardless of where they come from. Craft has a universal language, and that is what makes it so powerful.