Manish Malhotra says Indian couture's Paris moment was 'long overdue'

Manish Malhotra made his Paris Haute Couture Week debut with Maa, a heartfelt tribute to his late mother and a milestone for Indian fashion on the global couture stage.

For Manish Malhotra, Paris wasn't just another runway. It was a deeply personal milestone. Making his debut at Paris Haute Couture this week, the designer chose to introduce himself to the fashion capital through a collection inspired by the person who shaped his life the most: his mother.

On July 8, Malhotra became only the fourth Indian designer, after Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta and Vaishali Shadangule, to be part of the official Paris Haute Couture calendar. The platform is widely seen as one of the most prestigious stages in international fashion.

Speaking to AFP a day after his Paris presentation, Malhotra said, "There's nothing bigger than Paris Haute Couture. This is the ultimate platform."

"I think it was long overdue. India is so culturally rich in terms of texture and textile, architecture, jewels, embroidery. It has such a heritage of kings and queens. You know, I think it was high time," he added.

Maa: Malhotra’s deeply personal connection

Titled 'Maa', the collection was dedicated to his mother, whom he lost just three months ago. Malhotra said he wanted Paris to see not just his craft, but the emotions behind it.

"I kept coming back to my mother's story...Paris doesn't know me, and if they are going to know me, they have to know what I'm feeling right now," he said, adding that he is still deeply affected by her loss.

The collection reflected that journey. The opening look featured a dramatic floor-length coat adorned with sculptural motifs of a mother and son across different stages of life. Another gown came alive as the model walked, revealing cut-out figures of a mother and child embracing.

It also celebrates India's rich artisanal heritage through intricate zardozi, vintage salli work and detailed hand embroidery. Soft shades of blush and rose, inspired by Garima Malhotra's favourite flowers, run through the designs, turning a deeply personal tribute into couture.

Malhotra's Paris debut also marks another milestone for Indian fashion.

Over the years, he has expanded into jewellery and beauty, opened his first international boutique in Dubai, dressed global stars including Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, and most recently made headlines at the Met Gala with a look celebrating Mumbai.

Even after 35 years in fashion, Malhotra is already looking towards his next chapter. Speaking to the news agency he said he hopes to one day open an atelier in Paris and perhaps even a store in New York.

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