Paris: Celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra marked a landmark moment in his career by making his debut at Paris Haute Couture Week with ‘Maa’, a collection dedicated to motherhood and inspired by the enduring love and support of his late mother, Garima Malhotra.
Presented on Wednesday, the collection brought India’s rich textile heritage and craftsmanship to one of the world’s most prestigious fashion platforms, blending traditional artistry with contemporary haute couture.
A tribute to his mother’s unwavering support
Ahead of the showcase, Malhotra shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on the profound influence his mother had on both his life and career.
Recalling his childhood, he wrote that the colours of his early years were inspired by his mother’s sarees and that she taught him the meaning of love, beauty and belonging long before he understood fashion.
He also remembered how she stood by him when he chose an unconventional career path in the 1980s, saying her faith gave him the confidence to pursue his dreams.
Indian craftsmanship takes centre stage
The couture collection showcased some of India’s finest traditional techniques, including intricate zardozi embroidery, delicate hand embroidery and detailed threadwork.
By presenting these time-honoured crafts on an international haute couture runway, Malhotra highlighted the skill of Indian artisans while celebrating the country’s rich textile traditions.
An emotional career milestone
Malhotra said every achievement in his journey carried a part of his mother’s encouragement and belief. He described her unwavering support as the foundation of his success and dedicated the collection to her memory.
His Paris Haute Couture Week debut has been widely hailed as a proud moment for Indian fashion, bringing indigenous craftsmanship and deeply personal storytelling to the global stage.