Iconic Journey of Fashion Designer, Manish Arora

If there's one designer who has broken the rules of Indian Fashion, it's Manish Arora. Known for his psychedelic prints, unconventional silhouettes and the electrifying amalgamation of Indian Craftsmanship and futuristic sensibilities, he is more than just a designer - he's a storyteller through fabric. Arora, who was born and brought up in India, conquered the fashion world with his unabashed approach, making neon pinks, metallics and intricate embroideries his signature. From Paris runways to collaborations with global brands like Swarovski, MAC and Disney, his reach has extended beyond India. He was one of the few Indian Designers to showcase at Paris Fashion Week, establishing himself as a global fashion powerhouse. His designs are not for the faint-hearted, but they celebrate individuality and self-expression in a way that few designers dare to attempt. Katy Perry, Rihanna and Lady Gaga have all walked the ramp in his creations, proving that his creations are more than just clothes - they're statements. His journey is an example of how Indian fashion can be deeply rooted in tradition and explosively modern at the same time.

Born in Mumbai, India, Manish Arora grew up in the cultural hub of the country, surrounded by vibrant colours, textures and influences that would shape his aesthetic. But his journey into fashion was unconventional. Like most young Indians, Manish opted for the conventional commerce degree as it was practical, stable and popular for secure jobs. But it didn't quite suit him. The world of numbers and accounts seemed too orthodox for his imagination. It was during this time that he realized he had a passion for fashion. That realization made him take a risk and change his life. In 1994, he enrolled at NIFT in New Delhi. NIFT was emerging as India's premier fashion school and was attracting ambitious, young designers. For Manish it was a new world where he could experiment, express and be free of the restrictions of a conventional career. But he shone at NIFT. His designs were fearless, mixing clashing colours, loud prints and unconventional silhouettes. While others stayed conservative, Manish pushed the envelope, paving the way for his later rebellious style. For him, NIFT was more than just learning the technicalities, it was about discovering his artistic self.

He was awarded his Bachelor of Fashion Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi in 1997, the same year he launched his own label 'Manish Arora'. But building a brand from scratch was no easy task. The Indian fashion scene was changing, and Arora's unconventional designs were not appreciated by all at first. His neon colours, intricate embroidery and futuristic designs stood out but it took time to find his loyal customer. His breakthrough came when he started showing at Indian fashion weeks. He faced scepticism at first but his colourful and experimental collections soon gained recognition. As the industry opened up to global influences, his distinct aesthetic found its voice. He faced several hurdles in the initial years, but with his sheer dedication and creativity, he kept pushing the envelope with each collection, and with time, his brand gained traction both in India as well as internationally.

His signature look is a riot of color, often psychedelic pink and gold. Manish Arora is all about maximalism, so expect to see a lot of flamboyance in his designs. His designs are a reflection of Indian heritage but are updated with contemporary sensibilities. The use of embroidery, applique and intricate beading lends a distinctive identity to his work and ensures that Indian craftsmanship is relevant in today's fashion. His work is an amalgamation of Indian aesthetics with futuristic sensibilities. His silhouettes are dramatic and experimental. He merges tradition with modernity. His work is immersive and expressive. It transforms fashion into an emotional experience. His designs are about joy, playfulness and escapism. Whether it's his signature prints, lustrous fabrics or intricate embellishments, every piece is instantly recognisable. With an unabashed love for colour and craft, Arora's signature has won him fans across the globe, proving that fashion can be as expressive as it is meaningful.

His International debut was a spectacular affair. His show at London Fashion Week in 2005 was much anticipated. Arora was known for his use of crazy colour, psychedelic prints and maximalism so stepping onto an international runway was a big deal. His collection was bold, unpredictable and had elements of storytelling. Critics loved it, audience was captivated and the industry took notice. It was the beginning of something big. In 2007, when Paris Fashion Week began, he came roaring out. Where some designers opted for muted colours and textured fabrics, he went all out with neon pinks, psychedelic prints and avant-garde silhouettes. His fearless aesthetic, wearable art designs and Paris presence made him a global fashion statement. Paris Fashion Week wasn't just about clothes; it was about making a statement. He ensured the world heard him, with collections for those who love breaking fashion rules and celebrate individuality without boundaries.

He makes heads turn at fashion weeks across the world, with his kaleidoscopic colour palette, mind-bending prints and intricate embroidery. His runway shows are an explosion of colour, print and embroidery, transporting viewers to his world. His 2007 Paris Fashion Week debut as a member of the French Federation, saw neon colours, heavily embroidered fabrics and Indian motifs with a futuristic twist. His 2012 collection at Paris Fashion Week took inspiration from tribal art, with exaggerated silhouettes and bold metallic colours, breaking conventional fashion boundaries. Whether at Lakme, London or Paris, his signature mix of contemporary fashion with traditional Indian craftsmanship made his collections a favourite among critics and fashionistas alike.

His brand extended beyond the runway and high-end retail. He launched several limited-edition lines that were boundary-pushing. His most ambitious project was an exclusive capsule collection inspired by Indian mythology and pop culture that fused traditional motifs with avant-garde designs. His Disney collaboration saw him re-imagine Mickey Mouse in his signature psychedelic style and turned them into wearable art. His limited-edition line with Amrapali Jewels combined traditional Indian jewellery techniques with unconventional themes and created exquisite pieces that blurred the boundaries between fashion and fine jewellery. These projects emphasised his ability to mix old with new, making each piece a collector's item. Across these collaborations and seasons, he showed us that fashion is more than just clothes - it's storytelling, cultural exchange, and artistic expression. His unique fusion of Indian heritage with contemporary global trends kept his work fresh in different markets. Whether it was sneakers, watches, makeup, or couture, he transcended fashion and left a vivid, unforgettable imprint on design.

Manish Arora is a boundary pusher. His signature vibrant colours, intricate prints and unconventional silhouettes push the envelope. See his latest creations that showcase his ever evolving imagination. Whether it is his presentation at international fashion weeks or exclusive capsule collections, Arora continues to surprise. From experimental textiles to bold prints, his work is a statement in itself. Another recent milestone was his sustainable fashion project, wherein he uses eco-friendly fabrics, ethical manufacturing and innovative recycling in his designs. This move is aimed at responsible luxury fashion. He collaborates with young artisans to revive traditional Indian embroidery, bringing a new dimension to old techniques. He has collaborated with global brands in the past and is set to do so again. There are also rumours of a possible collaboration with international streetwear labels that would see him infuse his maximalist sensibilities into urban wear, reaching out to a younger global audience with his flamboyant style. Apart from fashion, Arora has also ventured into lifestyle and home decor. His signature design philosophy finds expression in furniture, accessories and luxury hotel interiors. Through vivid storytelling in design, his brand becomes a holistic artistic experience rather than just a clothing label. But his expansion strategy is also geared towards making his brand more accessible to Indian shoppers -
' As a global brand, we are putting renewed focus on the Indian luxury market. We will have flagship stores in key cities, exclusive pop-ups and will collaborate with Indian designers. The idea is to make our over-the-top designs more accessible to fashionistas in the country'. What does Manish Arora want the future of fashion to be? I want it to be more inclusive, sustainable and expressive. I want fashion to be about aesthetics, storytelling and culture. I want to create a mentorship programme for young designers, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to help them get into the industry. Another exciting prospect is his foray into digital fashion. With virtual clothing and the metaverse, Arora hopes to bring his outrageous designs into virtual spaces. Imagine his psychedelic prints and exuberant silhouettes as digital wearables for avatars - the future of online fashion could be here. Manish Arora is far from finished. With his irrepressible design sensibilities and penchant for innovation, we look forward to more game-changing work from him. Be it high fashion, sustainability or the digital evolution, his reach will continue to grow and he will continue to redefine the future of fashion with a fearless step.