Manish Malhotra created a traditional outfit design for Michael Jackson, during the latter's India visit in the late 1990s.
Manish Malhotra - more than a fashion designer - is a magician. He knows how to create designs that not only please the eyes, but also leave an impact on our minds and evoke emotions. Because the 'fashion design' is just the outer layer here. Beneath that, it's art and storytelling at their best. What's more interesting is that the detailing in his works carries the nuances of Indian culture and heritage, and yet they become an international phenomenon. And when he works as a costume designer for a film, he makes sure that it becomes a part of the narrative and isn't left behind for just aesthetics.
Born on December 5, 1966, Malhotra has - and it's not even an iota of an exaggeration - totally redefined the concept of Indian fashion. And that's why he has always been the go-to designer for Bollywood celebrities. However, not many know that he once created an outfit for the King of Pop - Michael Jackson. Yes, you read it absolutely right!
(Credit: manishmalhotra05)
As we celebrate the renowned designer's 58th birthday today, let's have a throwback to that in this article.
Well, it was long before Malhotra launched his designer level. During the late 90s, he created a traditional outfit for Michael Jackson, which the latter donned at the Bollywood Movie Awards (1999). It was a smart-cut sherwani with trousers and a shawl. The King of Pop loved it so much that he thanked Malhotra on the stage.
This award symbolizes goodwill benevolence & peace" Presenter at the 1999 Bollywood Awards on the Humanitarian Award pic.twitter.com/oVlxx2Siw1
— Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) July 3, 2014
(Credit: Michael Jackson)
Michael Jackson breathed his last on June 25, 2009, due to various health complications. On June 29, 2019, Manish Malhotra shared an old picture with Jackson on his social media account and reminisced about his fanboy moment with him. He named the tribute post as "10 years without MJ".
In his words, "Years ago before I had launched Manish Malhotra Label, I had the honor of meeting the great Michael Jackson... I had designed a smart cut sherwani with trousers and a shawl with Indian embroidery art... Not only did he wear the outfit, he also thanked me on stage at the Famous #BollywoodAwards USA, which became a memorable moment for me."
(Credit: manishmalhotra05)
"I died when he told me it's beautiful. When he thanked me on stage, I had tears in my eyes. This is the biggest high in my life," shared Malhotra in one of his interviews.
Manish Malhotra has no formal education in fashion design. He learned everything through his hands-on experience.
Michael Jackson is not the only international celebrity for whom Malhotra has worked. The list also includes Jean-Claude Van Damme, Reese Witherspoon, Jermaine Jackson, Kylie Minogue ("Princess of Pop"), Sundar Pichai (and his wife Anjali Pichai), Hillary Clinton, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss.
As a costume designer, Malhotra has worked in numerous successful films, such as 'Swarg' (his debut), 'Yeh Dillagi', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (which earned him unprecedented international fame), 'Rangeela', 'Khamoshi: The Musical', 'Raja Hindustani', 'Dil To Pagal Hai', 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', 'Mohabbatein', and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'. For the 1995 film 'Rangeela', he won the Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design.
Happy Birthday, Manish Malhotra. You Are An Inspiration!
