A new chapter in Indian fashion has begun, and it’s unfolding on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Manish Malhotra, Asia’s leading designer, has become the first Indian designer to present his “World Collection” at Harrods in London. This showcase, happening from 16th to 29th September 2024, marks a historic collaboration between the celebrated Indian designer and Harrods, the iconic British luxury department store, as part of the store’s 175th anniversary celebrations. 

Malhotra’s collection will be on display at Harrods’ exclusive Private Shopping Penthouse, a members-only venue that has never before opened its doors to an Indian designer. This groundbreaking event is not just a milestone for Malhotra but a momentous occasion for Indian fashion on the global stage.

Tribute to Indian Craftsmanship Through Global Luxury

The World Collection, an ode to India’s craftsmanship, is reinterpreted for the modern, global fashion world. Manish Malhotra blends traditional Indian design elements with contemporary silhouettes, celebrating the elegance of Indian heritage while making it relevant to today’s luxury fashion consumers. 

With gowns, saree-gowns, and brocade jackets, the collection draws inspiration from the fluid draping of the sari, a traditional Indian garment. Every piece is meticulously crafted using ancient embroidery techniques like zardozi, chikankari, and gota patti, paying homage to India’s masterful artisans. The luxurious use of silks, velvets, and chiffons conjures the opulence of India’s past, while the silhouettes balance tradition with modernity.

One of the highlights of the collection is a special and stunning ensemble created to honour Harrods’ 175th anniversary, featuring the store’s iconic green hues. This exquisite piece captures the perfect fusion of India’s cultural legacy with a contemporary twist, making it a visual representation of East meeting West in luxurious harmony. 

A Milestone in Global Fashion

Speaking on the significance of this collaboration, this moment isn’t just about fashion—it’s about heritage, craftsmanship, and the global recognition of India’s rich cultural history. Harrods has always represented the pinnacle of luxury, and to showcase a collection there is a historic moment. 

By bringing the legacy of India’s artisanal craftsmanship to one of the world’s leading luxury platforms, Malhotra is not only marking a personal milestone but also contributing to the rise of Indian fashion in global luxury markets. This collaboration symbolizes the seamless blend of tradition and contemporary design, creating a bridge between the East and the West that will influence future trends in the fashion industry.  

Celebrating Cultural Confluence 

Manish Malhotra’s World Collection at Harrods is more than a fashion show—it’s a celebration of cultural confluence and the growing prominence of Indian artistry in the world of haute couture. With his commitment to sustaining India’s artisans, Malhotra ensures that each piece in his collection is a testament to India’s grandeur and the enduring legacy of its craftsmen.

As Indian design takes center stage at one of the world’s most prestigious venues, this moment symbolizes the beginning of a new era where India’s artistic legacy is celebrated, redefined, and embraced by a global audience.

Alia Bhatt is among the most celebrated actors of Indian Cinema, and over the last 13 years, has established herself as the actress with better script selection than most around.  While Alia is presently shooting for the YRF Spy Universe Film, Alpha, the actress moves on to Love and War from December. She has allotted bulk dates for this Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, which is all set for a big theatrical opening in March 2026. And now, we have exclusively learnt that Alia Bhatt is keen to do a love story after action and drama-heavy films like Jigra, Love And War and Alpha.

According to sources close to the development, Alia has been hearing several films in the romantic space and has her mind set on a particular script. “Alia has identified a script for her next after Love And War, and she is looking to produce and act in the film. It’s an out and out love story, and Alia’s heart at the moment is on the aforementioned script,” revealed a source close to the development, adding further that the film will go on floors in the last quarter of 2025, once she finishes the Love And War shoot.

The source further informed that the film could be directed by the person who delivered a Rs 200 crore grosser in 2022. “There have been multiple rounds of meeting and the conversations are in the right direction. The film is still a year away from going on floors, and hence, there is also a chance for Alia to change her mind if something better comes up. But given how the things are at the moment, the love-story in question is locked as Alia’s next for 2026,” the source added.

The team is looking to cast a top male lead for the film, and the conversations on the casting front will begin by January 2024. “The entire casting begins once the paperwork is done and the stakeholders are committed to take the film on floors by 2025 end,” the source concluded. Talking of Alia Bhatt, her next is Jigra on October 11, 2024, followed by Alpha in the end of 2025.

Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.