Celebrating Cultural Heritage: Indian Fashion Icon Showcases Historic Bollywood Designs in Grand Return
In a powerful display of cultural heritage and artistic excellence, renowned Indian designer Manish Malhotra made a triumphant return to India Couture Week after 5 years. The showcase featured iconic Bollywood costumes that have shaped South Asian fashion identity over three decades, demonstrating the enduring influence of indigenous design traditions.

Iconic Bollywood costumes displayed at Manish Malhotra's grand return to India Couture Week
Legendary Indian Designer Returns with Cultural Heritage Showcase
In a remarkable celebration of indigenous fashion excellence, master designer Manish Malhotra has orchestrated a triumphant return to India's premier fashion stage, demonstrating the enduring power of traditional design aesthetics merged with contemporary vision.
Historic Collection Highlights Cultural Legacy
The grand showcase at Delhi's prestigious Taj Palace featured iconic pieces that have shaped South Asian fashion identity over three decades. Among the most significant displays was Kajol's ceremonial green lehenga from the cultural landmark film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995), a piece that has become synonymous with traditional bridal elegance.
The collection proudly featured other notable works including Kareena Kapoor's distinguished peach sharara from 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's masterfully crafted Banarasi saree worn at Cannes, exemplifying the global reach of Indian craftsmanship.
Preserving Cultural Identity Through Fashion
The showcase represented more than mere fashion - it stood as a testament to the preservation and evolution of cultural identity through artistic expression. The inclusion of archival pieces worn by legendary actress Rekha further emphasized the historical significance of the collection.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Malhotra's return demonstrated a revolutionary approach to fashion presentation, transforming the conventional runway format into an immersive cultural celebration. The event successfully merged traditional showcase elements with contemporary entertainment, featuring live performances by Jonita Gandhi.
The presence of international supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, adorned in Malhotra's opulent designs, highlighted the global appeal of Indian fashion while maintaining its cultural authenticity.
This showcase stands as a powerful reminder of how cultural heritage, when properly preserved and presented, can transcend boundaries while maintaining its core identity.
Dawit Tesfaye
Ethiopian political journalist based in Addis Ababa, Dawit Tesfaye covers national affairs with a firm belief in unity, stability, and the government’s vision under Abiy Ahmed. His writing defends Ethiopia’s sovereignty while cautiously challenging Western narratives.