(NCS) — Manish Malhotra is to Diwali what Heidi Klum is to Halloween: its final movie star celebration host.
Every 12 months, the Indian dressmaker throws a star-studded Diwali bash bringing collectively Bollywood’s greatest names. Film legends Shah Rukh Khan and Shilpa Shetty had been amongst the A-listers in attendance throughout the most up-to-date festivities in October.
Such is his popularity for internet hosting, Malhotra was employed as inventive director to 2024’s headline grabbing mega-wedding between Anant Ambani, the son of India’s richest man, and pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant. As nicely as overseeing venue decor he even discovered time to design outfits for the bride and the groom’s mom, Nita Ambani, in addition to visitors at the numerous marriage ceremony occasions, together with Ivanka Trump and each Kim and Khloé Kardashian.
Malhotra is aware of a factor or two about gifting, too. Gold could also be the luxurious gift historically exchanged throughout Diwali, however the designer’s luxurious make-up and skincare units — alongside festive hampers he developed for a lodge group — are only a few examples of how he appeals to Indian clientele throughout the nation’s more and more numerous multi-billion-dollar vacation spending spree.
For Malhotra, the secret to memorable presents and events is the identical one underpinning his trend profession: narrative.
“I simply enjoy being the storyteller,” he mentioned, revealing his vacation gifting suggestions to NCS.
Indian trend is, the designer mentioned, “having its moment.” The nation’s craftsmanship and textile traditions are having fun with elevated worldwide consideration — and few individuals can take extra credit score than Malhotra, who attended the 2025 Met Gala, the place he dressed attendees Natasha Poonawalla and Coco Jones for the pink carpet.
“Ultimately, when I showcase Indian fashion on a global stage, I want people to see its depth, its artistry and its timelessness,” he mentioned.
Malhotra has branched out past trend in recent times. A Bollywood costume stylist since the Nineties (“films were my first love,” he mentioned), the designer has simply made his manufacturing debut with Hindi-language romantic drama “Gustaakh Ishq,” which hit theaters final month. Then there’s the excessive jewellery line his eponymous label launched in 2023.
“Luxury isn’t just about buying something that looks beautiful; it has to carry meaning. It needs a story,” he mentioned, including: “It’s about creating something that becomes an heirloom.”
Below, Malhotra shares his tackle gifting and internet hosting throughout the holidays.
NCS: What are three belongings you want to ask your self earlier than shopping for a gift for somebody?
MM: I take into consideration who they’re, what they genuinely take pleasure in and whether or not the gift displays their persona in a significant means.
NCS: How do you deal with gifting for individuals you don’t know very nicely?
MM: I all the time return to one thing timeless: flowers. I completely love them. They’re elegant, considerate, they usually work for each event. I’ve flowers throughout my dwelling and even in my workplace — they immediately brighten an area and produce a way of heat and positivity. So, after I’m uncertain about somebody’s private style, a stupendous bouquet looks like the perfect gesture. It’s private with out being too particular, and it all the time makes individuals smile. You actually can’t go incorrect with flowers.
NCS: What’s a fantastic gift that prices nothing?
MM: Time. It prices nothing, however it means completely all the things. Whether it’s sitting down for an actual dialog, being absolutely current, or simply exhibiting up when it issues — it’s priceless. In our world the place all the things strikes so quick, time is the one factor you may’t purchase, and the one factor that makes all the distinction.
NCS: Do you will have any traditions or rituals round the holidays?
MM: Around Diwali, I’ve my annual celebration, which has actually grow to be a convention for me over the years. It’s one night time the place all the individuals I like come collectively below one roof. The power is all the time festive, heat, and full of a lot pleasure. There’s all the time nice music, a stupendous grazing desk — I actually love feeding individuals — and the complete house feels celebratory. Friends from the business, in addition to my closest private circle, all attempt to come by. Many of them I don’t get to host usually due to my schedule, so Diwali turns into that one second the place all of us take pleasure in one another’s firm. It’s a time of connection, celebration and gratitude. And for me, it’s considered one of the traditions of the 12 months.
NCS: If you’re celebrating with family members round a desk, what are the most vital elements of that celebration?
MM: For me, for those who’re celebrating with family members round a desk, it has to be the meals! I like a desk that feels plentiful and welcoming. Good meals has this magical means of bringing everybody collectively, making them calm down, giggle, and keep just a bit longer.
This interview has been edited for size.
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