Dear Shaded Viewers,
For his debut at Paris Haute Couture Week, Manish Malhotra chose to tell a deeply personal story. MAA is rooted in the bond between a mother and her child, unfolding through four chapters titled Cocoon, Bond, Becoming, and Abundance. Together, they trace a journey from protection and belonging to identity and legacy, transforming intimate memories into the language of couture.
In an exclusive conversation I had with Manish Malhotra, which you can watch below, the designer shared how MAA was inspired by his mother, Garima Oberoi, whose recent passing shaped the emotional foundation of the collection. “Before every creation comes the one who made us,” he reflects in the collection statement, a sentiment that resonates throughout every chapter and gives the work its quiet emotional depth.
That intimacy is expressed through remarkable craftsmanship. Sculptural volumes gradually give way to fluid draping, while architectural tailoring meets the richness of India’s artisanal traditions. Vintage salli embroidery, zardozi, resham, crystal work, and meticulous hand embroidery celebrate generations of savoir-faire. Blush tones, floral motifs inspired by his mother’s favorite flowers, and jewelry-like embellishments become discreet gestures of remembrance, woven naturally into every silhouette.
Photography by Isidore Montag
MAA is a beautiful couture collection and, above all, a deeply moving tribute to the memory of Garima Oberoi, Manish Malhotra’s mother. My deepest respects to her memory, and to Manish, his family, and all those who loved her.
Yours digitally,
Pedro
