Exclusive: Manish Malhotra Talks Dressing Nita Ambani—“Her Passion for Indian Craftsmanship Inspired Us”

Designing couture for the world’s most high-profile wedding is no small feat. We learned this firsthand in our conversation with Manish Malhotra, the visionary designer behind the stunning ensembles worn by the Ambani family at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding.

Every time Manish Malhotra brought Mrs. Nita Ambani’s vision to life, his sartorial brilliance shone through. His creations showcased exceptional craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and a deep reverence for India’s textile and couture heritage.

In an exclusive interview with iDiva, Malhotra shares his approach to designing couture for Mrs. Nita Ambani, highlighting the process for both the wedding and the Paris Olympics 2024.

On Designing Couture for Nita Ambani:

Malhotra emphasizes his commitment to capturing India’s vibrant couture heritage through Nita Ambani’s outfits. He focuses on rich textiles, meticulous embroidery, and expert craftsmanship while ensuring the designs complement her sophisticated style.

“When creating outfits for Mrs. Nita Mukesh Ambani, I draw on her profound love for Indian heritage, a sentiment I share deeply,” Malhotra explains. “We crafted ensembles that marry the rich cultural tapestry of India with contemporary elegance.”

He continues, “Each piece celebrates timeless traditions through intricate handwork and age-old techniques, blending her personal style with the grandeur of Indian artistry. Our goal is to create outfits that honor our heritage while showcasing modern sophistication.”

On Inspiration for Nita Ambani’s Wedding Ensembles:

Malhotra aimed to highlight the splendor of traditional Indian textiles and craftsmanship through Nita Ambani’s wedding attire. “The inspiration for Mrs. Ambani’s wedding outfits was to merge Indian heritage with contemporary style, reflecting her love for traditional handlooms and her graceful elegance,” he says.

He adds, “We coordinated the color palettes, motifs, and embellishments with the wedding’s grandeur, creating a harmonious visual experience that enhanced the occasion’s splendor.”

On Nita Ambani’s Lotus Pink Saree for the Paris Olympics 2024:

For the inauguration of the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics 2024, Nita Ambani wore a sophisticated lotus pink saree designed by Malhotra. The saree, featuring exquisite Sozni and Kalamkari hand-embroidery, was a testament to her passion for Indian textiles.

Malhotra describes the design process: “Mrs. Ambani’s love for textiles inspired us to showcase Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. We chose a lotus pink hue and incorporated rare Sozni Kalamkari embroidery, traditionally found on shawls, to create a saree that reflects Indian heritage while standing out internationally.”

The saree, styled with pearl-based jewelry, exemplified both vibrancy and elegance, perfectly capturing the fusion of tradition and innovation.