Manish Malhotra Presents “Blue Runway”

This month marks International Women’s Day as well as Women’s History Month across the globe so it was fitting that Manish Malhotra would pay tribute to women with his Summer/Resort collection at Lakme Fashion Week. It’s fashion with a conscience, something Malhotra has championed in the past, most notably showcasing the exquisite chikankari?embroidery of Mijwan women in his collections throurgh his?work with the Mijwan Welfare Society. In addition to the financial support it provided, Malhotra’s collaboration with the women over the last several years has also helped to revive and refine the art form.

This season, the cause was not just regional but global. Malhotra partnered with WEvolve?, an international campaign aimed at challenging?the societal norms that lead to gender-based violence,?one of the least recognized human rights abuses in the world.?The campign officially kicked off with Malhotra’s show in Mumbai titled “Blue Runway.” Blue was indeed the predominate color in the collection, ranging from powder blue to midnight, and featured a diffusion line of occasion wear saris, lehengas, soft flowing dresses and long jackets over cigarette pants. There were also pops of yellow against the blue, signifying the promise of?a brighter, happier future. The detailed work on the garments featured mirror work and raised thread embrodery to mimic a 3D effect. Below are a few of my favorite looks from the collection!

In addition to front row regulars like Bollywood actresses Sridevi, Deepika Padukone, and Jacqueline Fernandes, also on hand to lend her support to the WEvolve campaign was Amerian actress Rosario Dawson, who wore a beautiful lehenga from the designer’s new collection.