Designer Manish Malhotra’s first store in Hyderabad has all the makings of a landmark façade. Screaming grandeur with the name of the label in gold on a palatial white building, the celebrity designer’s New Delhi store is also set to open on August 22. Meanwhile, we manage to get a sneak peek into the resplendent Hyderabad outlet. “I am still working on the store, fixing the little teething issues. Once all of it is done, we will have a grand opening,” says Manish, as we sit down on the plush emerald green sofas, strategically placed right beneath awe-inspiring chandeliers. The store, which Manish co-owns with fashion entrepreneur Kamini Saraf, is spread over a sprawling 15,000 sq.ft. much like the one in Delhi. As you walk into the store, you find yourself fascinated by the high ceilings and the pristine white walls laced with the occasional gold of the doors. But beyond that, it has clean lines, minimalistic white drapes, which look out to a vast swathe of green, thanks to the vibrant foliage outside the outlet. The store has enough sections to house all his verticals, wedding wear, menswear, his make-up line, home décor and accessories as well — the last two being unveiled in Hyderabad by September 1.
“I like white — a lot of flowers, plants and white, space, mirror and it is a perfect blend of Indian and modern with clean lines. I want to make my patrons feel comfortable as if it were my drawing room,” says the designer, looking visibly excited. The moment you enter, you spot the menswear line in rich blues and velvets and mannequins that don his exquisitely woven evening ensembles — all in gold hues.
As you walk past the seating and the black and white images of all the showstoppers he has had through the years, you notice the stunning designs for the ladies — the likes of which can easily be imagined on the who’s who of Bollywood. Apart from the uber glamorous evening wear, one can also see some relaxed dresses in yellows and fuchsias, beside the menswear section. We eagerly await the opening of the sections that will comprise his accessories and home décor sections, which are set to open here in the first week of September.
Steering clear from the obvious designer district like Banjara Hills, he chose this spot in Jubilee Hills because Manish admits that he always wanted an individual identity for the store. “I always wanted a store away from everyone else’s just because my sartorial storytelling is different,” says the designer.
Price on request.
Pics: Vinay Madapu