Manish Malhotra: Aim Was To Seamlessly Integrate The Craftsmanship of Kashmir Into Everyday Moments

Are you ready for some mocha with Manish? A maverick on a mission, Manish Malhotra just made your coffee run more glamorous. Ask how? The ace couturier collaborated with Starbucks India and designed a range of limited-edition drinkware.

Bringing a piece of luxury to people’s lives and elevating their coffee drinking experience, Manish Malhotra, in conversation with News18, spilled the beans on how the merchandise reflects his love for timeless elegance and draws inspiration from Kashmiri embroidery.

Excerpts from the interview:

From costume, jewellery, makeup, film direction and now merchandise, you don many creative and glamorous hats. How do you manage to stay passionate and what makes this collaboration special?

Passion stems from creativity and I love what I do. The Starbucks collaboration adds a new dimension, allowing me to infuse design into my daily lifestyle, a delightful extension of my creative journey.

How was the experience creating the limited-edition lifestyle drinkware merchandise?

With this collection, we wanted to bring a piece of luxury to people’s lives and elevate their coffee-drinking experience. Personally, for me, crafting the limited-edition drinkware was like curating an accessory. Each piece carries a touch of glamour, echoing the essence of my designs.

We know you love to have your favourite hot cup next to you when you sit down to design. What specifications from your design sensibilities have you used for the merchandise?

The merchandise reflects my love for intricate detailing and timeless elegance. It embodies the essence of my design aesthetics, making it an integral part of the creative process.

Kashmir and its craftsmanship play an integral part in the design; what was the reason behind including Kashmir and its crafts?

Choosing Kashmir for the collection was a deliberate choice, as it holds a special place in my heart, serving as both a personal connection and a cornerstone of my brand’s identity. In crafting a signature collection for my collaboration with Starbucks, my aim was to seamlessly integrate the beauty and craftsmanship of Kashmir into everyday moments.

Why did you specifically pick floral motifs with intricate line detailing inside the petals?

Kashmiri embroidery, a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, uniquely captivates its traditional floral technique inspired by the region’s rich cultural heritage and breath-taking natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the timeless beauty of Kashmiri embroidery, a signature of my brand, I chose to showcase these intricate patterns.

Glamour is synonymous with the Manish Malhotra brand and the colour palette celebrates the same. Why did you choose the colours gold, black, white and deep red for the drinkware?

Gold, much like the intricate art and craft of Kashmir, embodies a sense of opulence and timelessness whereas the other colours evoke glamour and sophistication—hallmarks of the Manish Malhotra + Starbucks collaboration.

Sustainability plays an integral role in the world of fashion, how have you included the same in this collection? If you had to pick a favourite from the merchandise, which would be perfect to go with a Bun Tikki?

Sustainability is key. The collection demonstrates an eco-friendly angle here, aligning with contemporary values. As an ode to sustainability, the collection also features two reusable cups for everyday beverages, adding an element of style to your daily coffee. As for a favourite, I believe all pieces pair well with a Bun Tikki.