A year for causes

After giving a boost to craftsmen in UP and Kashmir, Manish Malhotra now unveils a new collection for cancer patients, reports Roshmila Bhattacharya.

Designers Manish Malhotra and Shaina NC are joining hands to organise a fashion show today, for the benefit of cancer patients. Manish, who will be unveiling a new collection in cherry red and his signature beige and ivory in a grand finale, will have 50 models walking for him, 25 men and 25 women.

HT Image

“In the past too Shaina had approached me to collaborate with her on various causes but then I was really busy, rushing from a movie to a wedding to working on new designs. But this year, I have decided to reach out to as many people as I can,” says Manish, who is working with the chikankari workers in Kaifa Azmi's native village in UP, Mijwan, and in January had showcased the young craftswomen in a star-studded show.

He’s also working with embroidery workers in Kashmir, taking their needlepoint beyond shawls to hi-fashion garments. “After designing for movies for 20 years and having a label for six, its time I connected with real people and proved that glamour and clothes are not restricted to just models and the ramp,” he reasons.

Kajol will be the chief guest at the show. Manish is delighted that one of his favourite stars, who has worn his designs in various movies and the catwalk, has joined hands with him for this cause. He says, “I know she's really busy with her two kids so the fact that she can make time to be at the show is heartwarming.”