Q. How does it feel to become the first Indian designer to launch a full-fledged skincare range?
A. My passion leads the way in whatever I take up. Manish Malhotra Beauty is the first-ever haute-couture make-up range from an Indian design house and we take pride in that. We are leading the way with our skincare range. Skincare and make-up go hand-in-hand and, in fact, I feel I started off late. However, the love I receive is overwhelming. Personally speaking, I can’t wait to see the response of my clients and brand enthusiasts out there for this skincare range.
Q. What inspired the new skincare collection?
A. During the pandemic, we came closer to Mother Nature than ever before. Not only did we connect with our roots but believed in our Indian heritage and skin rituals that have been tried and tested for ages. We thought to celebrate this shift in attitude through our products, which we have always stood for. From locally sourced ingredients to supporting and encouraging local artisans, this skincare range stands true in all its capacity to the ethos of Manish Malhotra.
Q. With Make in India and Vocal for Local being the buzzwords this year, does this skincare range stay true to that by using Indian ingredients?
A. Our brand strongly supports the nationwide call for #VocalforLocal. In fact, that’s the philosophy of our brand. The new skincare range is inspired by and made in India, and it brings time-tested organic ingredients as a complete solution to our skincare concerns. The brand is highlighting the concept of #skinheritance, i.e., skin rituals that have been passed on to generations and comprise time-tested ingredients. While our formulations might evolve, the core ingredients for skincare remain the same. We aim at encouraging people to follow these age old remedies to heal and protect their skin.
Q. What led you to start your own make-up and beauty range?
A. As a costume designer, from the very start of my career, I’ve always been integrally involved in make-up for the characters. It was also about realising how a garment is well complemented by a good makeup look – you realise the power of beauty and fashion together. They are separate elements but, together, they contribute to an entire look or character and personality. Fashion and beauty truly go hand in hand, and personally, because I come from the background of film fashion, it’s even more important.
Q. Do you believe that the lockdown and pandemic have led to people concentrating more on taking care of themselves, their skin and their overall health?
A. Definitely. The pandemic has made us realise how important it is to have a healthy lifestyle. People are now focused on healthy eating options, more hygiene checks, recycling fashion along with an increased usage of and preference for clean beauty products that are skin and environment friendly.
Q. What’s a lockdown lesson that you learnt over this past unprecedented year?
A. That you live and appreciate what is existing, express more gratitude and be more thankful and appreciative, and celebrate your life.
Q. It’s been a difficult year for the fashion industry. How do you believe 2021 will be?
A. As a person, I’m positive and always try to look at the positive side of things. Personally speaking, the response to the brand has been encouraging and I am of the opinion that 2021 will be great. We will do well.
Q. Have you made any resolutions for 2021?
A. Not yet, but we usually fail at resolutions. Instead, I feel it should be about continuous development and work.