Renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling an unforgettable moment in his career—styling Michael Jackson for the 1998 Bollywood Awards in New York. In a throwback video shared on Instagram, Malhotra revealed that he created a modern sherwani for the music icon in just one day, without any prior measurements.
The man behind Bollywood’s most fashionable moments, Manish was approached by Kamal Dhandona and the late S.P. Hinduja, the show’s sponsors, with a once-in-a-lifetime request—to design an outfit for Michael Jackson. The opportunity left Malhotra both thrilled and challenged, as he had to craft an outfit for the global superstar in a limited time frame.
Recalling the experience, he wrote on Instagram:
“It was an Honour and so Exciting to be dressing Fabulous @michaeljackson at the Bollywood Awards… When I got a message to dress #michaeljackson, I was thrilled. At that time, in 1998, I wanted to blend a global infusion into the traditional sherwani cut, so I worked on a shorter sherwani with trousers and a shawl/stole in textured handloom with woven silk and brocade borders—all of it made in 1 day and without measurements… #memoriesforlife.”
The ensemble was a fusion of Indian heritage and global fashion, featuring a short sherwani, tailored trousers, and an elegantly draped shawl. The use of handloom textures, woven silk, and intricate brocade borders elevated the outfit, creating a perfect balance of opulence and modernity.
In the video, Michael Jackson can be seen expressing gratitude to Malhotra, saying: “Manish, thank you for your wonderful costume. I appreciate it very much.”
For Malhotra, this moment remains one of his most cherished career highlights. Dressing a legend like Michael Jackson, known for his revolutionary music and unique style, was not just a challenge but an extraordinary honour.
Malhotra, who was already making waves in Bollywood fashion, also won the Best Costume Award for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai at the same 1998 event. His influence in the world of couture has only grown since then, with his label dressing Bollywood’s biggest stars and making its mark on international red carpets, including his Golden Globe debut with Guneet Monga in January 2024.
