Manish Malhotra Designs Ivory Saree For Freida Pinto’s Character ‘Grace’
The designer draws inspiration from the Taj Mahal for a pristine creation.
Glendon Moss is a marketer and storyteller with over a decade of experience in digital campaigns, content strategy, writing and performance marketing. Currently heading video content at Incnut Digital, he’s driven brand engagement and revenue for leading D2C brands with campaigns that have earned both commercial impact and international acclaim.
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Acclaimed fashion designer Manish Malhotra has created an elegant ivory saree for actress Freida Pinto for her character Grace in the second season of the psychological thriller Surface. The designer shared a glimpse of this creation on Instagram, showcasing his iconic #mymmsaree collection with a timeless piece that reflects both tradition and sophistication.
In the video posted on Instagram, Freida Pinto can be seen walking down the aisle in the beautiful ivory saree. The saree appears to have delicate detailing that highlights Malhotra’s craftsmanship while complementing Pinto’s natural beauty.
The Inspiration Behind The Design
Manish Malhotra revealed that his design was inspired by the marble of the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most famous monuments known for its pristine white beauty. In his caption, Malhotra noted, “Ivory is a symbol of pristine elegance, and when I did get the brief I was inspired from the marble of the Taj Mahal, a monument dedicated to love and also my constant love for cinema.”
This connection between architectural beauty and fashion design showcases Malhotra’s ability to translate cultural heritage into wearable art. The choice of ivory not only represents elegance but also creates a canvas that highlights both the wearer and the craftsmanship of the garment itself.
Manish Malhotra’s career spans over three decades in the fashion industry, with significant contributions to Indian cinema. His breakthrough came with the film “Rangeela” (1995), for which he won his first Filmfare Award for Costume Design – a moment he recently reminisced about on social media.
In a nostalgic post earlier on his Instagram, Malhotra shared a memory of his first Filmfare Award, saying, “The first-ever Filmfare Award for Costume Design. It feels so nostalgic…” This post highlighted his long-standing relationship with cinema that continues to thrive today through creations like the ivory saree designed for Freida Pinto.
Malhotra has been sharing glimpses of his illustrious career on social media, including recreations of his past iconic designs. He recently reimagined a look from his 2006 Lakme Fashion Week showcase, which featured “a corset with a handwoven lace lehenga, a modern statement for that time which is such a style quotient even today.” This was part of the celebration of 25 years of Lakme Fashion.
He has also highlighted his work with legends of Indian cinema, including a recent post about designing for Rekha: “There is always a REKHA about our Iconic and Stunning Rekhaji dressed in a handwoven Chartreuse Banarasi Kora silk sari with gold and silver zari accentuated with a delicate hint of pink.”
The ivory saree designed for Freida Pinto continues Malhotra’s tradition of elevating the classic Indian garment. The designer’s #mymmsaree hashtag has become synonymous with his signature saree creations that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
Freida Pinto, known for her international breakthrough in the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire,” brings her global appeal to this traditional Indian attire, creating a perfect synergy between the actress and the designer’s vision.
This collaboration between Manish Malhotra and Freida Pinto for her character Grace showcases how traditional Indian wear continues to evolve while maintaining its timeless appeal on both Indian and international platforms.
Malhotra’s creative process often draws from various sources of inspiration. In his post about the ivory saree, he connects his love for cinema with architectural beauty, demonstrating how different art forms influence his designs. This multidisciplinary approach has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to create pieces that resonate across cultural boundaries.
As one of India’s most celebrated designers, Manish Malhotra continues to push the boundaries of fashion while honoring traditional craftsmanship. The ivory saree designed for Freida Pinto’s character Grace stands as another testament to his enduring legacy in fashion and film.
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