MANISH ARORA
FASHION DESIGNER
You are the most famous Indian fashion designer. In your work do you consider that you bring East to West or the opposite or both?
With my first few international shows, I most definitely brought the east to the west and the contrary. Although, over the last 12 years, both me and my brand have evolved into an identity which is a reflection of my life, my experiences, my travels, my inspirations, the people I have met and the friends I have made along the journey.... which is so much more vast than just "the east and the west".
When you are in Delhi what is your daily routine?
My routine in Delhi is that of a person with a 9 to 5 job (for real!). I am almost always the first person to arrive at work. I spend the majority of the day working with my team at our studio-atelier, which is inevitably followed by work meetings. I then either catch up with old friends over a couple of beers or go home to binge watch TV shows on Netflix.
Which big cities you prefer in India?
Mumbai Delhi ….Varanasi always helps me reboot and refresh, making it my favourite city in the country. I'm not quite sure if it's the spiritual vibe of the city, or the stunning Banarasi silk that they produce that acts as the stimulus.
Which part of India would you recommend most for tourism?
Kerala Pondichery Goa Jaipur….
Each state in India has something different to offer. Off the top of my head, recommendations from my personal experience would be ......
To experience :
the power of spirituality : Varanasi
the backwaters and beaches : Kerala
the iconic Taj Mahal : Agra
the grandeur of the Himalayas : Leh-Ladakh
the forts and palaces : Rajasthan
colours, music and food : Punjab
the city life (and spicy street food) - Delhi and Bombay
the night life - Goa
How is night life in Delhi?
Night life in Delhi is growing in full swing, Delhi is today house to some of the best international bars. But when I'm in Delhi I prefer intimate get togethers at home or at cozy restaurants.
How is social life in India?
Social life in the metropolitan cities in India essentially consists of people from the film industry, industrialists, designers, artists, restauranteurs, journalists ! And despite a population of over 18 million (of cities such as Delhi and Bombay), everybody seems to know everybody else. There's lots of parties, drama, gossip, fun.... the works. It is Bollywood in all its glory! And I absolutely love it.... perhaps because I get to experience it only occasionally.
