MANISH MALHOTRA He has dressed the biggest stars in the industry and it is no surprise then that when you think B’town fashion at its best one of the first names that comes to mind is Manish Malhotra. The costume designer, stylist and couturier is known to envision a ‘look’ for the character he is outfitting. He has transformed many an actress’s look, and his finishing touches have often led to their signal success at the box-office. Malhotra brings his unique genius to IIFA this year to make his mark there. On the clothes that he will be showing, the fashion-savvy and suave designer says, “My collection is inspired from the textures of the Mughal period. It is infused with British Raj influences but without diluting any contemporary signature perspective.”
	NANDITA MAHTANI After showcasing her creations at an IPL bash in Mumbai, Nandita Mahtani of Ananya takes her glam line to the film extravaganza to up the fashion quotient in her own style. Her designs, as she has often said and shown, are primarily Western with a bit of fusion. Fusion comes into the picture with the separates, embellished with embroidery, sequins and beadwork. Mahtani says, “I am quite excited to be on a platform like IIFA where you are exposed to a worldwide audience. A different concept is being planned out this time where there will be entertaining acts as well and the experience could not get better.” As to what she will be showing, she states, “It is basically evening wear, all Western. I will have celebrities walking, showing the sexy feminine look. There will be a lot of sequins. Each piece is bound to stand out – I have a variety from dressy gowns to short dresses with an emphasis on the glam sexy avatar. Colour wise, I have played around with a palette of blacks, whites, green, emeralds and of course gold – sometimes muted on each.”
	VIKRAM PHADNIS Vikram Phadnis loves designing for films and stars because according to him at some level they influence our society. Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen are his favourites and he keeps in mind their attitude, comfort and style while designing for them. By his own admission, “whatever identity the brand has today is thanks to Indian cinema and the actors and actresses I have worked with.” On the changing styles in Bollywood, Phadnis opines, “Bollywood styles are changing but the changes are in attribute to the characteristics. Films are more character driven and clothes are not larger-than-life.” Being at IIFA is an honour and he says, “It always feel good that your art is recognised and IIFA is a platform to celebrate cinema and it’s an honour to showcase your collections in front of the entire industry on that night.” The collection that the designer is showcasing is a kaleidoscope of fabrics, colours and refined embellishments. He points out, “Bringing back the old Mughal influences, the collection celebrates the vivacious and buoyant spirits of artistic motifs on gentle fluid drapes in vivid colours. A section is inspired from the mystery of the darkness – all black and gold. We close the show with a tribute to Rajasthan – vibrant colours set against the backdrop of Salim-Sulaiman’s melodious music.”

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