Fashion icon Manish Malhotra at NIF Global Borivali campus in Mumbai
~ From couture insights to the ‘Style It Like Manish’ design challenge, India’s iconic designer sparks creativity and runway confidence among Mumbai’s young design prodigies ~
The city’s bustling fashion circuit witnessed a dazzling celebration of youth, couture, and creative brilliance as NIF Global Borivali hosted an exclusive interactive afternoon with India’s undisputed king of high fashion, Manish Malhotra. Designed to nurture, elevate, and inspire Mumbai’s emerging design talent, the event brought together aspiring stylists and couturiers for a lively blend of masterclass conversations, hands-on styling challenges, and student felicitations.
The afternoon kicked off with an energetic welcome and felicitation ceremony, spotlighting standout student achievements and setting a vibrant tone for a day dedicated to fashion-forward thinking.
The undeniable centerpiece of the event was an intimate, high-octane talk show with Manish Malhotra himself. Students got an insider’s view into his iconic career trajectory, learning what it takes to build a global luxury label while staying true to authentic Indian craftsmanship.
Translating inspiration into action, the event rolled right into the “Style It Like Manish” Design Challenge. The hands-on runway contest invited students to re-interpret glamour through their unique creative lens—experimenting with textures, drapes, and bold aesthetics under the watchful eye of the industry legend.
Inspirational Insights & Iconic Mentorship
Stepping beyond the glitz of the runway, India’s most coveted fashion icon and couturier, Manish Malhotra, shared deep reflections on why mentoring the next generation remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of his journey. Emphasizing the importance of hands-on connection, he remarked:
“For me, the most meaningful way of giving baX,..ck is by giving my time, experience, and perspective to the next generation. It’s about meeting young students, interacting with them, and understanding how they think. I’ve been associated with NIF Global for several years now, and every interaction with Gen Z students is incredibly enriching. Guiding them, encouraging them, and reassuring them that they can achieve their goals is something I truly believe in. I feel every artist—whether a director, actor, or designer—has a responsibility to inspire, guide, and give back.”
Adding a lively spark to the afternoon, Tisha Khosla, Author and Creative Educator at NIF Global Corporate, moderated an engaging and warm chat session. Her playful moderation broke the ice, encouraging aspiring design students to shed their hesitation, ask bold questions, and exchange creative perspectives directly with their idol in a relaxed, interactive atmosphere.
Spotlight on Next-Gen Talent & Student Exhibitions
The highlight of the day was the Student Work Exhibition, where the spotlight turned entirely onto the young prodigies. Displaying a breathtaking array of concepts, textures, and mood boards, students presented their personal design journeys to Manish Malhotra. The fashion legend walked through the showcase, taking time to admire their individuality, critique their creative processes, and offer personalized feedback—an unforgettable moment of validation for every young designer in the room.
Highlighting NIF Global’s commitment to real-world fashion education, Tanbeer Bhatia emphasized how access to global industry leaders sets their students apart:
“At NIF Global, we strongly believe that meaningful industry exposure plays a vital role in shaping the future of young creative professionals. Interactions with icons such as Manish Malhotra provide students with invaluable insights, inspiration, and confidence. Our aim has always been to create opportunities that allow students to learn directly from industry leaders and gain an edge even before they step into the professional world.”
Under the vision and leadership of Tanbeer Bhatia, Monty Bhatia, and Mita Agrawal, NIF Global Borivali and South Mumbai continue to redefine fashion education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world couture. This unforgettable afternoon with Manish Malhotra was a shining reminder that true design excellence thrives on hands-on experimentation, bold self-expression, and the courage to build a distinct creative voice. As these young prodigies step into the spotlight, Lifestyles of Mumbai celebrates a new wave of talent ready to shape the future of fashion in our city and beyond!
#ManishMalhotra #NIFGlobal #GlobalNewsmakers
