Manish Malhotra on Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor: Both are style icons for millions of Indians

Ace Bollywood fashion designer Manish Malhotra has roped in actors Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor to walk the ramp for his show to celebrate the seventh edition of his label in association with the Mijwan Welfare Society. He believes that both the actors are fashion inspirations in their own way.

"I am thrilled to have Deepika and Ranbir as showstoppers for the Walk of Mijwan. I have worked with them before in 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and they both are not only fantastic actors but style icons for millions of Indians," Malhotra told IANS over an email.

"In Deepika I find the confidence, grace and femininity that embodies the inspiration of my collection. Ranbir has an effortless sense of style and what he wears, he truly owns. His panache and magnetism compliment what a Manish Malhotra man is," he added.

Malhotra will showcase the variations of Chikankari along with elegant embroidery technique with Mijwan Summer 2018 that will take place on April 9 at Grand Hyatt in Mumbai.

"The craft of Chikankari forms the very foundation of the Mijwan collection. In terms of execution and aesthetic, the beauty of Chikan embroidery is that it's very versatile - it looks as good on a Western silhouette as it does on a lehenga," said Malhotra about his love for Chikankari.

He also says that Mijwan to him is a microcosm of what India has to offer the world.

"What we had started off as a passion project with 40 women in 2010 has now grown to empower over 400 women today. It's a tremendous, collaborative effort to enable these women earn their livelihood with sheer talent, helping them negotiate their position in a traditional, patriarchal society. This is not an act of charity, we need them as much as they need us. Also, it's the least we can do for the sustainable revival of the craft.