Manish Malhotra Shares How Alia Bhatt’s Sangeet Lehenga Was Crafted From Fabric Leftovers
Alia Bhatt has never shied away from bold choices, whether on screen or in style. Her latest fashion statement isn’t just about glamour, it’s about sustainability. On a recent episode of Pitch to Get Rich, where fashion met eco-consciousness, designer Manish Malhotra revealed the surprising story behind Alia’s sangeet lehenga.
When Akshay Kumar asked about sustainable fashion, fashion creator Dipa Khosla highlighted the influence of Gen Z. “The next generation of consumers, that is Gen Z, are very fashion-aware. They see who has worn recycled outfits. As a person whose job is to dress up, I think re-wearing is the perfect role model move you can make,” she explained, using Alia as the perfect example.
Manish Malhotra shared that Alia herself suggested reworking her mehendi outfit. “Alia’s mehendi outfit was her idea. She asked me if I had swatches or leftovers from pieces that were made for her in the past. As a designer, I keep a record of the work I have done. So, her lehenga was made from leftovers,” he said.
The lehenga is a labor of love: 180 textile patches featuring block prints, chikankari, Kashmiri embroidery, and elements from Alia’s past outfits, meticulously crafted over 3,000 hours by skilled Mijwan women. It weaves together bandhani, Banarasi brocade, jacquard, and delicate kacha resham knots into a stunning ensemble.
But the story doesn’t end there. Alia didn’t just upcycle her lehenga, she recycled it, wearing it again at Manish’s Diwali party. She switched her casual beach waves for a chic updo and accessorized with statement kundan and polki chaandbalis, proving that sustainable fashion can be glamorous.
Akshay also shared a personal note on sustainability, revealing his son’s love for thrift shopping. “My son is the biggest brand ambassador of sustainability. He is into thrift shopping. I have told him, your father can buy so many things. But he insists he wants to buy from thrift stores and took me along. I also bought a few things, and I understood why he was doing it. And as you said, Gen Z is more aware,” he said, emphasizing how Gen Z is redefining fashion norms.
Alia’s lehenga is a reminder that fashion can be daring, beautiful, and responsible, all at once.
When Akshay Kumar asked about sustainable fashion, fashion creator Dipa Khosla highlighted the influence of Gen Z. “The next generation of consumers, that is Gen Z, are very fashion-aware. They see who has worn recycled outfits. As a person whose job is to dress up, I think re-wearing is the perfect role model move you can make,” she explained, using Alia as the perfect example.
Manish Malhotra shared that Alia herself suggested reworking her mehendi outfit. “Alia’s mehendi outfit was her idea. She asked me if I had swatches or leftovers from pieces that were made for her in the past. As a designer, I keep a record of the work I have done. So, her lehenga was made from leftovers,” he said.
The lehenga is a labor of love: 180 textile patches featuring block prints, chikankari, Kashmiri embroidery, and elements from Alia’s past outfits, meticulously crafted over 3,000 hours by skilled Mijwan women. It weaves together bandhani, Banarasi brocade, jacquard, and delicate kacha resham knots into a stunning ensemble.
But the story doesn’t end there. Alia didn’t just upcycle her lehenga, she recycled it, wearing it again at Manish’s Diwali party. She switched her casual beach waves for a chic updo and accessorized with statement kundan and polki chaandbalis, proving that sustainable fashion can be glamorous.
Akshay also shared a personal note on sustainability, revealing his son’s love for thrift shopping. “My son is the biggest brand ambassador of sustainability. He is into thrift shopping. I have told him, your father can buy so many things. But he insists he wants to buy from thrift stores and took me along. I also bought a few things, and I understood why he was doing it. And as you said, Gen Z is more aware,” he said, emphasizing how Gen Z is redefining fashion norms.
Alia’s lehenga is a reminder that fashion can be daring, beautiful, and responsible, all at once.
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