India Show in Joburg offers top fashion design

Sarah Jane Dias in a Satya Paul.

Designer to the stars

Malhotra's areas of creativity span everything from Bollywood design to bridal couture, and he is regarded as a fashion pioneer. He is a hot favourite when it comes to dressing India's most beautiful and glamorous stars such as Kareena Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty (for whose engagement he designed a classic sari) and Aishwarya Rai, as well as stylish men like Sharukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan. Even Kylie Minogue, Jean-Claude van Damme and the late Michael Jackson have enjoyed the benefit of his styling acumen.

His newest couture collection, titled "Celebration," looks back at India over the years. The hues, fabrics, textures and embroidery that represent the country's rich culture are interpreted using a contemporary perspective, celebrating the various eras from the Mughal period to the Rajasthan royalty to contemporary bridal wear. Set in jewel tones and using luxurious fabrics like velvets and antique brocades, the collection amalgamates traditional zardosi and thread work with edgy, contemporary designs.

First launch of Paul's collection

Satya Paul's collection "Zen, Zest, Zip, Zap and Zing" is being presented for the very first time in Johannesburg. With soft silhouettes that are easy to wear, the collection features a mix of saris and western garments. Its underlying inspiration was to break away from colourful prints and highlights for the season and instead indulges in bold white graphic patterns on cheerful shades.

Celebrating 25 years of original design in the fashion industry, he has a designer label known globally for its signature prints, ingenuity of designs and a vivid colour palette. It has evolved from a quintessential Indian sari designer sari label to a brand positioned firmly in the arena of international couture, with extended product lines comprising saris, bridal wear, fusion and western clothing, and including women's scarves and bags as well as men's accessories such as ties, cufflinks, wallets, belts, writing instruments and fabrics.