What happens when one of the most coveted hair care and styling brands meets one of the coolest designers in India? A seriously vibrant, quirky and fun fashion product hits the shelve (for a limited period, of course). Meet Manish Arora’s kaleidoscopic multi-coloured pouch for Toni&Guy—a bag so aesthetically matching with the designer’s avant-garde vision—you’ll instantly know it’s an Arora at first glance.
In an exclusive chat with Vogue, Arora speaks about his inspirations, design challenges and his style favourites.
Tell us about this collaboration with Toni & Guy – how did it come along?
Toni & Guy, as a brand, has been very close to my heart as I had also collaborated with the brand when it was launched in India. I was very fascinated with the philosophy of the brand that time around as well, as ‘dressing from the head down’ is something that I endorse too, which is very evident from the elaborate headgear that my models sport on the ramp. When they approached me again for the ‘style bag’ they wanted me to design, I was more than happy to comply
Tell us about the design and how it intersperses your aesthetics with Toni & Guy?
The design is reminiscent of fluoro Art Deco accents, incorporated with kaleidoscopic botanicals. The vibrancy of the design is something that resonates perfectly with the eclectic nature of the brand too. I have noticed that Toni & Guy is always collaborating with designers that bring a lot of their personal style and nuances to the table—they believe in fashion as a holistic entity; that your personal style and how you carry yourself is just as important as how you do your hair.
What was the inspiration behind this kaleidoscopic print and colours?
The inspiration behind the print is the 1920s rave party art deco period. Envisioning Josephine Baker at a rave party. A graphic black and white Victor Vasarely inspired motif evokes the restaurant tiles of smoky Paris bars and heady nights in the City of Light.
Your favourite hairstyle on a woman.
My collection is for women who balance subtlety with absolute panache. Windswept mohawks reflect badass attitude, eccentric yet eclectic style which perfectly expresses the Manish Arora woman.
A Manish Arora woman is…
With such out-there designs, the typical Manish Arora woman is not the shy, retiring type. I always say “the Manish Arora-wearer is someone who can go out in the crowd and not mind being noticed.”
What did you want to be when you were eight years old?
Do you really think that much at that nascent age!
The longest time you’ve taken to create something and what was it?
All our pieces are very exquisitely crafted and involve long working hours. Instantly I get the butterfly dress in my mind, it took long but we thoroughly enjoyed the process.
Which colours beckon you everytime and why?
Pink and gold for sure.
Forever functional or eternally extravagant?
Eternally extravagant, and functional.
When you start work on a collection, what are the first few things you do?
Travel and observe, and keep myself fully aware of things happening around not limiting myself to fashion per se, to start with.
Craziest hairstyle you’ve tried or seen on someone and where?
Craziest things in the burning man festival. I am usually there every year and I love it.
Who’s style do you love?
Madonna and Grimes
What is the quickest way of adding an element of cool to your style?
Great watch or shoes.
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