Gold has always occupied a powerful place in Indian fashion, but in the wrong hands, it can tip into excess. Nora Fatehi’s latest appearance in a Manish Malhotra creation proves that when craftsmanship
meets control, metallics become timeless rather than theatrical. This is not an outfit designed to glitter loudly, but it holds attention through precision, proportion, and purpose.
At the heart of the ensemble lies a peplum corset that immediately distinguishes the look. Sculpted and architectural, it introduces a strong Western couture silhouette while remaining rooted in Indian design sensibilities. The corset defines the waist with confidence, offering structure without rigidity. On Nora Fatehi, it reads less like a trend piece and more like modern armour – assertive, elegant, and unapologetically feminine.
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What sets this look apart is its thoughtful use of contrast. Deep Bordeaux and navy borders frame the golden base, breaking the monochrome with intention. Rather than overwhelming the ensemble, these accents lend dimension and richness, guiding the eye across the garment. It’s a subtle reminder that couture thrives on restraint as much as opulence – a balance Manish Malhotra has long mastered.
The embroidery tells a story of heritage without nostalgia. Executed in traditional zardozi, the intricate metallic threadwork and mirror detailing add texture and luminosity. Yet, paired with clean lines and sculpted tailoring, the craftsmanship feels resolutely modern. The embroidery doesn’t merely decorate the outfit; it reinforces its structure, catching light in measured flashes that enhance movement rather than dominate it.
Flowing from the corset is a column-style fishtail skirt that elongates the frame and introduces a sense of drama through form rather than volume. Designed to skim the body before subtly flaring at the hem, the skirt balances precision with fluidity. Polki button detailing and echoed borders ensure visual continuity, creating a look that feels cohesive from every angle.
Nora Fatehi’s Manish Malhotra moment is a lesson in modern glamour: invest in sculpted silhouettes, let heritage craftsmanship anchor contemporary cuts, and allow colour contrast to elevate metallics. The result is fashion that feels powerful, polished, and unmistakably current.
