Whatever the season's fantastical setting—Ladies Who Gaga or Art Deco—editors speak of a Manish Arora showing as one of the most magical experiences of fashion week. Arora is a man with an exceptional flair for the theatrical and his runway tableaux are likened to performance art. Based in Delhi, the designer—who launched his label 'Manish Arora' in 1997 and prêt label 'Fish Fry' in 2001—has been delivering the drama since 2000 when his collection at the debut India Fashion Week launched him onto the scene.

Beading, sequins, marriage of florescent colors and flamboyant motifs is among Arora's signatures—his spring summer 2011 collection showcased in the Salle Wagram, Paris featured elaborate beading, multicolored patterns and a line of crystal dresses inspired by the 1960s Miami Art of Hiroshi Nagai. From the circus to golden urns, no reference is off-the-wall for Arora. The designer is in expansion mode collaborating with Reebok for a line of shoes titled 'Fish Fry for Reebok', with Inspec for sunglasses, with Good Earth for luxury crockery titled 'Manish Arora for Good Earth', with Mercedes for a range of accessories and more recently a project wth Nespresso. He is also former Creative Director of Pacco Rabanne. 

"i love collaborating with brands and artists. It takes your scale of designing to the next level," he explains. "Really, what is today a ‘one off’ project', I also see as a great learning curve. It has been wonderful to discover through my various collaborations how Nivea crème, Nespresso coffee, Swarovski crystals, Swatch watches, and Reebok shoes are created. It all also adds to my design talent...  opens my mind to explore various mediums. Through such collaborations you learn so much and evolve in the process." Well, the latest feather in his cap is an e-commerce store!

— Jasmeen Dugal