Manish Arora’s first major retrospective exhibition, titled “Life Is Beautiful,” opened at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta, showcasing the designer’s iconic maximalist style. Known for his extravagant and opulent creations, Arora has been hailed as an Indian fashion legend and one of the most extreme designers in Paris for years. The exhibition features a collection of unique pieces, including a simple fuschia button-down shirt with silver metallic florals that holds sentimental value as it belonged to one of his late great friends. Arora’s work is a blend of vibrant colors, intricate hand-embellishments, and a mix of cultural references ranging from Burning Man to Goa’s trance dance parties.
Collaborating with Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at SCAD FASH, Arora reached out to his biggest collectors and clients to secure pieces for the exhibition. Many of the garments on display are one-of-a-kind and showcase the designer’s boundary-pushing creativity. A standout piece is a Paris-themed rainbow skirt depicting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, hand-stitched with meticulous detail. Arora’s dedication to creating unique and unforgettable fashion pieces is evident throughout the exhibition, where visitors can witness his exceptional craftsmanship and imagination.
Inside the exhibition, visitors are treated to a visual feast of surreal scenarios and dream-like settings. Different themes such as dessert-inspired walls and fantasy sections transport viewers into Arora’s whimsical world. The exhibition is divided into 13 themes that encapsulate the designer’s diverse body of work, including a showcase of his legendary jewelry pieces that blend traditional ceremonial dress elements with playful motifs like pineapples and unicorns. Childhood photographs and hand-written notes offer a personal glimpse into Arora’s creative journey, highlighting his ability to blur the lines between fashion, art, and fantasy.
Arora’s influence extends beyond the fashion world, with celebrities like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj wearing his bold and innovative designs. The exhibition celebrates his contributions to the industry and his unique perspective as an Indian designer. From his early collections in the late 1990s to his groundbreaking shows at London and Paris Fashion Weeks, Arora has continuously pushed the boundaries of fashion with his larger-than-life creations. The retrospective not only showcases his incredible talent but also pays homage to his late friend Catherine Levy, whose treasured shirt inspired one of the exhibition’s most poignant pieces.
Visitors to the exhibition are immersed in a sensory experience that captures the essence of Arora’s design philosophy: “pink and gold are my religion.” His intricate pieces, such as a Swarovski crystal dress made of jigsaw puzzle pieces and a floor-length gown adorned with leather-like butterflies, invite viewers to explore the intersection of art, fashion, and storytelling. The exhibition serves as a tribute to Arora’s colorful and imaginative world, showcasing his unparalleled ability to create wearable fantasies that transcend cultural boundaries and inspire awe and wonder in those who experience his work.
