The Indian bridal market is flooded with replicas of designer lehengas, where many sellers take pride in selling cheap copies of renowned Indian designers and call them ‘original’ pieces or ‘first copies’. Leading the market are Manish Malhotra’s designer lehengas, where every other bling piece is named after him in some shops. But if one truly wishes to opt for a real Manish Malhotra lehenga, then what should they do? Do not worry, as this shaadi season, if you’re looking for an original Manish Malhotra piece, then take a keen look at these details before finalising your choice.Check the intricate work on the lehengaIf you wish to buy an original Manish Malhotra piece, study his detailed work and examine it carefully before purchasing. Most Manish Malhotra pieces are hand-embroidered and do not include fast machine work. This requires you to pay close attention: each sequin and thread twist will have a neat finish, but not a perfectly clear base. Understand the difference between handmade and machine-made—hand embroidery will have some loose ends on the inner side of the lehenga. You will understand the difference by touching the embroidery and feeling the edges.
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Understand the budget breakupWe understand that you get married only once, and for the big day, every bride wishes to wear a signature designer lehenga. But buying an original designer piece is honestly not everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you’re getting a very reasonable deal for an “original” designer lehenga, then it’s surely a fake. Manish Malhotra’s designs are adorned by top-notch celebrities, and the designer’s craftsmanship includes super luxurious details that demand higher prices to justify the artisans’ work and value. Only purchase from flagship storesBig designers like Manish Malhotra never collaborate with multi-designer fashion stores. They have their own flagship stores across the country, where you will first be given a POC to contact, and only after an appointment can you come in for selection, fittings, and customisations. So, if you want an authentic piece, the only option is to directly visit their flagship stores or official online portals. Take a close look at the blouse and dupatta combinationsWhen you opt for an original Manish Malhotra lehenga, many people focus only on the lehenga skirt, which is the most appealing, show-stealing part of the ensemble. But one must also check the blouse and dupatta, as MM designs have a barcode and a number attached to them, containing all the information about the set. So, next time you’re in any designer store, start by scanning the barcode; if you find no information, then it’s definitely fake.
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Packaging matters a lotBig designers like Manish Malhotra pack their pieces in stunning boxes with original logos, proving that the brand is not just any other but a symbol of luxury. Manish Malhotra’s original lehenga box is white in colour, with his name printed across it in his signature shining yellow. So, if your lehenga is given away in a giant cloth bag, understand that you have a fake one in hand.
Always check the tag and nameEvery piece, from the dupatta and blouse to the lehenga skirt, will come with a tag and the designer’s name. Most designer lehengas have specific names assigned to them. A Manish Malhotra lehenga will surely have the brand’s name, the name of the collection, and a barcode containing all the details of the piece. Each item in their store is different and unique, and the barcode helps differentiate them easily. You will also find the same name and design on their official website. But if you don’t find similar information, then it’s a fake designer lehenga.
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