Manish Malhotra Proudly Responds to Khloé Kardashian’s ‘Local Designer’ Comment

Post by : Saif Nasser

Celebrity fashion designer Manish Malhotra, known for his long and successful 30-year career, recently spoke about Khloé Kardashian calling him a “local designer.” Even though the phrase created a huge buzz online, Manish shared that he took the comment in a positive and light-hearted way. He said he is proud to be from Mumbai and carries his identity with happiness wherever he goes.

The discussion came up during his November 28 interview with Faye D’Souza. Manish shared that he has always loved Mumbai and India, and being called “local” does not hurt him at all. He explained that he sees it as a part of who he is—someone who grew up in Mumbai, worked hard, built a global name, and still feels connected to his roots.

Manish said, “I am local. Very proud, Mumbaiyakar. I’m from Mumbai. And I always will be. Mumbai is my most favourite city, which I absolutely love. And India. And Indians. So I am local. Yeah, that was completely fine.”

He also revealed that Khloé Kardashian sent him a sweet message afterward. She thanked him for the outfit and also mentioned the “local designer” remark in a friendly way. Manish said he understood it was not meant in a bad spirit, and the whole conversation became popular only because people reacted strongly on social media.

What surprised and touched Manish even more was how fans responded online. Many Indians found it funny and heartfelt, saying that Manish Malhotra is the opposite of “local” because he is one of the most famous designers in the country and has shaped Indian fashion for decades. Fans felt proud of him, and many joked that everyone knows his name because he is such a big part of Indian culture, especially for women who have followed his designs for years.

Some commented that the reaction itself became a sweet moment because it showed how much people love and admire Manish’s work. Over time, he has designed clothes for top Bollywood stars and even international celebrities, making his presence known far beyond India.

Manish said he found the public response “cute” and “heartwarming.” He explained that for him, the respect and love from people matter much more than how a phrase is interpreted. For a designer who has built a strong global identity, the support from fans only strengthened his pride in his journey.

This moment reminds many people of the value of staying grounded. Even after three decades of fame, Manish Malhotra continues to celebrate simplicity, culture, and his Mumbai identity. Whether called “local” or “global,” he remains one of India’s most respected fashion icons.