Founder and Creative Director of Marushika, Manisha Verma, has her finger on the pulse when it comes to crafting pieces that combine style and culture.
In her latest collection, Sirikit, Manisha explores the intricacies of the age-old art of Madhubani, where precise tailoring meets precious detailing.
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What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
I start my day at 5am with yoga followed by an intense workout and this gets me ready for the day. I also make a point to include family time; a quick cup of home-brewed tea with my husband while getting our kids ready for school.
Talk us through your background. How did you find yourself entering the fashion space?
From a young age, I had a creative bent of mind, and this motivated my choice both personally and professionally over the years. I took extensive courses in art during my school years, which piqued my interest in design. While pursuing my Bachelor’s, I explored both fashion and textile which led me to doing my Masters in Apparel Production & Merchandising, thereby exploring the many facets of the fashion industry.
How did your life experiences in Japan, KSA, Kuwait and UAE help and inform you as a designer?
I find inspiration in nature and local cultures; this has essentially shaped my journey as a creative person. In Japan, I was deeply influenced by the beauty of cherry blossoms and muted tones, which now reflects in my colour palette. I have been in the region for almost 17 years now, and every country that I have lived in has helped me broaden my perspective. I am captivated by the grit of women juxtaposed with the elegance and beauty with which they carry themselves. My designs are for the woman of today who carries herself with strength, resilience and a slight vulnerability.
Manisha Verma, Founder and Creative Director of Marushkia
Artistry and craftsmanship are signatures of Marushika – how did you define this?
Every piece created at Marushika is a blend of meticulous craftsmanship and intricate embroidery, paired with precision tailoring. We have so far launched two collections, Idaya and Sirikit. With both these collections we believe that artistry lies in creating designs which celebrate femininity through beautiful details and timeless elegance.
How would you describe the Marushika woman?
The Marushika woman embodies confidence, strength, and purpose. She’s multi-faceted, just like the colours in our collections – from bold jewel tones like emerald and gold to softer hues like lavender and beige, reflecting both strength and tenderness.
The Sirikit collection uses an age-old art of Madhubani. What inspired this and can you expand more on the techniques used?
I was exposed to Madhubani art as a kid, and it left a lasting impression on my mind. When I conceptualised Marushika, I knew I had to use this art-form, but the idea was to modernise it to suit the region and various nationalities that live here. Today, I work with a team of local artists from Madhubani and I have reinterpreted this traditional art form in a contemporary way, integrating its intricate patterns into modern cuts and silhouettes, offering a luxurious yet wearable collection that honours both tradition and innovation.
Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what knowledge did they impart?
My biggest mentor has always been my mother. Her love for painting, garment construction, and knitting deeply influenced me. She nurtured my passion for art, pushing me in the right direction while encouraging my creativity.
What excites you about the fashion industry in the UAE and the Middle East region?
Diversity is what excites me the most. The region offers an incredible landscape for local and regional designers giving everyone space to grow and challenge themselves. The mix of modern trends and traditional influences creates a dynamic, evolving fashion scene which benefits both the customers and the designers.
What have been the hurdles you’ve encountered throughout your career and how did you overcome this?
I started my career back in India learning and exploring various parts of the fashion industry. Post marriage, I started moving countries a lot and that was a challenge initially until I settled for ten long years in KSA where I worked on my design and creative skills and studied a lot about the region. When I moved to Dubai during the pandemic and finally decided to start my own brand, it took me three long years from concept to execution as the market was evolving and I had to find the perfect moment to launch Marushika.
What have been the defining moments in your career?
One of the most defining moments for me was winning honors at my Bachelor’s showcase for my final collection, which was inspired by Madhubani art. Being recognised for staying true to my cultural roots, while standing out in the entire textile department, was an incredible achievement. The second most defining moment came during my Masters, where I sat and constructed individual garments which enhanced my knowledge and skill set. Today, I can proudly say that I can go from concept to a finished piece all by myself.
This is The Precious Issue – to you, which is the most precious piece you’ve created to date?
Each piece holds a special place in my heart, but two stand out: the Solitude Dress from the Idaya Collection and the Blue Jumpsuit from the Sirikit Collection. Both pieces reflect the essence of what I strive for – timeless beauty and cultural storytelling.
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Images: Supplied
