Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra has partnered with Italian luxury sneaker brand Golden Goose to create two limited-edition co-designed styles, making him the first Indian couturier to collaborate with the Venice-based label. Unveiled at Golden Goose’s Mumbai flagship store, the collection merges the brand’s signature distressed craftsmanship with Malhotra’s embroidery techniques developed over three decades in Indian cinema and bridal couture.
Golden Goose, founded in 2000 by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, built its reputation on hand-finished sneakers that retail between $400 and $800. Its collaborative strategy expands beyond fashion insiders to include designers from varied cultural backgrounds. Malhotra’s partnership follows this model, bringing Indian artisanal techniques into the brand’s production process.
Talking about the collaboration, Malhotra said, “For me, this collaboration was about exploring a new creative vocabulary while staying true to the craft and detail I love. The collaboration came about because I was excited about the idea of taking something I’ve done for decades, embroidery, detail, and storytelling, and place it on a completely new canvas. Couture has always been about emotion and craftsmanship for me, but it usually lives in special moments. A sneaker, however, is something you live in every day and I wanted it to feel easy, personal, and modern. I realized I wanted my craft to walk with people, be a part of their everyday life, not just be photographed or saved for a special night. It’s still rooted in heritage, but expressed in a contemporary way.”
Development of the sneakers took seven months from initial sketch to final production. Each pair features motifs drawn from Malhotra’s design vocabulary, executed through what he describes as a shared understanding between Italian artisans and Indian karigars.
While the women’s pair comes in a creamy white suede, embroidered with gold florals that are reminiscent of Malhotra’s signature designs, the men’s version is made in black suede, featuring the same motif in black for a subtler effect. Of course, the signature Golden Goose star is featured in gold.
Malhotra said, “Whether it’s Italian artisans or Indian karigars, there’s deep respect for detail, patience, and process. Both cultures value things made by hand, with time and intention. Both cultures understand that good craft can’t be rushed. That shared philosophy made the collaboration feel very honest and seamless.”
The designer further added “It’s always exciting to push boundaries and start global conversations, and for the first time I’ve stepped into the world of sneakers. I’ve always enjoyed styling sneakers in films with lehengas and sarees, so this collaboration felt special as it brought together Italian craftsmanship with the brand’s signature design language,”
Both limited edition styles are available at Golden Goose stores globally for two seasons only. Golden Goose operates over 200 stores worldwide and has maintained consistent expansion in Asian markets since opening its first Indian location. The brand is currently in discussions for a potential acquisition. Manish Malhotra, who has dressed Bollywood stars for almost three decades and maintains six stores across India and Dubai, brings a client base familiar with his aesthetic into Golden Goose’s retail ecosystem. His move into sneakers aligns with luxury streetwear’s documented growth, particularly in markets where traditional occasion wear has dominated designer output.
