Chevalier de la légion d’Honneur For Manish Arora
His Excellency, The Ambassador of France, Francois Richier, conferred the Chevalier de la légion d’Honneur on veteran fashion designer Manish Arora. The award is a recognition by the Country for Manish’s renowned and critically acclaimed work and contribution to the world of fashion.
The Chevalier de la légion d’Honneur is France’s premier award to recognize eminent accomplishments of service to France. The award, being the highest distinction in France, is bestowed on both citizens of France as well as foreigners. In the past, eminent personalities such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachchan and JRD Tata have been honored with the prestigious award.
To celebrate the talented designer’s success, the French Ambassador hosted an evening of glamorous splendor over cocktails and delectable bites at the Residence of France. Commencing the investiture ceremony, close friend and the Fashion Features Director of Vogue, Bandana Tewari narrated a captivatingly beautiful written personal note on Manish’s journey from growing up in Malad, the suburban neighborhood of Bombay to becoming the most inspiring and distinguished designer in the world. Guests were seen enjoying a short video highlighting the different moments over the years of Manish’s career was played to honor the designer, followed by the medallion bestowed on Manish by the Ambassador of France. Some of the most celebrated and revered faces from the world of fashion, business, arts and the media including, Ambika Pillai, Subodh Gupta, Rajeev Sethi, Kalyani Chawla, Rahul Mishra, Priya Paul, Rajesh Pratap Singh amongst others were seen adoring and supporting the renowned designer’s work and accomplishments over the years.
Speaking on the occasion Manish Arora said, “I’m thrilled and honoured by the recognition I have received from the country that I love with all my heart. France has been an inspiration always. I now live between Paris and Delhi and for me France is literally my own country. I hope to keep getting inspired by France, the beauty and elegance of the French people.
Pinning the insignia on the celebrated designer, Ambassador François Richier said, “Manish has a long-standing connection with France, which is like a second home for him. He is a pioneer in bringing the fashion culture of both countries together with his exuberant imagination. I am delighted to confer this high honour on him.”
