He's probably the first name in the fashion fraternity that comes to mind when you say the word 'maverick'. But then, designer Manish Arora never pretended to be otherwise. And after having wowed the world with his circus themed collection last year, this year he's turning to the magic of the jungle as he readies for his show at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.

"My new collection explores the mystery of the jungle, creating an alternative universe altogether. What's more, I have dwelt heavily on the use of Swarovski crystallised elements in this line. Then again, I have been working with them for the last six years now so I cannot imagine a collection without them. After all, they really support my creative vision," he enthuses, adding that he will be showing the very same line at this season's Wills India Fashion Week (WIFW) to be held later this month in the capital.

Is he ready for the praise (and brickbats) that might just come his way? "Well, I continue to enjoy my work and do what I love doing," comes the matter-of-fact reply.

Ask him what else is keeping him busy, and Manish replies, "I am doing my own line of sunglasses and I recently did a limited edition collection of make-up. That apart, I have an ongoing collaboration for footwear and sportswear as well. And coming up is a limited edition range of watches for a prominent watch company. Lastly, I have collaborated with Disney once again for my new collection."

What's also interesting is that while he doesn't really believe in the concept of a muse nor does he look up to anybody in particular as a fashion icon. But he admits to have some favourites as his clients. "I recently dressed Katy Perry and M.I.A. and even though this sounds boastful, I thought they looked great in my designs," he ends, but not before saying that he thinks that the new jerseys for the Indian cricket team 'look good'.