Manish Malhotra Closes Dubai Fashion Week with a Poetic Ode to Heritage

As the final moments of Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026/27 approached, Manish Malhotra offered the most befitting closing act. Titled ‘INAYA: The India Story’, the collection stitched together craftsmanship with a modern vision with Indian actress Kriti Sanon appearing as the showstopper.

Conceived over months of meticulous atelier work, ‘INAYA’ carried the emotional richness of age-old textile practices, softened by fluid silhouettes and nuanced textures that allowed craftsmanship to take centre stage. There was a sense of old world grace in the way each look moved, with precision, and to the beats of 80s and 90s Bollywood hit tracks.

Menswear and womenswear stood in harmony, each telling its own story. In the men’s looks, the sherwani was reinterpreted as a contemporary symbol of elegant regality. Lace layered constructions, tonal detailing and refined embroideries created depth without overwhelming the form. Malhotra’s signature sequins appeared with restraint, bringing in a gentle shimmer that revealed itself with movement.

Across womenswear, the mood shifted to one of romance and grace. Sculpted sarees, the most coveted liquid drapes and free-flowing silhouettes were crafted in responsive fabrics that followed the body with instinctive ease. Softly contoured bodices traced with pearls and crystals continued the house’s evolving pearl story, where hand-placed embellishment created a delicate luminosity rooted in purity and celebration. Together, the masculine and feminine expressions formed a unified language of ceremony and emotion.

What gave ‘INAYA’ its deeper resonance was its grounding in Indian artisanal heritage. The collection featured Mijwan craftsmanship, delicate Kashmiri thread work and intricate lace techniques, creating a thoughtful dialogue between Indian traditions and the poetic drapery sensibilities of the Arab world, which felt like a natural meeting point of cultures.

The showcase also marked an important expansion of the house’s universe. Alongside the couture, Manish Malhotra High Jewellery and Fine Jewellery appeared as an extension of the collection’s emotional language. Architectural forms, rare gemstones and luminous detailing moved seamlessly between moments of grandeur and intimacy. The presentation also introduced Manish Malhotra Accessories, including sculptural evening bags and finely crafted belts, adding a new dimension to the brand’s evolving design vocabulary.

Taking place on the global stage of Dubai Design District, the collection stood as a reminder that couture can hold nostalgia and culture, along with a sense of modern identity in a single gesture. And with that, Dubai Fashion Week drew to a close with ‘INAYA: The India Story’ leaving a lingering sense of anticipation for what comes next.