Manish Malhotra Concludes Dubai Fashion Week with a Spectacular Finale

Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) Autumn-Winter 2025-26 witnessed a dazzling grand finale as celebrated Indian haute couture designer Manish Malhotra presented his first international runway showcase. This milestone event marked the debut of Malhotra’s highly anticipated "World Collection", closing the prestigious week in true opulent fashion.

The show was graced by the presence of internationally renowned models Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman, who opened and closed the runway, respectively. The presentation featured an exquisite fusion of cultural influences, including Indo-Western ensembles, glamorous gowns, and modest silhouettes inspired by Arab fashion such as kaftans and abayas. Malhotra’s signature aesthetic was evident through intricate handwoven brocades, shimmering sequins, bold metallic tones, and delicate pearls. Adding to the grandeur, pieces from his eponymous jewelry line adorned the models, further enhancing the collection’s regal appeal.

A Momentous Occasion for Dubai Fashion Week

The presence of A-list celebrities and fashion influencers elevated the evening’s glamour. Bollywood luminaries such as director Karan Johar, actress Malaika Arora, and actor Sanjay Dutt were among the star-studded audience, reinforcing Dubai’s growing prominence as a global fashion capital.

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), expressed her excitement over Malhotra’s debut, stating, “This edition represents yet another major milestone in DFW’s journey to cement Dubai’s status and contribution in the global fashion world. Manish Malhotra’s showcase reflects the long-standing creative and economic synergies between the UAE and India, while celebrating the multiculturalism that defines Dubai Fashion Week.”

Manish Malhotra’s Perspective

For Malhotra, the experience was both personal and professional. “Dubai has always been like a second home to me. I’ve been coming here for almost 30 years, and it’s a city that fills me with a sense of happiness and expansion. That’s why I chose it as the location for my first international flagship store. Showcasing my "World Collection" here, at Dubai Fashion Week, is incredibly special.”

A Global Fashion Platform

DFW continues to set new benchmarks for the regional and international fashion industry. This season welcomed an even greater diversity of global designers, including Australian label Paolo Sebastian and Istanbul-based streetwear brand Les Benjamins, both making their DFW debuts. Established regional talents such as Michael Cinco, Dima Ayad, Lama Jouni, and Velvety Couture further underscored Dubai’s emergence as a powerhouse for design innovation.

The event also highlighted emerging talent, with students from the New York Institute of Fashion and the London School of Trends showcasing designs that reimagined traditional Indian craftsmanship for a global audience. The Buyers Programme ensured designers had a platform to connect with industry leaders and retailers from the U.S., U.K., Italy, Germany, and India.

The Future of Dubai Fashion Week

With the support of strategic partners such as Visa, Balmain Hair Couture, Kiko Milano, ME Dubai, and more, Dubai Fashion Week reaffirmed its position as a key player in the international fashion scene. The success of this edition sets the stage for future seasons, promising an ever-evolving blend of tradition, innovation, and global collaboration.

@dubaifashion week

@d3dubai

@arabfashioncouncil