Manish malhotra closes dubai fashion week autumn/winter 2026/27 with 'inaya: the india story, a poetic tribute to heritage reimagined

• With actress Kriti Sanon as the showstopper, the collection unfolded as an intimate meditation on Indian heritage, interpreted through a refined contemporary global lens 
• Showcase introduced newly launched Manish Malhotra Accessories, including sculptural evening bags and finely crafted belts, expanding the house’s design vocabulary

Dubai, UAE, 9 February 2026: Iconic Indian couturier Manish Malhotra brought Dubai Fashion Week’s (DFW) Autumn/Winter 2026/27 (AW26/27) edition to a resonant and deeply reminiscent close with ‘INAYA: The India Story’. With acclaimed actress Kriti Sanon as the showstopper, the showcase concluded the AW26/27 edition in a moment of emotional quietude, offering a vision of couture shaped by heritage, softened by romance and realised with contemporary grace. 

Conceived over months of dedicated atelier craftsmanship, the ‘INAYA: The India Story’ collection unfolded as an intimate meditation on Indian heritage, interpreted through a refined contemporary global lens.  It united the emotional richness of traditional textile practices with a modern design language shaped by fluidity, restraintand nuanced texture. 

Menswear and womenswear emerged in harmonious dialogue, each carrying equal narrative weight within the presentation. In ceremonial menswear, the sherwani evolved into a present-day emblem of quiet regality, articulated through lace layered constructions, tonal surface treatments and finely detailed embroideries that allowedstructure and craftsmanship to guide the silhouette. Malhotra’s signature sequins appeared with thoughtful restraint, introducing depth and movement that revealed themselves gently rather than through excess. 

Across womenswear, romance was expressed through sculpted sarees, liquid fall drapes and free-flowing silhouettes realised in weightless, responsive fabrics that moved with instinctive grace. Softly contoured bodices traced with pearls and crystal accents continued the house’s evolving pearl story, where hand-placed detailing created a quiet luminosity rooted in purity, emotion and timeless celebration. Together, the masculine and feminine expressions formed a unified language of ceremony, emotion and contemporary elegance. 

The collection was further enriched through the inclusion of Mijwan craftsmanship, delicate Kashmiri thread work and intricate lace techniques, forming a sensitive dialogue between Indian artisanal heritage and the poetic drapery traditions of the Arab world. The result was a body of work grounded in culture yet expansive in its global resonance, reflecting Malhotra’s enduring commitment to craft, community and cultural continuity. 

Completing the presentation was Manish Malhotra High Jewellery and Fine Jewellery, whose architectural finesse, rare gemstones and luminous detailing deepened the house’s evolving universe of couture and adornment. Designed to move seamlessly between ceremonial grandeur and intimate celebration, the jewellery extendedthe emotional language of ‘INAYA’, reinforcing a holistic vision of modern Indian luxury on the global stage. The showcase also introduced newly launched Manish Malhotra Accessories, including sculptural evening bags and finely crafted belts, expanding the house’s design vocabulary into objects of everyday opulence. 

As DFW AW26/27 drew to a close, Manish Malhotra’s ‘INAYA: The India Story’ stood as a powerful reflection of India’s living craft traditions presented at Dubai Design District on a truly global stage, reaffirming the designer’s role in shaping conversations between culture, couture and modern identity. 

DFW, the region’s definitive fashion fixture, brings together homegrown local talents and leading regional and international designers, industry leaders and global media.

The event, which was co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, reinforces Dubai’s position at the forefront of the global fashion calendar. The Autumn/Winter 26/27 edition has seen numerous local, regional and international debuts alongside DFW members, who continue to grow their presence on the global stage. 

DFW’s success is possible due to strategic partnerships with leading global brands, including SOUEAST as automotive partner, Dyson as the official hair technology partner, Kiko Milano as the official make-up partner and Delano Dubai as the official hospitality partner.  Meta is its main media partner. Electra and Magnum provide essential support as production and audio-visual partners, respectively. Additional support comes from Lucia Clinic for skincare services, Fiji Water as the hydration partner, The Lighthouse as food/lounge partner, and Etcetera for additional management services.