DUBAI – Celebrated designer Manish Malhotra brought Dubai Fashion Week 2026 to a magnificent close with his showcase ‘Inaya: The India Story,’ solidifying his status as a bridge between traditional Indian craftsmanship and contemporary global luxury. The grand finale, held on February 8, featured Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon as the showstopper, embodying the collection’s fusion of heritage and modernity.
Malhotra’s presentation demonstrated a design philosophy that transcends generational and geographical boundaries. While deeply anchored in India’s rich artisanal traditions, the collection was curated for a global audience, reflecting an aesthetic that has long attracted international icons from Jennifer Lopez to Kim Kardashian, alongside Bollywood royalty.
The showcase highlighted Malhotra’s evolving creative vision through a diverse range of garments including intricately designed abayas, elegant gowns, structured blazers, and reinvented saris. The expansion into luxury accessories—featuring bags and belts—signaled the brand’s strategic growth into new market verticals.
In a post-show discussion, Malhotra elaborated on his selection criteria for showstoppers, emphasizing that contemporary influence surpasses mere stardom. ‘I am increasingly drawn to accomplished women who are rooted in tradition yet modern and classic—women who walk the ramp with confidence,’ he stated.
The designer also reflected on Dubai’s significant role in his brand’s international narrative, noting the city’s innate understanding of craftsmanship and opulence. This relationship was further cemented in 2023 with the inauguration of his flagship store in The Dubai Mall, creating a permanent dialogue between Indian haute couture and Middle Eastern luxury markets.
Malhotra’s closing act for Dubai Fashion Week continues his legacy of high-profile finales, following his 2025 showcase featuring supermodels Valery Kaufman and Adriana Lima, reaffirming his position on the global fashion stage.