The Indian haute-couture designer, Manish Malhotra, represented his first international runway presentation, and first ever runway of his World Collection in Dubai Fashion Week, Autumn-Winter 2025-26. The star-studded evening captivated a packed-house.
Fluid draping and structured silhouettes combined with shimmering sequins, handwoven brocades, bold metallic tones and delicate pearls made for opulent pieces echoing Malhotra’s signature style. Pieces traversed diverse cultures, from Indo-Western pieces and glamorous gowns to modest, Arab inspired kaftans and abaya silhouettes. Malhotra’s eponymous jewellery line made an appearance, with models bearing bold brooches, statement necklaces and timeless accessories. The presentation – a blend of womenswear and menswear – opened with international model Valery Kaufman.
In attendance were leading influencers, media and Bollywood celebrities, including multi-award-winning film director Karan Johar, actress and model Malaika Arora, and renowned actor Sanjay Dutt, amongst others. DFW, co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, ran from 1 to 6 February. Alongside dynamic runway presentations at d3, it saw exclusive events and presentations across Dubai.
“This season marks a significant moment in Dubai Fashion Week’s evolution as a global fashion hub, highlighting the ongoing creative and cultural exchange between the UAE and India. This edition, we’ve seen an even greater diversity of international buyers and exceptionally talented designers, whose innovative collections have deepened the spirit of inclusivity and multiculturalism that defines DFW,” said Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council.
“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 also why I decided to open my first international flagship store here. Showcasing my first ever runway of my World Collection in a place so synonymous with cosmopolitan style feels incredibly special. Celebrating the first anniversary of my flagship store alongside the runway debut of the World Collection at Dubai Fashion Week make this moment even more meaningful.”
“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 also why I decided to open my first international flagship store here. Showcasing my first ever runway of my World Collection in a place so synonymous with cosmopolitan style feels incredibly special. Celebrating the first anniversary of my flagship store alongside the runway debut of the World Collection at Dubai Fashion Week make this moment even more meaningful.”-Manish Malhotra
A week of global fashion excellence
The week has seen packed runway shows exemplifying the innovation, cultural diversity and craftsmanship signature of DFW. Paolo Sebastian debuted as the first Australian brand on DFW’s runways, while Istanbul-based streetwear brand Les Benjamins joined as DFW’s inaugural Correspondent Designer.
Michael Cinco, Dima Ayad, BLSSD, Lama Jouni, MANEL and Velvety Couture demonstrated the calibre and growing confidence and profile of homegrown talent. DFW Member Victor Weinsanto joined the roster once again, unveiling ‘Cauchemar in the Kitchen’, while Etoila La Boutique and THAT Concept Store hosted multi-designer showcases bringing diverse talents, pieces and perspectives to share a spotlight.
New York Institute of Fashion and the London School of Trends presented 40 pieces by design students that reimagined traditional Indian craftsmanship for a global audience, underscoring DFW’s commitment to promoting emerging talent. The Buyers Programme enabled designers on and beyond the runway to present exclusive collections to international buyers, including representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and India.