Written by Dubai Weekly Editorial Team
For the second consecutive season, Manish Malhotra closed Dubai Fashion Week’s Autumn-Winter calendar — a moment that reflects not only the designer’s enduring appeal, but also the deep-rooted connection between Indian couture and the UAE’s multicultural luxury landscape.
In a country where approximately 35 percent of the population is of Indian origin, Malhotra’s commanding presence at Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) underscores the growing commercial and cultural influence of South Asian fashion in the region. Yet his appeal extends beyond diaspora loyalty. The packed venue, notably larger than other international showcases on the schedule, signaled a broader appetite for Indian craftsmanship in a global luxury hub.
A Strategic Encore on an International Stage
Malhotra’s previous DFW appearance marked his international runway debut and celebrated 35 years in fashion. That milestone show drew global attention, featuring international supermodel Adriana Lima and a celebrity front row that included Karan Johar and other prominent figures.
This season, the emphasis shifted from debut to consolidation. The collection demonstrated how seamlessly Indian couture aesthetics translate into Dubai’s luxury environment. Sherwani-inspired jackets were reimagined with contemporary tailoring, while chikankari-embroidered abayas bridged traditional Indian craft with Gulf silhouettes.
The palette — dominated by black, ivory and midnight green — reflected restrained opulence. Structured velvet jackets, pearl-encrusted capes and intricately beaded ensembles were designed to transition effortlessly from a destination wedding in Udaipur to a red carpet event in Dubai.
Menswear Takes Center Stage
A standout feature of the showcase was the strong menswear offering. Twenty menswear looks were presented, accompanied by clutches and Gladstone-style bags crafted by Indian artisans using globally sourced materials.
The pieces demonstrated versatility: textured black sherwani-style jackets, embroidered blazers with tiger motifs, and subtle embellishments that balanced heritage with contemporary refinement. In a city where luxury menswear continues to evolve, the collection resonated with clients seeking statement tailoring grounded in craftsmanship.
Why Dubai Matters to Indian Designers
Dubai’s position as a global crossroads makes it a strategic market for Indian couturiers. The city’s clientele is diverse — spanning private buyers, international media, global tastemakers and high-net-worth residents who understand bespoke luxury.
Malhotra has noted that while his craftsmanship remains rooted in India, his silhouettes often adapt to reflect regional confidence and sophistication. In Dubai, that translates into fluid drapes, sculpted tailoring, rich textures and heightened embellishment — elements that align naturally with the emirate’s appetite for statement dressing.
The synergy was evident off the runway as well. Guests arrived in sarees paired with maangtikas, structured gowns layered with heritage jewelry, sherwani-inspired jackets and embellished capes — a visual dialogue between Indian maximalism and Dubai’s polished glamour.
A Shared Language of Craft and Emotion
Designers across the DFW schedule echoed similar sentiments about the city’s resonance with Indian fashion. Dubai’s audience not only shops for occasion wear but engages deeply with craftsmanship, embroidery techniques and the narrative behind each garment.
This appreciation for detail strengthens the commercial case for Indian couture in the region. Conversations extend beyond aesthetics to heritage — a dynamic that fosters long-term client relationships rather than seasonal transactions.
Beyond the Runway: Building a Permanent Presence
In December 2023, Malhotra opened a 5,000-square-foot flagship boutique at Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, marking the first standalone venture of its scale by an Indian designer in the city. Designed by Gauri Khan, the space signaled a long-term commitment to the market.
Two consecutive Dubai Fashion Week finales later, the strategy appears less about market entry and more about emotional reinforcement. The runway serves not only as a showcase of seasonal collections but as a reaffirmation of a relationship already established with the region’s clientele.
Strengthening a Cultural and Commercial Bridge
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global fashion capital bridging East and West, Malhotra’s recurring finale slot carries symbolic weight. It reflects how Indian luxury fashion in Dubai has moved from niche appeal to mainstream influence.
Closing the week once again, Manish Malhotra did more than present a collection. He reinforced a cultural and commercial bridge between India and the UAE — one stitched together by craftsmanship, spectacle and a shared understanding of luxury.
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