Celebrated Indian haute-couture designer Manish Malhotra marked his first official presentation at an international fashion week last night, concluding a week of regional and global fashion inspiration at Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) Autumn-Winter 2025-26. Malhotra—an icon in India’s high fashion scene and a multi-award-winning costume designer—captivated a packed house with the first ever runway of his World Collection.
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 and Adriana Lima
Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group, says:
“This edition represents yet another major milestone in DFW’s journey to cement Dubai’s status and contribution in the global fashion world. Wewelcomed a more diverse cohort of international buyers and talented designers, including the remarkable Manish Malhotra. His collection further embedded multiculturality into DFW’s DNA and reflects the long-standing creative and economic synergies between the UAE and India. Our homegrown talents demonstrated the growing strength of the region’s native creative pool. Dubai Design District has been at the helm of critical insight and discussion on the evolving fashion landscape with its Fashion Futures event and the launch of a whitepaper. It has been a momentous weekreaffirming Dubai’s flourishing status as a global fashion capital.”
In attendance last night 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.
Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council
, said, “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.”
Talking about his Dubai Fashion Week debut, Manish Malhotra said: “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.”
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.
DFW is grateful for the support of its strategic partners Visa, Balmain Hair Couture, Spotify, Dyson, Kiko Milano, ME Dubai, Electra, Magnum, Fiji Water and Bisou.
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