MANISH MALHOTRA CLOSED DUBAI FASHION WEEK WITH AN ICONIC FINALE, MARKING THE FIRST-EVER RUNWAY SHOWCASE OF HIS WORLD COLLECTION: DUBAI
A grand finale that redefines luxury, bridging Indian craftsmanship with global fashion, followed by an exclusive celebration at One&Only One Za’abeel.
February 6, 2025 – Dubai, UAE – Manish Malhotra, Asia’s leading couturier and a pioneer in Indian fashion, presented the first-ever runway showcase of his World Collection: Dubai at the Grand Finale of
Dubai Fashion Week, making him the first Indian designer to headline the closing show.
The World Collection, first unveiled at the Manish Malhotra Flagship Store in Dubai Mall, marked a milestone as it celebrated the designer’s first anniversary in the region. As the first Indian couturier to establish a flagship presence in Dubai Mall’s prestigious Fashion Avenue, Manish Malhotra continued to redefine luxury fashion, seamlessly blending his signature opulence with a vision attuned to the Middle Eastern aesthetic.
A confluence of global influences and the UAE’s distinct sartorial sensibilities, The World Collection: Dubai embodied Malhotra’s timeless approach to glamour. The collection showcased a breathtaking selection
of floor-length gowns, impeccably structured tailoring, and intricate embellishments, with his signature pearls and sequins adding an unmistakable touch of regal sophistication. With this showcase, The World Collection: Dubai marked a strategic milestone in Manish Malhotra’s expansion within the Middle Eastern luxury market. As the region continued to be a global hub for high fashion, the collection underscored the brand’s commitment to catering to its discerning clientele.
“Dubai has always felt like a second home to me. Its luxury market is one of the most influential in the world, and the Arab woman is a true force in global fashion, setting trends, redefining elegance, and shaping the way luxury is perceived. Dubai is not just a city; it is a statement of style, grandeur, and vision. So, bringing the first-ever runway showcase of The World Collection: Dubai to the Grand Finale of Dubai Fashion Week felt like the most natural step. It had to be here,” said Malhotra. By seamlessly blending contemporary couture with the cultural and aesthetic sensibilities of the Middle East, this showcase further cemented Malhotra’s focus on the region, reinforcing his deep-rooted connection to its evolving fashion landscape.
“Innovation, honesty to one’s craft, and clarity in design are more crucial than ever in today’s fashion landscape,” said Malhotra. “While maximalism dominates global trends, it must be approached with
intention and authenticity. Our ethos has always been about glamour, making the garments resonate with our clientele and ensuring they see themselves in every creation.”
The collection showcased Malhotra’s signature elements, including intricate handwoven brocades, ethereal pearls, and the brand’s iconic sequins, alongside his high jewellery pieces featuring signature gemstones such as emeralds, diamonds, tanzanites, and rubies, each meticulously tailored to the refined tastes of the Middle East and global luxury markets. Each piece transitioned seamlessly from the runway to retail, with pieces available at the Manish Malhotra Flagship store in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue post-show. As a brand that had long championed the art of glamour, Malhotra continued to embrace his signature aesthetic, one that evolved from his early days in costume design to a global couture phenomenon.”Owning glamour unapologetically has always been at the heart of my journey. Long before the world embraced sequins as a fashion statement, we were defining it in India and beyond. This collection is a celebration of that legacy.”
Adding to the grandeur, supermodels Adriana Lima, a global style icon and one of the top five supermodels of all, and Valery Kaufman, a force on the world’s top runways, graced the runway as showstoppers. Dubai Fashion Week, held at Dubai Design District from February 1 to February 6, served as the ultimate platform for global fashion luminaries, and Manish Malhotra’s grand finale proved to be a defining moment of artistry and innovation on an international stage.
Following the spectacular showcase, the brand hosted an exclusive after-party at One&Only One Za’abeel, an exceptional one-off resort in the city by the ultra-luxury hospitality brand and the newest jewel in ultra-luxury hospitality. Operated by Kerzner International, One&Only One Za’abeel redefined urban opulence as a captivating city resort, offering exceptional dining, innovative wellness, and curated experiences at the heart of Dubai. The architectural marvel, intersected by The Link, the world’s longest cantilevered bridge, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration and glamour.
With this landmark showcase, Manish Malhotra continues to push the boundaries of fashion, honouring tradition while embracing global luxury. The World Collection: Dubai was not just a runway moment; it was a statement of timeless elegance, designed for a clientele that appreciates craftsmanship, sophistication, and the art of dressing.
About Manish Malhotra:
Manish Malhotra is Asia’s leading fashion designer, luxury couturier, costume stylist, entrepreneur, and revivalist. Since founding his eponymous brand in 2005, he has continuously redefined Indian couture, merging cultural heritage with contemporary elegance. Marking 20 years of his brand in 2025, Manish Malhotra’s legacy is one of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless glamour. He introduced the ‘showstopper’ concept to Indian runways and reimagined bridal couture with a modern twist, garnering a loyal following among royalty, film stars, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. From intricate bridal wear to
avant-garde haute couture, Manish Malhotra’s creations are synonymous with opulence, elegance, and innovation. Last year, Manish expanded his creative vision by launching his High Jewellery vertical, further establishing his influence beyond fashion. With flagship stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Dubai, and India’s first 360-degree virtual store, his brand is a beacon of innovation. His works have been showcased at prestigious venues like the Philadelphia Museum and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) where he paid tribute to Indian crafts. Recently, Manish Malhotra was the creative director for Anant and Radhika Ambani’s wedding that was termed the “wedding of the century”. Having styled costumes for over 800 films in a 35-year career, spanning four generations of actors, he has earned more than 50 awards. Manish Malhotra continues to bridge Indian artistry with global luxury, shaping the future of fashion with each creation.
https://manishmalhotra.in/
