New Delhi / Global Fashion Scene — Designer Manish Malhotra, a name synonymous with Bollywood glamour and bridal couture, is making headlines in 2025 with a series of bold moves: a ground-breaking couture party at India Couture Week, a dazzling World Collection debut in Dubai, and a memorable appearance on the Met Gala red carpet.
These developments highlight his expanding global footprint, artistic reinvention, and continued influence in both Indian and international fashion.
Reinventing Couture at ICW 2025
At Hyundai India Couture Week (ICW) 2025, Malhotra broke away from the traditional ramp format.
- He turned the fourth day into an exclusive couture party rather than a standard fashion show. www.ndtv.com+2India Today+2
- Guests were carefully hand-picked, and the ambiance combined high fashion with a celebratory soirée under the chandeliers of the Taj Palace, New Delhi. India Today+1
- The event featured an exhibition of archival pieces from his iconic Bollywood wardrobe — including outfits worn by Rekha, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, and Aishwarya Rai. India Today
This carefully curated mix of nostalgia and glamour underscores his legacy while signaling a new chapter in how couture is presented in India.
Star Power: Alessandra Ambrosio & Tamannaah Bhatia Shine
The couture party featured high-profile names in fashion and celebrity:
- Alessandra Ambrosio, the Brazilian supermodel, turned showstopper for Malhotra, walking the event in a silver saree and pearl-embellished lehenga. India TV News+1
- Tamannaah Bhatia attended in an off-shoulder golden gown from his INAYA collection, radiating elegance and modern flair. www.ndtv.com
Their participation added global and local glamour, demonstrating Malhotra’s ability to bridge these worlds seamlessly.
A Global Statement: World Collection at Dubai Fashion Week
In February 2025, Malhotra made his debut at Dubai Fashion Week with his “World Collection.”
- The finale featured supermodels Valery Kaufman and Adriana Lima, making it a grand statement in haute couture. A&E Magazine+1
- Designs blended Indo-Western aesthetics, including sequined power jackets, structured capes, and Arab-inspired abayas and kaftans. The National
- Malhotra noted the show was a symbol of his brand’s global expansion, especially significant given his flagship store in Dubai Mall. The National
The collection demonstrated how his craftsmanship transcends borders, embracing cultural diversity without losing his signature opulence.
Met Gala 2025: Malhotra Owns the Carpet
Manish Malhotra also made a bold personal appearance at Met Gala 2025:
- He donned an embroidered cape coat over silk shirt and tie, capturing both drama and sophistication. The Times of India
- A standout was his golden elephant-face brooch, a nod to Indian heritage, blending beautifully with the gala’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. The Times of India
- His look earned high praise on social media, with fans saying he “served” and looked regal on the blue carpet. The Times of India
This appearance reinforced his position not just as a designer but as a style icon in his own right.
Homage to Rekha: A Cinematic Tribute
Malhotra also took a nostalgic turn with a recent Instagram tribute:
- He recreated Rekha’s iconic silver tissue saree from her Umrao Jaan days. The Times of India
- The leans into traditional Indian cinema glamour, merging nostalgia with timeless design.
This moment reflects his deep roots in Bollywood fashion, where many of his signature creations were first popularized.
Strategic Vision: Why 2025 Is a Turning Point
Here’s why these moves matter:
- Innovation in Presentation: The couture party at ICW signals a new way to showcase fashion — less runway, more experience.
- Global Expansion: His World Collection emphasizes that Indian couture can compete on global platforms.
- Legacy & Reinvention: By revisiting Bollywood classics and making bold contemporary statements, he’s redefining his brand for today’s audience.
- Brand Relevance: In an era when fashion is increasingly experiential, these initiatives help Malhotra remain relevant, aspirational, and modern.
The Future: What’s Next for Malhotra?
- Expect more global shows: With his success in Dubai, Malhotra may target other international fashion weeks.
- More immersive experiences: His ICW party model could become a recurring format.
- New bridal innovations: As one of India’s top bridal designers, he may introduce more cross-cultural designs for modern brides.
- Collaborations: Likely further cross-industry partnerships — given his style and influence.
50 People Also Ask (PAA) About Manish Malhotra
- Who is Manish Malhotra?
— An iconic Indian fashion designer known for Bollywood couture and bridal wear. - What is Manish Malhotra famous for?
— Elaborate embroidery, glamorous silhouettes, and film costume design. - What did Manish Malhotra do at Dubai Fashion Week 2025?
— He closed the event with his “World Collection,” featuring models like Adriana Lima. A&E Magazine - Which models walked for Manish Malhotra in Dubai 2025?
— Supermodels Valery Kaufman and Adriana Lima. The Hans India - Why is his Dubai show significant?
— It marked a major step in his global expansion and showcased a multicultural collection. The National - What is the “World Collection”?
— A couture line by Malhotra blending Indian and global fashion aesthetics. A&E Magazine - What did Manish Malhotra do at ICW 2025?
— He hosted a cocktail-themed couture party. www.ndtv.com+1 - Why is his ICW 2025 party called first-ever couture party?
— Because it merged show, nostalgia, and interactive guest experience. Hindustan Times - Who was the showstopper at his ICW party?
— Victoria’s Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. India TV News - What iconic outfits did he display at the ICW party?
— Rekha’s saree, Kajol’s lehenga, Priyanka’s saree, Kareena’s sharara. India Today - How is Manish Malhotra blending Bollywood heritage in 2025?
— By showcasing archival Bollywood couture in a new event format. - What did Alessandra Ambrosio wear for Malhotra at ICW?
— A silver saree and a pearl-embellished lehenga. India TV News - Did Malhotra include any global fashion elements?
— Yes, especially in his Dubai World Collection, with western tailoring and abaya influences. Gulf News - What theme did he explore at his Dubai show?
— Modern, global silhouettes; structured jackets, capes, pearls. The National - Has Malhotra ever walked a red carpet himself?
— Yes — he made a memorable appearance at Met Gala 2025. The Times of India - What did he wear to the Met Gala 2025?
— A richly embroidered cape coat with a golden elephant brooch. The Times of India - What’s special about his Met Gala look?
— It fused Indian craftsmanship with a black tailoring theme. The Times of India - Has he honored Bollywood legends in his recent shows?
— Yes — his ICW party featured outfits linked to Rekha, Kajol, Priyanka, and Kareena. India Today - Which Rekha look did he reinterpret recently?
— The silver tissue saree from Umrao Jaan. The Times of India - What does his resurgence in couture mean for his brand?
— It solidifies his legacy while modernizing his vision for a global market. - Is he focusing more on international fashion now?
— Yes — with his Dubai show and “World Collection,” global expansion is clear. - What makes his 2025 collection unique?
— A mix of archival retrospectives + modern, structured silhouettes. - Does he still use Indian craftsmanship in his global collections?
— Absolutely — embroidery, pearl work, and traditional drapes remain central. The National - Why invite a supermodel to his Indian couture show?
— To emphasize global appeal and elevate the spectacle. - Is his couture party a one-time event?
— It’s new and experimental, but may set a trend in how Indian haute couture is presented. - Who attended his ICW 2025 party?
— Bollywood stars, global models, fashion insiders. Hindustan Times - Does he plan more “party” fashion shows?
— While not confirmed, the success of his 2025 party suggests more could follow. - Has he won major awards in fashion?
— He’s consistently recognized among India’s top designers for bridal and couture fashion. - How does he balance Bollywood and couture?
— By drawing on his cinematic costume history while innovating in global fashion. - What materials dominate his 2025 collections?
— Sequins, pearls, silk, structured fabrics and metallics. The National - What kind of jackets did he showcase in Dubai?
— Power jackets with dramatic shoulders and pearl details. The National - Did he include modest fashion in Dubai?
— Yes — abaya-style and kaftan silhouettes appeared in the show. A&E Magazine - What do experts say about his global relevance now?
— Observers note he’s successfully rebranding as a global couturier with deep roots. - Is Malhotra targeting Middle Eastern markets?
— His Dubai Fashion Week show strongly indicates that strategy. - Did he reveal any new bridal line?
— No new bridal line was announced in the recent news; focus is on couture. - How did the fashion world receive his Dubai show?
— Very positively — praised for blending cultural aesthetics and craftsmanship. The Hans India - What legacy pieces did he revisit at ICW?
— Gowns and sarees worn by iconic Bollywood stars across decades. India Today - Is he still a favorite for celebrities?
— Yes — stars like Alessandra Ambrosio and Tamannaah Bhatia walked for him. - How did social media react to his Met Gala outfit?
— Fans applauded his regal style and craftsmanship. The Times of India - Does he mix traditional Indian fashion with global trends?
— Yes — his World Collection is a clear example of blending East and West. - What’s next after his 2025 shows?
— More international showcases, immersive couture formats, and potential new collections. - How does he preserve his Bollywood-inspired designs?
— By archiving and re-showcasing his iconic Bollywood couture pieces. India Today - Is Manish Malhotra considered a global designer now?
— Increasingly yes, given his participation in international fashion weeks and global cast. - Which famous Bollywood costumes did he showcase at ICW?
— Outfits from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and more. India Today - Does he do menswear too?
— Yes — his Dubai show included structured jackets, tuxedos, and bandhgalas. The National - How has his design philosophy evolved?
— From Bollywood glam to couture experimentation and global aesthetics. - Is he collaborating with other designers?
— No major collaborations announced recently, but global expansion may lead to new partnerships. - What does “World Collection Dubai 2025” mean for his brand?
— It’s a strategic step to position Malhotra as a global couture house. - Will his Dubai collection be sold globally?
— Details not fully disclosed, but global demand is likely. - How significant was his Met Gala 2025 appearance?
— Very — it reinforced his international relevance and fashion influence.
