Manish Malhotra closes Dubai Fashion Week 2026 with couture-heavy ‘Inaya’ and Kriti Sanon as showstopper

Dubai Fashion Week came to a glamorous close on February 6, with Manish Malhotra returning to the runway for the second consecutive year as the event’s closing designer. This time, the finale carried added star power as actor Kriti Sanon walked the runway as his showstopper, bringing the week to a polished and celebratory end.

Malhotra’s latest collection, Inaya, wrapped up the fashion week with a showcase that leaned decisively into couture. Set against a soundtrack of classic Bollywood songs reimagined as modern remixes, the show struck a nostalgic yet contemporary note, perfectly suited to the designer’s signature aesthetic.

Speaking after the show, Malhotra described presenting in Dubai as a return to familiar ground. The city has long been intertwined with his professional journey. He opened his first mainstream fashion boutique in Dubai in 2004, after years of designing costumes for Hindi cinema, and today runs a flagship store in Dubai Mall. “It feels like we are back home,” he said, reflecting on his enduring connection to the region. That sense of comfort and familiarity translated seamlessly onto the runway, with subtle regional influences woven into the collection.

Inaya stood out for its richness and visual weight. This was not a collection designed to blend into the background. Instead, it celebrated texture, structure, and surface detail. Heavy embroidery, crystal work, sequins, and bead embellishments dominated the looks, creating garments that shimmered dramatically under the lights. Sarees appeared in classic drapes but were elevated through dense embroidery and luminous finishes, giving traditional silhouettes a couture sensibility.

Gowns followed a similarly opulent direction, structured, richly embellished, and clearly intended for grand settings such as red carpets and high-profile occasions. Lehengas featured layered detailing and ornate craftsmanship, reinforcing the collection’s focus on luxury and occasion wear.

Menswear played a strong and cohesive role within the lineup. Tailored suits, structured jackets, and bandhgalas appeared throughout the show, many accented with restrained embellishments that visually linked them to the women’s looks. Rather than feeling secondary, the menswear felt thoughtfully integrated into the overall narrative of Inaya.

The show reached its crescendo with Kriti Sanon’s closing walk. She appeared composed and confident, wearing a look that balanced tradition with modern styling. Dressed in a white blouse and skirt, the standout element was the delicate pearl detailing that flowed elegantly across the ensemble, lending softness and refinement to the final moment.

When asked about fashion predictions for 2026, Malhotra emphasized individuality over rigid trends. He spoke about women confidently mixing traditional jewelry with modern silhouettes and embracing personal style without strict rules, a philosophy he said lies at the heart of Inaya.

As the closing presentation of Dubai Fashion Week, Inaya delivered a fitting finale. The collection reinforced what Manish Malhotra is best known for: couture rooted in craftsmanship, shaped by experience, and designed with intention, a strong and memorable conclusion to the week.