Alessandra Ambrosio shines in Manish Malhotra’s INAYA at India’s first couture party
Couture night fuses fashion, music, and heritage at Taj Palace in Delhi
DUBAI: In a trailblazing move for the Indian fashion industry, designer Manish Malhotra hosted the country’s first-ever couture party, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi.
Eschewing the traditional runway format, the event unfolded as an immersive celebration of couture, music, and heritage.
The highlight of the evening was the launch of Malhotra’s newest collection, INAYA, unveiled in an environment pulsing with energy, sound, and style.
Guests were not confined to rows of seating, nor were they passive observers. Instead, the couture pieces came alive as models weaved through the crowd in an interactive showcase, bringing the designs directly to the attendees. As the music played and champagne flowed, attendees were treated to a curated journey through Malhotra’s legacy – from iconic Bollywood film costumes to internationally lauded pieces like those seen at the MET Gala.
Manish Malhotra High Jewellery
Alongside the debut of INAYA, the event featured a special presentation of archival masterpieces, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of the designer’s aesthetic. Among them were ensembles that have defined eras in Indian cinema, as well as garments that have graced global red carpets. The exhibition celebrated Malhotra’s signature blend of craftsmanship, cultural reverence, and contemporary sensibility.
Complementing the couture was a curated selection from the Manish Malhotra High Jewellery line. Regal brooches, heirloom jhumkas, haathphools, and sculptural earrings were displayed, each piece rooted in tradition yet styled with modern finesse. The jewellery not only amplified the couture but also stood on its own as a testament to fine Indian craftsmanship.
INAYA collection
The INAYA collection itself was born during quiet evenings at home, imagined by Malhotra as a new language for cocktail couture. It redefined after-dark dressing for the modern woman with swirling skirts that moved with hypnotic grace, sculpted tops, and crystal pallu saris that introduced a new trend in Indian eveningwear.
For men, the collection presented sharp, redefined silhouettes, including sculpted tuxedos, cropped bandhgalas, and tailored suits, offering a refined alternative to conventional formalwear. The entire collection was elevated with statement pieces from the High Jewellery line—cascading necklaces, collar pins, and standout earrings completing the looks with effortless glamour.
Alessandra Ambrosio in spotlight
At the centre of this fashion-forward evening stood Alessandra Ambrosio, the global fashion icon and former Victoria’s Secret Angel, who was introduced as the official muse of the collection. This marked her first collaboration with an Indian designer.
Ambrosio first took the stage in The Lady Crystal Diamond, a bespoke ensemble by Malhotra that fused Indian craftsmanship with global sophistication. Featuring intricate crystal embroidery and architectural draping, the look captured the evening’s mood—restrained yet dazzling.
Her second appearance, The Pearl Story, unveiled a new evolution in the designer’s pearl narrative, following iconic looks previously worn by Adriana Lima and Coco Jones. The look featured a sculpted crinoline skirt and a layered tulle corset drenched in cascading pearls and sequins, encapsulating Malhotra’s vision of sculptural femininity through an international lens.
Adding another layer to the sensory experience was a line-up of all-women performers—a first for Malhotra’s events. Singer Jonita Gandhi delivered soulful vocals, DJ Kayan offered signature beats, and Lush Lata experimented with soundscapes to keep the energy alive and infectious throughout the night.
Beyond the runway
In reimagining what a fashion showcase can be, Malhotra said, “After over five and a half years, coming back to India Couture Week felt incredibly special and I knew I didn’t want to return with just another show. It had to be personal. It had to be different.”
He added, “No formal runway, no front rows, just a couture celebration with music, legacy, food, flowers arranged just the way I like them at home, and an energy that felt like home. From showcasing cherished archival pieces and our High Jewellery collection to debuting INAYA in the most intimate, immersive way, this night was about you, and me, and all of us, celebrating the spirit of couture together.”
The night drew an elite crowd of celebrities, fashion insiders, and global influencers, all coming together for a bold redefinition of how couture is viewed — and experienced — in India. The celebration underscored Malhotra’s status not just as a designer but as a visionary shaping the narrative of Indian fashion on a global stage.
Legacy in motion
Manish Malhotra, who launched his eponymous label in 2005, has continuously blended heritage with innovation. He introduced the concept of the ‘showstopper’ to Indian fashion shows and has redefined bridal couture with contemporary flair. In 2023, he expanded his brand into High Jewellery, and today, with flagship stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Dubai — as well as India’s first 360-degree virtual store—his influence stretches far beyond the traditional fashion world.
Having styled over 620 films across four generations of Bollywood and earned more than 55 accolades, Malhotra remains a driving force in bridging Indian craftsmanship with global luxury.