Last Updated:
Manish Malhotra’s brand completes 20 years, tells News18 what he is most thankful for and the inspiration behind his World Collection: Dubai.
Valery Kaufman and Adriana Lima turned muse for Manish Malhotra at Dubai Fashion Week 2025. (Images: Instagram)
Manish Malhotra had two exceptional winning moments in Dubai this year! One, he closed Dubai Fashion Week 2025 with his first ever showcase of the World Collection: Dubai and second, he got to celebrate the first year anniversary of his international flagship store which he opened in 2023.
This July, marks 20 years of the iconic Manish Malhotra label, and he is thankful for the love and trust people have shown in his vision. But that’s not it, it is also 35 years of Manish’s glorious journey as a costume designer in films.
2025 may have just begun and from the looks of it, Manish looks excited for everything that is yet to come. Manish Malhotra shares with News18 the reception his brand received in Dubai, having supermodels Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman turn muse for his Dubai Fashion Week showcase and what he is most thankful and grateful for…
2025 marks 20 years of the brand Manish Malhotra, what are you thankful and grateful for?
This July marks 20 years of my label, and around the same time, it is also 35 years of my journey as a costume designer in films. More than anything, I am thankful for the love and trust people have shown in my vision, from my incredible team to our loyal clients and the muses who bring my designs to life. I am grateful for the artisans who bring such dedication and skill to every creation and for the journey that has allowed me to push boundaries while staying rooted in tradition. Fashion is ever-evolving, but the essence of what we do, celebrating heritage with innovation, remains constant. As we step into this landmark year, I look back with gratitude and ahead with excitement for everything yet to come.
It’s been a glorious one year since you opened your store in Dubai, how has the reception been for you and the brand?
It’s been brilliant honestly! From opening our first international flagship store in Dubai to celebrating its first year anniversary it was such a significant milestone, and seeing how beautifully the brand has been embraced here has been truly heartwarming. Dubai has always been a city that appreciates craftsmanship, luxury, and timeless elegance, and the response from our clients has been phenomenal. Fashion is about evolution, and this past year in Dubai has been a testament to how beautifully cultures can merge while still celebrating their own unique identities.
Closing Dubai Fashion Week 2025, what made this showcase special?
Closing Dubai Fashion Week 2025 with the first ever showcase of the World Collection: Dubai, is what made it special for me. It reflects my journey, my passion, and the evolution of my craft. Dubai is like my second home, being home to my first international flagship store. Celebrating its first anniversary alongside this runway debut makes the moment even more meaningful. This collection is a tribute to Dubai’s elegance, a dialogue between cultures, and a reflection of my journey here.
Describe the collection designed for Dubai Fashion Week 2025 and what was the inspiration behind the runway showcase?
Indian craftsmanship is at the heart of everything I do, and with the World Collection: Dubai, I wanted to celebrate that with a contemporary expression. Dubai is a vibrant mix of cultures, where tradition and modernity blend effortlessly. This collection reflects that harmony, celebrating the city’s grandeur with a global touch. We have worked with handwoven brocades that bring regal charm, alongside intricate embroidery reimagined in a fresh, modern way.
Our signature pearl embellishments and shimmering sequins add opulence while staying effortless. It is all about fluidity, movement, and the perfect balance of structure and flow, rich embellishments and clean lines, timeless glamour and a fresh outlook. Arab women have always been a driving force in luxury fashion with their appreciation for craftsmanship and couture, and I wanted to honour that.
You had Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman turn muse for your creations, what made them the perfect choice for the show?
For our showstoppers Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman, what do I even say? Adriana is an icon. Not just a supermodel, but a force. There’s this effortless glamour about her, this unshakable confidence. When she walks, it’s not just a moment; it’s magic. I knew she had to be the one. And Valery, she’s got that striking, almost otherworldly beauty. There’s something so effortless about the way she moves.
Describe the ensembles Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman adorned on the runway.
For the show, Adriana wore a breathtaking black corset gown, with every Swarovski crystal and pearl hand-sewn over 900 hours. The structure was inspired by Dubai’s bold, modern architecture, sharp lines, strong silhouettes, the kind of power dressing I love. And for jewellery she wore an Art Deco-inspired blue sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond necklace and earrings from our high jewellery collection. It was regal, bold, and just so her.
Valery wore a sheer gown, each Swarovski crystal placed by hand. We paired it with our signature brilliant-cut diamond haathphool and earrings from our high jewellery collection. The whole look was about understated opulence, and Valery just made it look effortless.
Music has always been an integral part of your showcases. How was the experience curating music for Dubai Fashion Week?
Music has always been an integral part of my creative expression, not just for my showcases but also personally. As someone who deeply connects with music, every sound in my shows and campaigns is carefully curated. Beyond selecting quintessential tracks, I also believe in discovering and supporting new artists, bringing their music to a larger audience through my brand.
For Dubai Fashion Week, I wanted to explore Middle Eastern instruments in a fresh way, blending them with unexpected elements. Whether it was incorporating Arab acid trap beats, showcasing lesser-known artists, or featuring celebrated names, the idea was to create a seamless fusion. Music had to do more than just complement the visuals; it needed to make people feel the collection. A fashion show is more than just watching clothes, it is about experiencing a world where sight, sound, and emotion come together.
