Manish Malhotra Throws First Ever Couture Party at Hyundai ICW 2025

Manish Malhotra turned Day 4 of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 in association with Reliance brands, an initiative of FDCI, into his own glittering couture party, pulling off a true fashion moment by flying in Victoria’s Secret star Alessandra Ambrosio for her first-ever Indian runway. She owned the ramp in two head-turning looks, a silver sari that shimmered with every step and a pearl-dripped lehenga set with each finished with a jaw-dropping diamond necklace, matching earrings, rings and the nostalgic return of the haath phool.

Malhotra’s showcase doubled as a living archive, pulling his most iconic Bollywood costumes straight out of memory and onto the runway, from Kareena Kapoor’s Bole Chudiyan sharara and Priyanka Chopra’s Desi Girl sari to Natasha Poonawalla’s Met Gala look, Rekha’s dramatic Vogue Arabia cover ensemble, and Kajol’s green Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge outfit that still sparks instant nostalgia for every Bollywood romantic at heart.

Adding another layer of sparkle, the designer put select pieces from his jewellery line on display, including the 18K gold earrings once worn by Rekha and the bold choker that made global headlines when Rihanna wore it, reminding everyone that Malhotra’s world has always lived at the crossroads of cinema, couture and pop culture moments that stick around long after the runway lights fade.

"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. So we reimagined everything. 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," said Manish Malhotra.

Singer Jonita Gandhi brought a live soundtrack to this celebration, her voice floating through the hall as models stepped out in intricately embellished saris, sculptural crystal gowns, and menswear cut from deep velvet, finished with zari work, metallic embroidery and that unmistakable regal drama that defines Malhotra’s menswear.

Presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, held in association with Reliance Brands Ltd, will run through July 30 2025. The week will see some of India’s biggest Indian couturiers take the stage, including JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, Shantanu & Nikhil, Jayanti Reddy, Rohit Bal, Aisha Rao, Rimzin Dadu and more.