Manish Malhotra returned to the runway after three and a half years with his Luxury Prêt 2026 collection at Lakmé Fashion Week, presented by Maruti Suzuki NEXA in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The showcase took place at Taj Palace in New Delhi, with Sara Ali Khan and Ayushmann Khurrana walking as showstoppers for the celebrated designer.
The collection offered a contemporary interpretation of Indian luxury, bringing together traditional craftsmanship, modern silhouettes and intricate embellishments. Both showstoppers drew applause from the audience as they presented looks that reflected the collection’s emphasis on confident styling and sophisticated festive fashion.
Manish Malhotra Luxury Prêt 2026: A Modern Take on Festive Fashion
The Luxury Prêt 2026 collection explored a fresh approach to occasionwear, combining the richness of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. Sculpted shapes, metallic finishes and detailed embellishments formed the foundation of the showcase, presenting glamour in a modern and expressive way.
The runway featured elongated silhouettes, cropped jackets, fluid skirts, relaxed tailoring, sweeping layers and distinctive drapes. Each design explored the balance between structure and movement while maintaining the designer’s signature luxurious aesthetic.
Gold, burnished silver and reflective surfaces added a luminous quality to the collection. Intricate detailing and carefully constructed silhouettes further enhanced the designs, creating a wardrobe suited to modern celebrations.
Moving beyond conventional festive outfits, the collection presented occasionwear that allowed individuality and personal expression to take centre stage. The showcase also reflected a vision of Indian luxury that could appeal to a wider international audience.
Sara Ali Khan Stuns in a Black Embellished Corset and Skirt
Sara Ali Khan brought a striking presence to the runway in a black corset-style top paired with a flowing skirt. The sculpted bodice featured an asymmetrical neckline, creating a distinctive silhouette, while multicoloured floral patterns and embellishments stood out against the black base.
The matching skirt introduced fluidity to the look, balancing the structured corset with softer movement. A sheer drape added another layer of elegance and theatrical appeal without overshadowing the intricate craftsmanship of the outfit.
Sara’s beauty look complemented the ensemble. She opted for understated makeup featuring nude lips, softly defined cheeks and sharp winged eyeliner. Her sleek, centre-parted hairstyle kept the overall appearance polished while allowing the outfit to remain the focal point.
The combination of the embellished corset, flowing skirt and sheer drape created a bold evening look. The styling brought together dramatic detailing and understated beauty, making Sara’s appearance one of the highlights of the showcase.
Ayushmann Khurrana Makes a Case for Embellished Menswear
Ayushmann Khurrana showcased the menswear collection in an all-black ensemble that combined classic tailoring with statement embellishments. His outfit featured a black shirt, tailored trousers and a distinctive jacket decorated with silver-toned metallic details and ornamental embroidery.
The intricate work extended across the shoulders, lapels and sleeves, adding texture and visual interest to the dark silhouette. The clean tailoring provided a sharp foundation, allowing the elaborate embroidery to stand out without making the overall look appear excessive.
Paired with sleek black shoes, the ensemble maintained a refined and sophisticated finish. Ayushmann’s look demonstrated how traditional ornamental detailing can be incorporated into contemporary menswear while retaining a polished appearance.
Manish Malhotra’s Luxury Prêt 2026 Sets the Tone for Celebration Dressing
With Sara Ali Khan and Ayushmann Khurrana leading the showcase, Manish Malhotra’s Luxury Prêt 2026 collection presented a cohesive vision of modern festive dressing for both women and men.
The designs highlighted the impact of thoughtful embellishments, metallic accents and carefully structured black silhouettes. From Sara’s dramatic corset-and-skirt combination to Ayushmann’s embroidered jacket, the collection showcased different ways to incorporate luxurious details into occasionwear.
The presentation brought together the designer’s signature opulence and contemporary styling, offering a fresh perspective on festive and evening fashion at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026.