Global luxury landscape migrates eastward as Manish Malhotra showcases new collection at DFW
10 February 2026, Mumbai
Punctuated by Manish Malhotra’s closing showcase at Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) on February 8, 2026, the global luxury landscape is witnessing a strategic eastward migration. As the Middle East luxury goods market is projected to grow at a 10.6 per cent CAGR, reaching $21.85 billion in 2026, Malhotra’s ‘Inaya: The India Story’ serves as a commercial bridge between Indian heritage and Arab aesthetic preferences. The collection integrated Mijwan chikankari and Kashmiri threadwork into fusion silhouettes, specifically designed to meet the rising demand for ‘Ramadan-friendly’ kaftans and sculptural gowns.
Diversifying the couture portfolio
Beyond the runway spectacle, the brand utilized the platform to debut Manish Malhotra Accessories, introducing sculptural evening bags and belts into its retail mix. This category expansion is essential for scaling beyond bespoke couture, targeting the ‘everyday opulence’ segment that contributes nearly 31 per cent of global luxury revenue. Backed by a 40 per cent stake from Reliance Brands, the house is transitioning from a costume-centric legacy to a corporatized lifestyle entity. Our presence at DFW is a commitment to Dubai as a creative crossroads, noted Malhotra, whose brand revenue is now estimated between Rs 500–Rs 700 crore.
The strategic ‘phygital’ push
The showcase featured immersive AI-driven narratives and highlighted the brand’s ‘phygital’ readiness, including a 360-degree virtual flagship. With 62 per cent of regional luxury spending driven by women, the brand's integration of high jewelry and new accessories aims to capture higher ‘wallet share’ per customer. As Indian designers move from diaspora-led retail to structured international footprints, this Dubai pivot positions Malhotra as a frontrunner in the race for global market salience, challenging European houses on their own turf.
The brand is a premier Indian couture house specializing in high-end bridal, menswear, and ‘fusion’ wear. Founded in 2005 by the eponymous designer, it employs 700+ artisans across ateliers in Delhi and Mumbai, blending cinematic glamour with traditional Indian crafts. With flagship stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, the brand is aggressively expanding into the UAE, UK, and the US. Following a strategic investment by Reliance Brands, the label is diversifying into jewelry, makeup, and premium accessories, aiming for a $100 million valuation through global retail integration.
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