Sara Ali Khan goes sculpted, Ayushmann Khurrana goes embellished at Manish Malhotra’s LFW show

Black was anything but basic when Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan took over the runway at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026. One brought sharp tailoring and intricate embroidery to the fore, while the other turned heads in a sculpted corset and a flowing skirt. Together, the actors offered two distinct interpretations of modern occasionwear at Manish Malhotra’s Luxury Prêt 2026 showcase.

Held at New Delhi’s Taj Palace on October 17, the show marked Malhotra’s return to the runway after nearly three and a half years. The designer used the occasion to explore a more contemporary take on glamour, bringing together elaborate craftsmanship, fluid silhouettes and statement-making details.

For the evening, both showstoppers opted for black, allowing texture, construction and embellishment to take centre stage. The result was a lesson in how a single colour can create entirely different fashion statements.

Ayushmann Khurrana puts embroidered menswear in the spotlight

Ayushmann Khurrana made a strong case for moving beyond conventional formalwear. His all-black look featured a classic shirt, tailored trousers and an embroidered statement jacket that gave the understated ensemble its defining detail.

Silver-toned floral and ornamental motifs covered the jacket, extending across the shoulders, lapels and sleeves. Against the black base, the intricate work stood out without overwhelming the clean lines of the outfit. Sleek black footwear completed the look, keeping the focus firmly on the craftsmanship.

Rather than relying on an experimental silhouette or a bold colour, the ensemble made its impact through the interplay of tailoring and embellishment. It was formalwear with a distinctive personality, balancing the familiarity of classic menswear with the richness of couture-inspired detailing.

The look also offered a glimpse into Manish Malhotra’s approach to Menswear Luxe Prêt, where refined tailoring meets expressive design. For men dressing for weddings, evening celebrations and other formal occasions, statement jackets and carefully considered textures offer an alternative to the conventional suit.

Sara Ali Khan brings sculptural drama to the runway

Sara Ali Khan took a more dramatic route, stepping out in a strapless black ensemble that played with structure, movement and intricate surface detailing.

The outfit centred on a sculpted corset-style bodice, defined by an asymmetrical neckline. Metallic and multicoloured floral embellishments added dimension to the black base, catching the light and drawing attention to the garment’s detailed construction.

A flowing skirt created a striking contrast with the fitted bodice. While the upper half of the ensemble emphasised shape and structure, the skirt introduced fluidity, with a sheer drape adding another layer of movement to the silhouette.

Sara kept her hair sleek and centre-parted, letting the outfit command attention. With its combination of a sculptural bodice, sweeping layers and elaborate embellishments, the look leaned into evening glamour without relying on an elaborate colour palette.

The contrast between the structured top and the fluid skirt was key to the ensemble’s appeal. It brought together two distinct elements of occasionwear, creating a look that was both dramatic and considered.

Manish Malhotra’s Luxury Prêt 2026 looks beyond traditional occasionwear

At the heart of Luxury Prêt 2026 was an exploration of glamour that feels contemporary, personal and adaptable to modern wardrobes.

The collection featured elongated silhouettes, cropped jackets, relaxed tailoring, fluid skirts, sweeping layers and distinctive drapes. Some designs leaned on strong, structured forms, while others prioritised movement and softer lines. Together, they offered different interpretations of dressing up without losing the luxurious finish associated with the designer’s label.

The colour palette reinforced the collection’s emphasis on texture and detail. Luminous gold, burnished silver and reflective surfaces brought a sense of shine to the runway, while intricate embellishments and considered construction added depth to the garments.

“Luxury Prêt 2026 is about exploring a new expression of glamour, one that feels effortless, contemporary and deeply personal,” Malhotra said.

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The collection sought to bring the house’s signature craftsmanship into the way people dress and celebrate today, retaining its richness while exploring silhouettes that feel more in tune with contemporary style.

Menswear Luxe Prêt gets a contemporary update

A key development at the showcase was the introduction of Manish Malhotra Menswear Luxe Prêt, which extends the designer’s aesthetic into a more contemporary masculine wardrobe.

The offering brings together refined shirts, relaxed tailoring, modern separates and layered silhouettes. Indian design influences meet a cosmopolitan sensibility, creating possibilities beyond traditional occasionwear.

Ayushmann’s embroidered jacket reflected this approach, pairing familiar formalwear elements with intricate detailing that gave the outfit a more individual character.

The shift comes as occasion dressing increasingly allows room for experimentation. While traditional suits remain a staple, statement jackets, textured fabrics and distinctive embellishments offer men more ways to express personal style at weddings, celebrations and evening events.

With Menswear Luxe Prêt, the emphasis is on balancing the precision of tailoring with the freedom to experiment.

Fine jewellery and accessories add another layer

The runway presentation extended beyond clothing, with Manish Malhotra Fine Jewellery and Accessories complementing the collection’s silhouettes.

Statement pieces and sculptural accents added to the looks, demonstrating how accessories can alter the mood of an ensemble. Depending on the styling, a single striking piece or a more elaborate combination can take an outfit in an entirely different direction.

This approach echoed the collection’s wider emphasis on individuality. Rather than treating occasionwear as a fixed formula, the showcase explored how garments, jewellery and accessories can work together to create a more personal expression of glamour.

Two all-black looks, two different takes on glamour

Manish Malhotra’s return to the runway brought familiar signatures, including intricate embellishment and a focus on occasionwear, into conversation with contemporary tailoring and fluid silhouettes.

Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan captured these contrasting directions through their respective looks. His ensemble relied on precision, clean lines and ornate embroidery, while hers combined a sculpted bodice with a flowing skirt and dramatic draping.

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Both outfits demonstrated how black can serve as more than a safe choice for formal dressing. With the right construction, textures and details, it becomes a canvas for experimentation.

At Luxury Prêt 2026, the statement was less about adding more sparkle or volume and more about making every detail count.