Rashmika Mandanna made a dramatic appearance at Vogue World 2026 in Milan, stepping out in a sculptural black couture gown by Anamika Khanna that took 350 hours to create.

The actor chose an off-the-runway creation from Khanna’s latest couture collection, ‘Moonlit Palace’, which was presented in Hyderabad earlier this year. The look brought together sheer lace, intricate embroidery, corsetry and metallic detailing, giving classic black eveningwear a distinctly dramatic edge.

Watch the video here -

A sculptural take on dark romanticism

The gown is built around a sharply structured, boned corset that defines Mandanna’s waist before opening into an elongated, asymmetric silhouette. Delicate black lace covers the dress, with embroidered appliqué and surface embellishments layered over sheer sections to create a subtle peekaboo effect.

The softness of the lace is offset by the structured construction of the bodice. Adding another dimension to the look is the exaggerated silver detailing around the waist, which gives the otherwise fluid gown an almost armour-like finish.

An asymmetric trailing hem adds movement to the silhouette, allowing the intricate textures and contrasting details to catch the light as Mandanna moves.

But beneath the dramatic finish lies an extraordinary amount of craftsmanship. The gown reportedly took 350 hours to complete at the Anamika Khanna atelier, with the time going into its lace embroidery, sculpted corsetry, hand-finished metal details and elaborate surface embellishment.

Swarovski jewels complete the look

 

Mandanna kept her accessories within the gown’s dark, monochromatic palette, adding flashes of crystal through Swarovski jewellery.

 

She wore the Una Angelic cocktail ring with an XXL cushion-cut crystal alongside the Vienna cocktail ring featuring mixed cuts. She also opted for Vienna ear cuffs, including wing-inspired designs that reference the Swarovski Swan.

The jewellery added sparkle without taking attention away from the intricate construction of the gown.

Gucci and Aquazzura finish the ensemble

The actor paired the couture creation with a Gucci bag and Aquazzura heels, keeping the accessories sleek and allowing the gown to remain the focal point.

Her beauty look followed the same sultry direction. Bronzed makeup complemented the black lace, while her long hair was styled in a voluminous blowout. The slightly undone finish of the hair added softness and movement to the otherwise highly structured ensemble.

Mandanna also shared her Milan mood on Instagram, captioning her photographs, “Your girl is going to work — day 1.”

Indian couture takes centre stage in Milan

Mandanna’s choice also placed Indian couture firmly in the spotlight at one of fashion’s major international events. Rather than opting for a conventional red-carpet gown, she wore a creation that foregrounded the techniques and craftsmanship of an Indian couture house.

 

From the sculpted corset and embroidered lace to the metallic waist detailing, the look brings together contrasting textures and silhouettes while retaining a distinctly contemporary character.

 

 

What initially appears to be a sleek black gown reveals considerably more on closer inspection. Every sheer panel, embroidered surface, structured section and hand-finished detail contributes to the final silhouette.

ALSO READ: Tom Cruise unveils ‘Digger’ in London; Kate Middleton and Prince William grace star-studded premiere

For Mandanna, the Vogue World appearance offered a striking Milan moment. For Anamika Khanna’s couture, it was another opportunity to put hours of detailed Indian craftsmanship in front of a global fashion audience.