From Ayushmann’s embroidered black jacket to Sara’s sculpted corset and flowing skirt, the two stars made a striking case for modern Indian glamour at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026.
At Lakmé Fashion Week 2026, Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan delivered both. The two actors took centre stage as showstoppers for Manish Malhotra’s Luxury Prêt 2026 showcase on October 17 at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. Luxury Prêt 2026 wasn’t simply about dressing up. Speaking about the collection, the designer said, “Luxury Prêt 2026 is about exploring a new expression of glamour, one that feels effortless, contemporary and deeply personal. And that’s where Luxury Prêt 2026 found its appeal.
Some runway moments are all about the clothes. Others are about the people wearing them. The show marked the designer’s return to the runway after nearly three and a half years. And he certainly didn’t return quietly. Black took on a whole new personality as Ayushmann and Sara stepped out in looks that leaned into the collection’s love for rich textures, intricate embellishments and striking silhouettes. One kept things sharp and tailored; the other brought a dose of dramatic, red-carpet-worthy glamour. Different moods, one unmistakable design language. Ayushmann Khurrana knows how to make a statement without doing too much. His look for the evening was proof. The actor wore an all-black ensemble featuring a classic shirt, tailored trousers and a statement jacket covered in silver-toned floral and ornamental embroidery. The detailing spread across the shoulders, lapels and sleeves, giving the otherwise dark outfit a striking finish. The beauty of the look lay in the balance. The tailoring kept things clean, while the elaborate embroidery did all the talking. Paired with sleek black shoes, the ensemble felt polished without looking predictable. And that’s what made it work. Men’s occasionwear doesn’t always need a bright colour or an exaggerated silhouette to stand out. Sometimes, a beautifully cut jacket with the right amount of detail is more than enough. Ayushmann’s runway appearance also reflected one of the collection’s key ideas: menswear that moves beyond the usual rules of formal dressing, bringing craftsmanship and personality into the picture. If Ayushmann’s look was about sharp lines and considered detailing, Sara Ali Khan’s outfit was all about shape, movement and drama. The actor walked the runway in a black, strapless ensemble built around a sculpted corset-style bodice. An asymmetrical neckline gave the top a distinctive shape, while intricate floral embellishments in metallic and multicoloured tones added depth against the dark base. Then came the skirt. Flowing and fluid, it softened the structured bodice, creating a contrast that made the outfit particularly striking. A sheer drape added another layer of movement, bringing a theatrical quality to the look without taking attention away from the craftsmanship. Sara kept her hair sleek and centre-parted, allowing the outfit to remain the focus. It was a smart styling choice, especially with so much detail already at play. The overall effect was bold but not overworked. The corset brought structure, the skirt added ease, and the embellishments caught the light with every movement. It was the sort of ensemble that felt perfectly at home on a runway but could just as easily inspire a dramatic eveningwear look. The collection brought together elongated silhouettes, cropped jackets, relaxed tailoring, fluid skirts, sweeping layers and distinctive drapes. Some looks played with structure; others relied on movement. Across the runway, the interplay between the two gave the clothes a sense of ease without losing their luxurious finish. The colour story added to the mood. Luminous gold, burnished silver and reflective surfaces brought plenty of shine, while detailed embellishments and careful construction gave the pieces their depth. Rather than sticking to conventional occasionwear, Malhotra explored clothes that could feel expressive and individual. The idea was to retain the richness associated with his design house while making the silhouettes feel relevant to a more contemporary wardrobe. One of the biggest developments at the showcase was the introduction of Manish Malhotra Menswear Luxe Prêt. The new offering brings the designer’s signature aesthetic into a more contemporary masculine wardrobe, with refined shirts, relaxed tailoring, modern separates and layered silhouettes. Indian influences sit alongside a more cosmopolitan approach, creating room for men to experiment with formalwear without being tied to traditional occasion dressing. Ayushmann’s embroidered jacket offered a glimpse of that direction, where classic tailoring meets more expressive detailing. The shift also reflects a broader change in how men approach dressing for weddings, celebrations and evening events. The suit remains a staple, of course, but there’s growing room for statement jackets, unusual textures and pieces that feel more personal. With Luxe Prêt, the focus is on making that sense of individuality part of the wardrobe itself. Clothes may have commanded the runway, but the styling extended beyond the garments. Manish Malhotra Fine Jewellery and Accessories added another dimension to the showcase, with statement pieces and sculptural accents complementing the silhouettes. Worn alone or layered together, the accessories offered different ways to approach the same outfit, from understated elegance to full-on occasion glamour. It’s a natural extension of the collection’s central idea: personal style doesn’t have to follow a fixed formula. A striking jacket, a sculptural piece of jewellery or an unexpected drape can change the entire mood of a look. It brought together the elaborate craftsmanship the designer is known for with silhouettes that leave more room for individual expression. For Manish Malhotra, the Lakmé Fashion Week showcase was both a return and a new chapter. His familiar love for embellishment and occasionwear remained firmly in place, but the collection also made room for relaxed tailoring, contemporary menswear and a more fluid approach to dressing up. Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan captured those two sides of the story in their own ways. His look was rooted in precision and texture; hers played with sculptural shape and movement. Neither needed an elaborate colour palette to make an impact. Black did the job, with craftsmanship carrying the rest. And perhaps that’s the most interesting takeaway from the show. Glamour doesn’t always have to mean more sparkle, more volume or more drama. Sometimes, it’s about getting the details right—and knowing exactly how to wear them.
It was about rethinking how glamour fits into the way people celebrate today. He also spoke about bringing the house’s craftsmanship into the way people dress and celebrate today, describing the collection as an evolution of its design approach.
