India Couture Week 2025: Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar And Shantnu & Nikhil Steal The Spotlight
ICW 2025 weekend shows brought global glamour, archival storytelling, bridal evolution, and radical menswear to New Delhi’s fashion runway
As India Couture Week 2025 entered its final stretch in New Delhi, the weekend showcases on Day 4 and Day 5 delivered fashion in its most theatrical and thoughtful version. With Tarun Tahiliani marking three decades in fashion, Manish Malhotra turning the runway into a couture party, Ritu Kumar weaving time through textiles, and Shantnu & Nikhil rewriting the codes of menswear—the ICW runway became a reflection of India’s fashion legacy and its future.
Tarun Tahiliani Celebrates 30 Years with a Regal ‘Quintessence’
Celebrating 30 years in fashion, Tarun Tahiliani unveiled his new couture collection Quintessence at the Oberoi Hotel, infusing tradition with his signature “India Modern” spirit. The runway came alive in a stately palette of ivories, golds, deep reds, and soft pastels. Highlights included intricately embroidered sherwanis, sharply tailored black jackets, blush-toned sarees with 3D florals, and lehengas paired with long embellished jackets. Each ensemble balanced opulence with fluidity, paying homage to Indian bridal wear while embracing global structure.
The show’s emotional finale was underscored by the iconic 1995 pop anthem Made in India by Alisha Chinai, echoing Tahiliani’s own journey from Wharton graduate to India’s couture stalwart. “You have to develop your own voice. That’s where the fun is,” he shared after the show, adding that his creative process remains instinctive and ever-evolving.
Manish Malhotra Hosts a Couture Party with Alessandra Ambrosio as Muse
Making a grand return to ICW after five years, Manish Malhotra rewrote the rules of fashion presentation by hosting a couture party at the Taj Palace instead of a traditional runway show. The event featured glitzy decor, curated cocktails, and a glamorous guest list—but the main attraction was Malhotra’s fusion of iconic Bollywood fashion and new-age couture.
The evening opened with an archival exhibit featuring legendary looks—from Kajol’s green lehenga in DDLJ to Priyanka Chopra’s “Desi Girl” saree. But all eyes were on Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, who walked in two showstopping looks: a pearl-draped cocktail lehenga and a shimmering silver saree-inspired ensemble. Her presence added international dazzle to a night already brimming with nostalgia, luxury, and innovation. Singer Jonita Gandhi performed live, amplifying the energy of the fashion fête.
Bhumi Pednekar Plays Showstopper for Ritu Kumar’s ‘Threads of Time’ Showcase—And Ode to Indian Heritage
Day 5 saw veteran designer Ritu Kumar unveil Threads of Time, a collection that wove the past, present, and future into one seamless story. Known for her unparalleled legacy in Indian textile revival, Kumar reflected on fashion as an evolving instinct. “Fashion comes from instinct, understanding what clothing suits you,” she remarked.
Actor Bhumi Pednekar turned muse for the designer, donning a golden lehenga paired with a cape blouse—eschewing the dupatta for a contemporary twist. Her emerald and diamond jewellery added a regal flair. The collection moved from traditional bridal silhouettes to newer interpretations, demonstrating Kumar’s deft ability to adapt heritage design to modern-day elegance.
Shantnu & Nikhil’s ‘Metropolis’ Reimagines Menswear for the Modern Sovereign
Shantnu & Nikhil brought a futuristic masculinity to ICW 2025 with their collection Metropolis. A city-inspired narrative played out in silhouettes that drew from military archives and cinematic grandeur—featuring overcoat sherwanis, draped kurtas, cropped bandhgalas, and architectural layering.
Their palette transitioned from noir and pearl to sand gold and vintage pastels, creating a quietly powerful aesthetic. The show attracted Bollywood stars like Rajkummar Rao, Arjun Rampal, and Jim Sarbh, many of whom joined the designers for the final walk. According to the duo, Metropolis is “couture for the man who leads with presence, not noise”, redefining Indian menswear with radical restraint and sculpted elegance.
A Weekend of Fashion That Reflected Legacy, Boldness, and Evolution
With Tarun Tahiliani celebrating 30 years in fashion, Manish Malhotra creating an immersive couture spectacle, Ritu Kumar embracing generational change, and Shantnu & Nikhil reshaping the masculine silhouette, the weekend at India Couture Week 2025 was a study in contrasts and craftsmanship.
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From archival glamour to futuristic silhouettes, this fashion-packed weekend proved that Indian couture isn’t just alive—it’s thriving, evolving, and embracing global influence while staying rooted in tradition.