Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal close Manish Malhotra's 15th Mijwan Fundraiser Show

Manish Malhotra’s Mijwan Fashion Show returned to Mumbai with a milestone edition, marking 15 years of the designer’s association with the Mijwan Welfare Society. The annual showcase continues to spotlight the intricate chikankari embroidery created by women artisans from Mijwan in Uttar Pradesh, translating the traditional craft into contemporary couture. Held at Taj Lands End this year, the evening brought together the worlds of couture, craftsmanship and Bollywood glamour, with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal taking centre stage as the showstoppers.

For the occasion, Vicky Kaushal stepped onto the runway in a striking blue ensemble that brought a sophisticated menswear interpretation to Mijwan’s signature craftsmanship. The rich blue palette lent the look a regal quality, while intricate embroidery added texture and dimension to the silhouette. Balancing traditional detailing with a polished, contemporary construction, the ensemble was distinctly Malhotra—ceremonial yet modern, and designed to make an impact under the runway lights.

Alia Bhatt, meanwhile, offered a study in understated glamour in an ethereal white ensemble. The pristine palette allowed the delicate handwork to take centre stage, with intricate chikankari detailing lending the look its signature Mijwan character. The combination of fluidity, fine embroidery and couture detailing created an almost dreamlike effect as she walked the runway, proving once again why ivory and white have become enduring signatures of Malhotra’s Mijwan aesthetic. Earlier Mijwan collections have similarly explored ivory, intricate embroidery, dreamy drapes and couture-level embellishment.

The evening also carried added cinematic significance, with Bhatt and Kaushal set to reunite on screen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, alongside Ranbir Kapoor. The highly anticipated film is currently slated for a January 21, 2027 release, bringing the trio together in Bhansali’s upcoming romantic drama.

Beyond the runway glamour, the Mijwan show remains rooted in a larger social mission. Founded by poet Kaifi Azmi and led by Shabana Azmi, the Mijwan Welfare Society works towards empowering rural women through education, skills and employment. Malhotra’s long-standing collaboration has helped take their chikankari from village embroidery centres to high-fashion runways, allowing artisans to find livelihood, independence and a larger platform for their craftsmanship.

The front row reflected the show’s enduring Bollywood connection, with veterans including Madhuri Dixit and Urmila Matondkar joined by a younger generation of stars and cultural figures including Khushi Kapoor, Ananya Birla and Pratibha Ranta. Their presence underscored the cross-generational appeal of Malhotra’s couture and the continuing relevance of Mijwan’s craft.

Over the years, the showcase has become synonymous with star-powered runway moments, having previously featured names including Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma. Yet at its heart, Mijwan remains a celebration of the women whose meticulous embroidery gives each couture creation its soul.