Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Stuns in Manish Malhotra’s Androgynous Couture at Paris Fashion Week

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returned to the global runway this week, captivating audiences at Paris Fashion Week in a striking Manish Malhotra ensemble that fused Indian tradition with bold modernity. Walking for L’Oréal Paris’ “Liberté, Égalité, Sororité” show, part of the Spring-Summer 2026 Women’s Ready-to-Wear showcase, the actor embodied Malhotra’s vision of androgynous couture.

Her outfit reimagined the sherwani, traditionally a men’s garment, into a sculptural, body-skimming look. Crafted in deep indigo, the piece featured padded shoulders, a bandhgala collar with a split neckline, and a silhouette that balanced sharp tailoring with fluid movement. Slits at the front and sides added an architectural edge, while flared trousers softened the lines.

The detailing, as Malhotra revealed on Instagram, carried the designer’s signature opulence: ten-inch diamond-embroidered cuffs, layered diamond scallops resembling a cascading necklace, tassel drops, and brooches shaped like animals, each studded with diamonds. The ensemble’s fusion of jewellery-like embellishment with heritage tailoring underlined Malhotra’s reputation for marrying Indian craftsmanship with global couture sensibilities.

Rai Bachchan completed the look with understated styling — pointed heels, diamond studs, statement rings, and her signature side-parted hair flowing loose. A bold red lip and clean, defined eyes framed her face, creating a juxtaposition of softness and strength that amplified the androgynous spirit of the outfit.

For the 2.0 actor, who has long been regarded as one of India’s most recognisable faces on the international fashion circuit, the appearance marked another high point. Her collaboration with L’Oréal Paris has seen her walk at Paris Fashion Week several times, but this look in particular drew attention for how it challenged conventional ideas of glamour.

By stepping onto one of the world’s biggest fashion stages in a sherwani-inspired silhouette, Rai Bachchan not only spotlighted Indian design but also reinforced the idea of couture as boundary-breaking. For Malhotra, the show offered an opportunity to present his work beyond Bollywood and wedding couture.