Anamika Khanna unveiled her latest couture collection, Moonlit Palace, as the inaugural showcase of Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, held in association with Nexxus New York under the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Presented at the historic Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, the runway show celebrated Indian craftsmanship through an immersive blend of light, movement and storytelling.
Set against a softly illuminated backdrop reminiscent of a moonlit palace, the presentation opened with fluid silhouettes and delicately draped garments that reflected themes of heritage, ritual and timeless elegance. Jewellery was seamlessly integrated into the garments, becoming an intrinsic element of each design rather than an accessory.
The collection’s second chapter paid tribute to Barmer, drawing inspiration from the region’s rich textile heritage. Intricate mirrorwork, vibrant colours and gold foil accents were combined with hand-painted and embroidered textiles developed in collaboration with local women artisans, giving traditional craftsmanship a contemporary couture interpretation.
The final movement, inspired by Kalighat, embraced softer silhouettes and graceful proportions influenced by Kolkata’s artistic traditions. As the show progressed, embroidery, metallic detailing and textured fabrics interacted with shifting light, reinforcing the collection’s exploration of craftsmanship as a living, evolving art form.
Moonlit Palace explores clothing as a vessel for stories, preserving histories, identities and artisanal traditions while reimagining them for modern couture. The collection honours the women whose creativity and craftsmanship have sustained India’s cultural heritage across generations.
Commenting on the collaboration, Tarun Garg, MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., highlighted the brand’s commitment to celebrating innovation and design through its continued partnership with FDCI. He noted that the presentation reflected Hyundai’s vision of combining cutting-edge mobility with the artistry of Indian couture.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, described the Hyderabad showcase as a landmark moment, marking the first time Hyundai India Couture Week opened outside Delhi. He praised Anamika Khanna’s ability to honour traditional craftsmanship while continually redefining contemporary couture.
Speaking about the collection, Anamika Khanna said that opening the couture week was both an honour and an opportunity to celebrate India’s rich craft heritage while exploring new creative expressions. She also indicated that the house will continue collaborating with regional artisan communities in future collections.
