ICW 2026: Sobhita Dhulipala Embodies Divine Feminine in Rahul Mishra’s ‘Devi’ As She Closes India Couture Week (Watch Video)
Sobhita Dhulipala brought Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 to a spectacular close on July 29, embodying a divine 'Devi' for Rahul Mishra's 'Devi: The Eternal Muse' collection. The actress's dramatic live transformation on the runway showcased intricate designs inspired by ancient Indian temple sculptures, bringing the acclaimed Paris Haute Couture Week collection to New Delhi.
New Delhi witnessed a breathtaking culmination of fashion and artistry as the Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 drew to a spectacular close on July 29, 2026. The grand finale featured celebrated designer Rahul Mishra, whose globally acclaimed 'Devi: The Eternal Muse' collection took centre stage, with actress Sobhita Dhulipala as the mesmerising showstopper. Dhulipala's dramatic live transformation on the runway blurred the lines between fashion, mythology, and performance art, delivering an unforgettable moment for Indian couture enthusiasts. ‘I’ll Let You Know When the Time Is Right’: Sobhita Dhulipala Pregnancy Rumours Resurface After Marriage to Naga Chaitanya; Nagarjuna Breaks Silence.
Sobhita Dhulipala Is a Literal Goddess in Rahul Mishra's Outfit
Sobhita Dhulipala's appearance was nothing short of divine, embodying the essence of Rahul Mishra's 'Devi' collection, which draws profound inspiration from centuries-old temple sculptures in South India, reimagining carved stone and goddess iconography through intricate embroidery and sculptural couture. The collection, first unveiled at Paris Haute Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026-27 earlier in July, found its true homecoming on the Indian runway.
Dhulipala initially graced the ramp in an ethereal ivory and champagne-toned ensemble. The first part of her look featured exquisitely embroidered pants and a fitted bodice adorned with delicate crystal beadwork, creating the illusion of flowing jewelry. This sculptural ensemble, with its mesh corset-style jumpsuit, incorporated intricate embroidery reminiscent of the architecture found in the Ajanta Caves, complete with layered necklace-like detailing across the bodice and a crystal-encrusted belt.
Sobhita Dhulipala Channels Her Inner Devi at ICW 2026
The true spectacle unfolded with a dramatic live shringar (adorning ceremony) on the runway. Models ceremonially gathered around Dhulipala, gradually transforming her initial silhouette. A voluminous, heavily embroidered lehenga skirt shimmering with floral motifs was artfully layered over the pants, adding majestic grandeur to her attire. Completing her goddess-like aura was a one-of-a-kind couture hair accessory, inspired by the magnolia flower, co-designed in collaboration with associate partner Nexxus New York. High jewellery pieces, co-designed with Tanishq Natural Diamonds, further enhanced select looks, drawing inspiration from classical Indian sculptures.
Mishra’s signature ektaarka embroidery technique was pivotal in giving the outfits the appearance of sculpted stone, turning thread into three-dimensional surfaces that mimicked carved drapery and sculpted depth. Reflecting on the experience, Sobhita Dhulipala shared, “There’s nothing quite like the rush of closing for India Couture Week. Stepping onto the runway in Rahul Mishra’s ‘Devi’ vision, with my hair sculpted by Nexxus New York, especially their beautifully crafted Magnolia accessory, it was alignment at many levels. When fashion and hair artistry blend like that, it does feel electric. It was a celebration of modern Indian couture, and a moment I’ll hold onto for a long time.” ‘One Year as Mrs’: Sobhita Dhulipala Pens Heartfelt Note on Wedding Anniversary With Naga Chaitanya; Shares Wedding-Themed Reel (Watch Video).
A Grand Finale for Hyundai India Couture Week 2026
The 19th edition of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in partnership with Hyundai Motor India Limited and Nexxus New York, showcased India's finest craftsmanship and contemporary luxury fashion. The week-long event, which ran from July 23 to July 29, 2026, commenced with an inaugural offsite showcase in Hyderabad at the Falaknuma Palace before moving to its traditional home at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi for the remainder of the shows. Rahul Mishra’s 'Devi: The Eternal Muse' collection, with its powerful narrative and exquisite artistry, provided a fitting and memorable conclusion to the prestigious fashion extravaganza.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 06:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).