Some designers revisit history, others reconstruct it. At Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, in association with Nexxus New York, an FDCI Initiative, Rimzim Dadu unveiled INLAE, a collection inspired by Mughal inlay artistry, where mother-of-pearl and centuries-old craftsmanship found a distinctly modern expression.
With INLAE, Rimzim continued to challenge conventional ideas through experimental textiles and jewellery-inspired ensembles, which refined her vision of modern Indian occasionwear.
Rather than borrowing the visual language of Mughal inlay as a pattern, she translated it into the very fabric of the garments. Mother-of-pearl became the defining element of the collection, appearing across corsets, fluid drapes and sharply tailored silhouettes. Metallic textures ran throughout each ensemble, highlighting the collection’s intricate craftsmanship.
Material innovation has long defined Rimzim Dadu’s design philosophy, and INLAE reflected that through sculptural tailoring and refined craftsmanship. Sculptural skirts, tailored trousers, and structured corsets came together through intricate detailing, blurring the line between garment and jewellery.
A restrained palette of champagne, gold, silver and deep black allowed texture and craftsmanship to take centre stage. Rather than relying on colour, the collection found its strength in sculpted silhouettes, layered surfaces and metallic finishes that shifted beautifully with movement.
Instead of revisiting heritage through nostalgia, Rimzim Dadu reinterpreted traditional techniques through contemporary materials and sculptural forms. The result was a collection that felt distinctly modern while remaining deeply rooted in artisanal tradition.
Image Courtesy – FDCI Instagram
