Rimzim Dadu unveils INLAE, her latest couture collection, at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 in association with Nexxus New York, on 26 July 2026 at Taj Palace, New Delhi.

Named after the centuries-old art of inlay, INLAE draws inspiration from the precision of Mughal inlay work while reinterpreting its principles through an entirely contemporary material language.

Continuing her pioneering exploration of material innovation, INLAE examines the relationship between light, material and craftsmanship through the iridescence of mother-of-pearl, the precision of Mughal inlay work and the artistry of historic Indian jewellery. The collection extends Rimzim Dadu's ongoing pursuit of creating new textile languages that challenge conventional ideas of couture.

At the heart of the collection lies mother-of-pearl, a material long admired for its quiet luminosity and ever-changing play of light. Rather than using it as ornamentation, Rimzim reimagines it as an intrinsic element of couture, translating its organic beauty into garments that are simultaneously sculptural and fluid.

Drawing inspiration from centuries-old inlay traditions and traditional stone-setting techniques, INLAE interprets these craft practices through the language of contemporary fashion. Individually cut, buffed and hand-set pieces of mother-of-pearl are embedded into handcrafted textile structures developed using the label's signature steel wire textiles and metallic cords. Thousands of meticulously placed elements come together to create surfaces that possess the intricacy of fine jewellery while retaining the movement and fluidity of fabric.

INLAE introduces a new dialogue between the strength of steel and the delicacy of mother-of-pearl, expanding the expressive possibilities of both materials. Developed through months of research, experimentation and technical refinement, each garment reflects the brand's commitment to transforming unconventional materials into textiles that are sculptural, fluid and wearable.

Comprising approximately 45 looks, the collection reimagines Rimzim Dadu's signature structured saris, sculptural fringe skirts, cropped bandhgalas and tailored bombers through this newly developed material vocabulary. Each hero piece is the culmination of more than a month of collaborative handwork, with teams of artisans dedicated to a single garment. Central to the collection is an extensive period of research and material innovation, during which the atelier developed entirely new methods of translating mother-of-pearl onto textile. Delicately engineered into intricate grid structures, the material adapts to the fl uidity of the body while preserving its luminous, sculptural character, transforming a traditionally rigid surface into one that moves with remarkable ease.

"INLAE began with the idea of translating the quiet luminosity of mother-of-pearl into something that feels alive in movement. I was fascinated by the precision of Mughal inlay and the craftsmanship behind historic Indian jewellery, and wanted to reinterpret these traditions through the material language that defines our practice. Every piece in this collection is the result of extensive experimentation, bringing together steel, mother-of-pearl and handcrafted textile structures in ways we hadn't explored before. For me, couture is about constantly discovering new possibilities while remaining deeply connected to the craft traditions that inspire us," says designer Rimzim Dadu.

This season at FDCI India Couture Week, Emerald Jewels joins hands with Rimzim Dadu. “Collaborating with Rimzim at FDCI India Couture Week felt like a natural coming together because this collection looks at jewellery not just as an accessory but as part of the origin. Rimzim’s interpretation of inlay techniques and sculptural surfaces mirrors our own approach to transforming precious gemstones into heirlooms through precision, artistry and intention. While one works with metal and textiles and the other with rare stones, both disciplines are united by an uncompromising attention to detail and a shared desire to challenge convention. This collaboration celebrates the dialogue between couture and fi ne jewellery, where each elevates and inspires the other,” says Founder, Dhara Patel.

Anuj Anjaria, Founder of Studio Motionworks, collaborated with celebrated fashion designer Rimzim Dadu for her presentation at India Couture Week, creating a spectacular 80-foot-long kinetic installation that formed the visual centerpiece of the runway experience.

The collaboration emerged from a natural convergence of design philosophies, with both Anuj and Rimzim sharing a deep appreciation for movement, material innovation, precision, and contemporary craftsmanship. Their overlapping aesthetic and creative vision made the partnership an organic extension of their respective practices, seamlessly blending kinetic art with couture to create an immersive and dynamic environment where fashion and motion became one.