Khushi Kapoor’s Manish Malhotra ensemble puts velvet to work in an embellished set

Velvet has become a recurring choice in eveningwear this season because of how it carries embellishment. Its dense surface absorbs surrounding light, allowing crystals, pearls and metal embroidery to sit heavier and appear more concentrated, even when used in limited areas. The fabric does much of the visual work on its own, making placement more effective than coverage.

Khushi Kapoor wears a black velvet ensemble from Manish Malhotra’s INAYA line, styled by Mohit Rai, that puts this material quality to work. The look is built from separate components, with each piece treated as an individual surface for embellishment rather than a continuous field.

The strapless corset top is edged with silver and pearl embroidery along the neckline and hem, concentrating the detailing high on the body. On the skirt, jewelled motifs appear across the surface. The spacing allows the fabric to remain visually present between points of embellishment.

Accessories are kept minimal, with diamond studs and a single ring. Hair is styled in a high bun, clearing the neckline and leaving the embroidery unobstructed. Makeup stays evening-appropriate, with an even base, softly contoured cheeks, dark liner at the eyes and a neutral lip.

From Vogue’s fashion desk

“Soften the high-glam drama by breaking up the heavy embellishment with something unexpectedly easy, like a sheer black organza dupatta worn loose and low on the arms. The silhouette is already doing a lot, so skip anything too ornate at the ears and instead go for tiny diamond or onyx studs. Hair could loosen slightly too, sleek at the crown but not shellacked, with a few strands breaking the perfection so it feels almost effortlessly undone. Finish with a barely-there sandal or even a slim leather flat,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.