Farhana Bodi is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, influencer and fashion icon, best known as a star of Netflix’s Dubai Bling. Born in India and raised in South Africa, she has called Dubai home since 2008. Her fashion journey began at 19 as a makeup artist and model, and she later founded I Woman of the World, a lifestyle platform that champions women’s empowerment and celebrates their achievements.
Television welcomed her early in a 2011 turn on MTV’s Paris Hilton’s Dubai BFF, and Dubai Bling brought her global fame in 2022. In 2020 she opened Atelier Zuhra’s show at London Fashion Week, and she has since walked the red carpet at Cannes. She is fluent in four languages, among them Hindi and Arabic, which makes her a natural fit at any glamorous international gathering.
Farhana Bodi Enjoys a Diwali Dinner Fit for a Maharani
Dubai hosts many festive gatherings, yet this dinner raised the bar for the season. Farhana joined the glittering guests at Trèsind Dubai for an evening that turned a festive meal into a royal occasion. The dress code said Indian Glam, and every guest honored it fully, so the gathering glittered from the first glass to the last dessert.
The evening celebrated the significance of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, and that radiant festive spirit gave the night a warm heart. Diwali celebrates joy and togetherness, and this gathering gave both a glamorous home. A DJ played Bollywood favorites that tempted guests toward the dance floor, and champagne-toned gowns on models added a glamorous flourish to the evening. A night of this size rewards great style, and Farhana delivered it from the first greeting to the final dance.
The Midnight Blue Manish Malhotra Gown
Now for the star of the evening. Manish Malhotra designed a jewel-encrusted, off-shoulder corset for Farhana, and its bodice shimmers in gold and silver tones and hints of green. Pearly beading covers the neckline, and beaded tassels swing from the sleeves at every gesture. The off-shoulder cut bares the collarbone and lets the tassels swing freely.
Below the corset, a voluminous skirt in midnight-blue velvet fans out toward the floor, glossy under the glow of the chandeliers. A beaded fringe at the waist ties the two halves together, so the gown reads as one grand statement from the neckline to the hem.
Midnight blue is a smart choice for Diwali. The dark shade glows against candlelight and gives that embroidery a velvet canvas to shine upon. Every bead catches the light, and the wide skirt gives the gown a ballroom swagger that suits a dinner of this grandeur.
A Sapphire Veil and a Diamond Necklace
The styling finished the gown beautifully. Farhana lifted a sheer sapphire veil high in both hands, and its edges, trimmed in crystal fringe, floated around her as a royal canopy of sapphire. The pose turned a dinner outfit into a scene from a palace court. Golden mirrors and a glass chandelier added their own gleam, and the sapphire shade made the corner a jewel box.
Her statement necklace from Roberto Coin, encrusted in diamonds, gleamed at her collarbone and echoed the glitter of the bodice. A sleek ponytail kept every eye on the neckline, and the striking silhouette made her look ready to attend a royal ball.
Roberto Coin jewels got a second showcase that evening, because models in champagne satin gowns displayed pieces from the collection for the guests. The diamonds and the crystals spoke one language of luxury, and Farhana wore every piece effortlessly.
Why Manish Malhotra Suits Farhana Bodi
Manish Malhotra is a name that Bollywood and brides alike hold dear. His signature craft includes heavy zardozi and mirror work alongside flowing silks and velvets. He has revived traditional textiles and given artisans a global platform, and his designs wear the pride of Indian craftsmanship. His brand is a luxury icon. A hand-finished Malhotra creation captures the spirit of Diwali beautifully.
Fashion lovers and film stars eagerly await his Diwali collection every year, and his own Diwali party in Mumbai ranks among the most anticipated celebrations of the festive season. Farhana has attended that Mumbai party, so a gown from his studio makes a fitting choice for her own celebration in Dubai.
She sums up her taste in a playful phrase: “Think bling couture.” She also believes a glamorous dress and top-tier accessories always leave an impression. This gown answers both ideas from the sweetheart neckline to the sweeping skirt, and it shows a designer and a client who love grand glamour.
A Feast and a Guest List to Match
Cascading white flowers and gold foliage dressed the venue, and towering glass candleholders lined an elegant dining table that looked straight out of a modern royal palace. Trèsind served a menu of Andhra Chilli Paneer, Avocado Pai tee, galouti kebab cannoli and paneer pinwheel tomato makhani. The decor and menu both pointed to a grand Diwali opening this season.
Fellow Dubai Bling personality Lojain wore a light peach chiffon sari paired alongside a glittering bustier, and she called the sari her favorite go-to outfit. She even mentioned plans to host a Diwali bash of her own. Pakistani singer Atif Aslam brought extra star power to the guest list, and the evening celebrated Dubai’s love for luxury.
Farhana Bodi lit up a Diwali dinner to remember, and her midnight-blue Manish Malhotra gown gave the evening its showstopper.
