APULIA, ITALY — The 2026 edition of Queen of Queens, held in the breathtaking setting of Apulia during the Mediterranean Fashion Week, reached a pinnacle of cultural prestige, royal elegance, and artisanal innovation. At the heart of this extraordinary convergence stood H.R.H. Princess Manjari Mishra of Ayodhya, who graced the event both as Guest of Honour and President of the Jury, as well as the Official Designer on the runway.
The Royal Seal on Authentic Beauty
As President of the Jury for Queen of Queens, Princess Manjari Mishra brought her discerning eye and royal heritage to a competition that celebrates authentic, natural grace on a global stage. Her leadership at the judging panel culminated in the crowning of the 2026 winner, Flavia Ferrara, with the iconic masterpiece crown handcrafted by the luxury Italian jewelry house Conte di Borgonovo.
"Mishra of Ayodhya" on the Runway
Beyond her institutional role, Princess Manjari captivated the audience as the Official Designer of the Mediterranean Fashion Week 2026. Her eponymous collection, Mishra of Ayodhya, offered a mesmerizing dialogue between ancient Indian royal heritage and contemporary high-fashion silhouettes. Rich textures, regal drapery, and timeless craftsmanship transformed the Apulian runway into a tribute to eastern elegance and modern femininity.
Conte di Borgonovo’s "Spicy Metals": The Metal That Breathes
To elevate the Mishra of Ayodhya runway show into a true multi-sensory experience, every look was adorned with the exclusive Spicy Metals collection by Conte di Borgonovo.
Far more than traditional high jewelry, Spicy Metals represents a breakthrough in Italian metallurgical artistry. Crafted through a pioneering micro-porous casting technique, this extraordinary "breathing metal" is engineered to absorb fine fragrances and slowly release their scent throughout the day.
As the models walked the runway, the union of Princess Manjari’s regal garments and Conte di Borgonovo’s aromatic, living metals created an unforgettable harmony—where Indian heritage met Italian technological alchemy, leaving a literal and metaphorical trail of luxury in the air.
The Vision of President Georges El Badaoui
Reflecting on this landmark collaboration, Georges El Badaoui, President and Founder of Queen of Queens and Conte di Borgonovo, expressed his deep admiration for the Princess both as an artist and as a person:
"Welcoming H.R.H. Princess Manjari Mishra of Ayodhya has been an extraordinary privilege. Beyond her royal title, she is a woman of rare refinement, innate elegance, and profound cultural sensitivity—qualities that embody the true essence of Queen of Queens. Her 'Mishra of Ayodhya' collection is a masterpiece of sartorial poetry: every garment reflects the nobility of her soul and a timeless aesthetic vision. Seeing her creations merge on the runway with our 'Spicy Metals' jewelry was pure magic—a dialogue between two worlds united by the pursuit of absolute beauty."
A New Era of Luxury
The collaboration between Queen of Queens, H.R.H. Princess Manjari Mishra, and Conte di Borgonovo has set a new benchmark for international fashion events: a celebration where authentic beauty, royal tradition, and avant-garde sensory design become one
