Siddarth's Understated Opulence

Siddartha Tytler's ageless ode to fashion titled 'Ambrosia' gave birth to an exhalation of creativity displaying a variety of silhouettes, lengths and opulent chic. 'Ambrosia' offered an insight into the journey of extremes in a color range of orange, lavender, turquoise, copper, matt gold, powder blues and mint. The creations were presented in satins, georgettes, lamme, glass nylon and linen. Embroideries in contrasts and tone on tone added to the finesse of this luxurious collection. Silhouettes were trendy and modern bringing a good balance to the collection.

Embellishments and effects came through with flowing pleats, frills, padded corsages set off with crystals. Stitch detailing, appliqud floral, delicate silk rosettes and effective 'chatai' yokes combined to bring alive a subtle and oomph look. The color contrasts and proportionate lengths of the garments, the controlled metallic expression and the vibrant tones combined with shimmer bring forward the designer's skill to capture the drama of the night. Siddhartha has meticulously manifested detailing, silhouettes and embellishments to represent a statement of his design philosophy.

Ranna Gill Presents Mediterranean Beauty

A signature statement for her Spring/Summer '09 collection in an amalgamation of textures, colours, graphics and ornamentation infused with different silhouettes, lengths and shapes, is very typical of Ranna Gill.

The figure hugging fabrics gives a sensuous appeal to the feminine body.

Sexy swim wears are there to flaunt well toned bodies combined with oversized jewelled embellishments in ruby reds, sapphire blues and emerald greens. The collection flowed easily from elegant day collection to sensuous evening dresses in digital prints, balanced mosaic touches and sunburst placements of colours and panels. Contemporary digitized prints effortlessly imitate traditional Ikats translated into dresses, shifts and maxi dresses. Emphasis on necklines, shoulders, empire lines, halters combined with tapestry weaves juxtaposed with jerseys, velvets, crepes, knits and finely quilted and corded shapes are a result of Ranna's inspiration from the Mediterranean landscapes.

Elegance seems to be contrasted with muted colour palette of teal blue, mustard, off whites, cherry, grape and rose pink. The collection evokes a perfectionist approach with all key elements obvious in the innovative ornamentation on the garment.

The evening wears with not so over the top shimmer and geometric motifs are eclectic piece of art. However, the focus around the neck and back exhibits the finer nuances of designing.

The Grandest Finale Ever Was Manish Arora's Circus

Voluminous jackets and ruffled skirts in funky hues of bright pink, blue and green - all crafted by designer Manish Arora - featured at the truly grand finale of the Spring/Summer edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week on late Sunday night, a show that was an eclectic mix of style and showbiz. The entire main show area (MSA) was draped in red and a live band - Bollywood Brass from Britain - belted out Hindi film tunes from one of the two elevated platforms that had been erected on either side of the T-point of the runway from where the models entered the runway. A melange of animal statues was arrayed on the other platform.

So magnificent was the collection and so infectious the music that a clutch of international buyers stood up and enthusiastically applauded- and then danced with gay abandon on the ramp - as the show ended. Rarely, if ever, has such a grand finale been witnessed at the fashion week.

"He is the only one in the world who is unique. The colours he chooses are very bright. He is the best," gushed Japanese buyer Tomoko, who is a self-confessed die-hard Arora fan. "Fashion means fun and fashion means to be different. This is what Manish presented today," said Vittorio Radice, a buyer from upmarket Italian fashion outlet laRinascente. "His collection is not just meant for domestic buyers. This will be a big hit internationally," Radice added.